This year the message for Rail Safety Week is simple: don’t risk the rails.

Held between 10-16 August this year, Rail Safety Week reminds and encourages safe behaviours on and around our rail networks.

‘Don’t Risk the Rails’ is this year’s nationwide campaign, set to run online, on billboards and over social media and radio, to remind motorists and pedestrians to be train-aware around level crossings.

It includes simple tips for drivers and pedestrians to remain train-aware and take no chances near our railways. As research shows distraction, over-confidence, and inexperience around level crossings are key risks for road users.

According to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, between 2016 and 2025 an average of 1500 near misses occurred near level crossings every year. And tragically, 49 people have lost their lives after colliding with a train either in their vehicle, or as pedestrians.

To make level crossings safer, the Albanese Government has been making crucial investments, including $160 million over six years under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund, covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering priority level crossing upgrades. Over 150 projects have been funded across the country under the program. 

The Government is also joining with states and territories to set the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO) as the national rail standards body.

ARISO already plays a critical role in setting standards for train visibility and will now be tasked with reforming national rail standards and developing best practice approaches with industry.

For more information on Rail Safety Week, visit: https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/event/rail-safety-week

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“One life lost on Australian railways is one too many, and all motorists can follow simple instructions to ensure they reach their destination safely, every time.

“Always stop at the boom gate, always expect the unexpected, always look and give way to trains – and never risk the rails.”