Street Smart

Crossing the tracks

Always cross train tracks using a footbridge or underpass, or at designated pedestrian railway crossings. Crossing anywhere else is illegal and extremely dangerous. Here’s some advice that could save your life:

• Stop, look, listen and think at level crossings.
• Obey the safety signs at every railway crossing and cross at marked crossings only.
• Stay on the path. Listen and look in both directions for approaching trains.
• If the red lights are flashing or the gate is closed, a train is coming so keep clear of the tracks.
• Never jump fences, gates or barriers. This is extremely dangerous and it is very likely the oncoming train is close to the crossing.
• If a train is coming, wait for it to pass and then stop, look and listen again before crossing as another train may be approaching.
• You might not hear a train, especially when using your earphones or mobile phone. Never assume a train is a long way off.
• Don’t ride bicycles, skateboards, skates or roller-blades across any pedestrian crossing.
• Never assume that it is safe to cross when the lights are still flashing. Even if a train has passed, there may be another train coming in the other direction. Only enter the crossing when the lights have stopped flashing or the gate has opened.

If you are on the railway tracks or railway outside of the designated pedestrian areas, you are trespassing. This includes crossing the tracks, standing beside the railway track or anywhere inside the fenced area by the side of the tracks.

It takes a lot to stop an eight-carriage train travelling at 100kmh. The braking distance for a train is approximately five football fields (500m) so if you’re caught on the tracks, you could lose more than a $5,500 penalty fine.

Report it – don’t ignore it

If you see any illegal train track crossing, report it to the police by calling 000. If you know of someone who regularly goes on the tracks, you can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source