Rise in level crossing accidents causes concern
July 30th, 2009
Transport operators take note. Kiwirail is reporting what is calls a “disturbing” increase in the number of level crossing collisions in the first half of this year reversing the trend in recent years towards fewer collisions. KiwiRail CEO Jim Quinn says 15 vehicle collisions in the first half of the year at public level crossings is only five short of the total number of vehicle collisions for last year, eight short of the total for 2007 and virtually the same as the total for 2006. The 10 fatalities in the six months – a combination of vehicle and pedestrian – are only three less than for the whole of 2008 and the same as for 2007.
While there is an element of unpredictability about level crossing collisions the number has been trending down as the number of level crossings being upgraded increases and awareness of the dangers of level crossings has increased. The risk of being involved in a level crossing collision remains highest in the southern half of the South Island. Last year, Selwyn District topped the list with eight collisions on its 43 level crossings. This year, Invercargill takes top spot – also with eight on 34 crossings while Selwyn drops back to equal second with seven collisions along with the Clutha District, Christchurch, and Tauranga cities. Almost 40% of level crossing collisions over the past five years have been in or south of Christchurch and 15% have been south of Dunedin.
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