TFR warns road users of level crossing dangers
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) members handed out pamphlets as part of their National East Safety Level Crossing Campaign at Enstra Road, Payneville on Wednesday.
The aim of this campaign is to create awareness of railway safety and eliminate level crossing incidents by embedding a safety mindset in communities.
“It seeks to encourage the public, both pedestrians and motorists, to behave safely around rail tracks and on the road,“ says Albert Links, executive manager of TFR.
He says they view this problem in a serious light and are concerned about the wellbeing and safety of the communities within which they operate.
• Read: Road safety tips for a safe journey
There were 595 vehicles (including taxis) and 32 motorcycles crossing the level, as well as 161 pedestrians.
Something they experienced during their visit was that there is no signage visible on the tar.
“We had a pleasant reception from the motorists and pedestrians and had no adverse comments,“ he says.
Most of the motorists informed the TFR personnel that they do stop at the crossings, while others just crossed without stopping.
TFR area production manager Jason Chetty says the campaign entails going out to level and illegal crossings as well as crime and incident hot spots, where safety information is shared with the general public in order to curb unsafe behaviour.
He claims some of the motorists complained about the illegible signage and also mentioned it is an alleged hot spot for smash-and-grabs.
• Also read: Infographic: How to be safe on the road this Easter
The most common unsafe behaviours found at level crossings are:
• Motorists speeding over the train line at level crossings ignoring the road signs
• Pedestrians walking with headphones and not hearing oncoming trains
• Bad habits of non-conformance and no regard for road traffic regulations
“Too many lives have been lost as a result of people taking unnecessary risks and we wish to encourage all motorists and pedestrians to abide by the rules of the road, stop at level crossings, and only drive off or cross the railway line once it’s safe to do so,“ says Chetty.
