Headphones a potentially fatal risk

Distraction from headphones increases risk for pedestrians, says KiwiRail.

KiwiRail is urging people to be alert around the rail network following a rise in incidents involving pedestrians wearing headphones.

KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ are putting an increased focus on pedestrian safety near railways after a series of reported near misses over the last year.

The urge for safety also comes in light of Rail Safety Week, a nationwide campaign that raises awareness of safe behaviour around railway tracks, which runs from August 14-20.

KiwiRail Group general manager asset management and investment David Gordon says the use of personal technology devices have been the major cause in reported incidents.

'There's been a number of incidents recently where headphones have been found to be the cause.

'We take safety extremely seriously at KiwiRail, and we're urging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and take care around railway crossings.”

TrackSAFE NZ's Foundation manager Megan Drayton says three deaths at level crossings in the past 18 months reportedly involved the use of headphones.

'People are often on autopilot when they're familiar with an environment and don't remember to look up from their phones or remove their headphones when they approach a level crossing.

'Other factors are also feeding into this - growing populations, more train services and faster and quieter trains, particularly in Auckland and Wellington.”

A long-term programme is underway to upgrade level crossings throughout the country, and KiwiRail is also working on a number of initiatives with the NZTA to make level crossings safer.

These include trialling a new warning system which sees flashing LED lights installed in the footpath near crossings, solar powered warning signs, and signals that activate early when an over-length vehicle is approaching a crossing.

The lights, which are being trialled in Rangiora, Porirua and Palmerston North, are designed to alert pedestrians who are wearing headphones or carrying mobile devices that a train is approaching.

A new social media campaign which highlights the importance of stopping the music as you approach the tracks, and featuring Wellington band Drax Project, was launched this morning at 11am for Rail Safety Week.

Rail Safety Week is coordinated by KiwiRail in close partnership with TrackSAFE NZ, the NZ Transport Agency, NZ Police, Auckland Transport, Transdev Auckland, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Transdev Wellington.

For further information about Rail Safety Week see www.tracksafe.co.nz

Safety advice for pedestrians:

  • Every time you're near railway tracks, be alert. Trains can come at any time, from either direction.
  • Only cross at formed pedestrian crossings or an overpass or underpass.
  • Remove your headphones, stop and always look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.
  • Only cross if you are sure there are no trains in sight.
  • Obey the warning signs at the crossing – if lights are flashing or bells are ringing it means a train is approaching.
  • If a train has passed or is stationary at a station, always check both ways again to make sure another train is not coming. Two tracks might mean there is a second train.

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6 comments

Fools

Posted on 14-08-2017 16:51 | By overit

The fools jay walk the streets with them on.


I have an idea?

Posted on 15-08-2017 01:35 | By GreertonBoy

Why dont people be responsible for their own safety? Strangely.... it worked for my generation and generations before? We taxpayers should pay to have flashing lights installed into the footpaths to make these mugs look up from their phones? I would rather that static/feedback generators start putting feedback into ear plugs and mobile phones jam when the alarm starts going, might snap them out of their trance enough to see the 400 ton train about to hit them? Surely a small device can be made to make static in earphones? Cheaper than putting flashing lights in footpaths? People waking up to themselves would be the cheapest option tho.... Too right Overit... I see people driving and riding bicycles with earplugs in too... very clever....


@GreertonBoy

Posted on 15-08-2017 09:20 | By Papamoaner

I like your suggestion. It could be done electromagnetically by targeting all the induction loops in their devices like for example the coil in the headphones. That way you would catch people with hearing aids as well. Alternatively strobe lights that are difficult to ignore. That small gate in the photo is brilliant. If you have to stop walking and open it, it's going to remind you to look for trains.Of course none of these arguments solve the general problem of people crossing roads without looking when distracted by their devices. And they might not hear smoke alarms at home either. Somtimes I wonder if technology is getting poised to kill us all off.


some people are plain Loco

Posted on 15-08-2017 10:22 | By Mein Fuhrer

and have gone totally off the Rails when it comes to situation awareness . Maybe they need Training to get back on Track


@Mein Fuhrer

Posted on 15-08-2017 11:35 | By Papamoaner

Maybe it's because they don't give a hoot


Alternatively

Posted on 16-08-2017 21:20 | By Papamoaner

Maybe their guard was down


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