Source: Mental Health Australia
Motorists are reminded to be vigilant and follow the road rules as Transport for NSW and NSW Police join forces to raise awareness and penalise reckless behaviour at level crossings in the Southern Highlands region.
Coinciding with Rural Road Safety Month, NSW Police will be patrolling two level crossings in Moss Vale and Calwalla between 15 and 26 September to increase safety and remind motorists to slow down and obey level crossing rules.
Rural Road Safety Month is an annual initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation supported by Transport for NSW.
Transport for NSW Senior Manager Public Transport Safety Programs, Luke Wilby, said ignoring the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings at level crossings can have devastating consequences.
“Just because you don’t see a train at a level crossing, doesn’t mean it won’t be at the level crossing in a few seconds. Drivers who underestimate the high speed of trains and ignore the rules are recklessly putting their life and the lives of other people at risk.
“With more than 30 trains travelling daily through some level crossings at high speeds, a few seconds can be the difference between reaching your destination safely or losing your life,” Mr Wilby said.
“Sadly, nine people died and nine were seriously injured as a result of 66 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW between July 2015 and 30 June 2025.
“We want everyone to return home safely, but we can only do that if motorists and pedestrians behave responsibly at level crossings,” Mr Wilby said.
Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings could face three demerit points and a $562 fine.
Traffic and Highway Patrol, Operations Manager, Inspector Michael Walsh, said drivers needed to be patient and vigilant at level crossings so they reached their destination safely.
“A split second decision at a level crossing can have life changing consequences, as some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop, so even if they see you, they can’t stop.
“We continue to work with Transport for NSW to raise awareness about the potentially fatal consequences of unsafe driving behaviour at level crossings.
“We are urging all motorists to be patient and pay attention to the signs, as there is no excuse for putting lives on the line by rushing to the other side,” Insp Walsh said.