A new study in New Zealand shows 47% of drivers fail to stop at rail crossings marked with Stop or Give Way signs, highlighting major risks to public safety. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A new study in New Zealand shows 47% of drivers fail to stop at rail crossings marked with Stop or Give Way signs, highlighting major risks to public safety
Image: Alistair/stock.adobe.com

Commissioned by KiwiRail and conducted by WSP, the research monitored over 3,600 drivers at level crossings across the country. The goal was to find cost-effective ways to improve compliance, especially near highways.

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The findings are alarming. Despite clear signage, nearly half the motorists ignored it. Truck and trailer drivers were twice as likely to stop compared to car drivers, at 66.7% versus 35.4%.

New Zealand Data Highlights Gaps in Road Safety

Additional signage like “Look for Trains” improved driver behavior. When only Give Way signs were present, compliance dropped significantly. Researchers suggest replacing them with Stop signs.

KiwiRail’s Acting COO Paul Ashton urged drivers to take safety seriously. He emphasized that following crossing rules protects everyone, including rail staff and passengers.

More than half of fatal accidents at rail crossings over the last decade occurred at sites with just Stop or Give Way signs. This reinforces the urgent need for better infrastructure and behavior change.

New Zealand Incidents Show Human Factor Remains Key

TrackSAFE Manager Megan Drayton acknowledged a drop in incidents—eight in 2024, down from 17 in 2023—but warned against complacency. Most recent collisions happened where lights, bells, or barriers were already in place.

She stressed the emotional burden on train engineers. Even near misses cause trauma, and trains cannot stop quickly despite horns and emergency brakes.

Both KiwiRail and TrackSAFE call for greater awareness. Safety depends not just on signs and signals but on every driver’s decision to act responsibly.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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