Alarming footage has emerged of a car making a last-second dash across a suburban train track in Tasmania’s north-west.
The incident involving the blue Captiva is one of several near misses that have prompted Tasmania Police and TasRail to issue urgent warnings to motorists.
Police are now increasing patrols around high-risk level crossings following multiple incidents where drivers ignored warning signals or attempted to beat approaching trains.
Inspector Adam Spencer from Western District said recent weeks have seen too many close calls.
“Ignoring crossing signals or trying to outrun a train isn’t just illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous, and we’re urging everyone to slow down, look for trains and obey the signals at level crossings,” Spencer said.
“It is incredibly lucky that no one has been seriously injured in these incidents, and we are using them as an example to others about the importance of rail safety.”
Drivers caught breaking road rules at level crossings will face prosecution, with significant fines and demerit points applying.
There are approximately 180 public level crossings across Tasmania’s 600km operational rail network, with most located in rural or regional areas.
TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich highlighted the risks train drivers face when motorists make dangerous decisions.
“Our train drivers rely on road users obeying road rules at level crossings, trains cannot swerve or stop instantaneously. It’s in your hands,” he said.
Authorities are reminding motorists to always obey signs, lights and signals at level crossings, and to stop, look both ways and listen for trains – especially at passive crossings without warning signals.
