Police are pleading with motorists to pay attention to flashing warning lights at level train crossings after an extremely close call at Kembla Grange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police released footage showing a grey Ford driving through a level crossing only moments before a train passes.
Only seconds separate a potentially deadly collision.
A new police campaign called #TrainToStop, until October 25, will target drivers performing risky behaviour at level crossings such as disobeying flashing lights and stop signs, vehicles queuing over the railway tracks, speeding near level crossings and drivers who are distracted by illegal use of mobile phones.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command's Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said despite the consequences, people were still ignoring warnings.
"Police issued almost 1000 penalty notices for level crossing traffic offences in the past two years," he said.
"Disobeying level crossing warning lights and signs can lead to crashes between vehicles and trains where the consequences can be severe.
"Between July 2008 and June 2019 there were 72 collisions between trains and cars at level crossings, resulting in eight fatalities.
"All of which could have been easily avoided."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said there was no excuse for putting your own and others' lives on the line.
"Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h and can take up to 14 football fields (1.5km) to come to a stop at a level crossing," he said.
"What this means, is often by the time they see you, it's too late.
"It's important for drivers, riders and pedestrians to obey all signs, flashing lights, boom gates and markings.
"We all have a duty of care when driving, not only for ourselves, passengers and other road users, but also train passengers and crew."