27 Nov 2008: Australia: Our sincere condolences

[ozbob]

Media Release 27th November 2008

Australia:  Our sincere condolences

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has expressed our heartfelt and sincere condolences to families and friends of all concerned with the recent tragic level crossing crash in Cardwell North Queensland.  It is day of tragedy for Australia with sad events also overseas.

Robert Dow, on behalf of RAIL Back On Track said:

"On behalf of our members I would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and injured, and to all at Queensland Rail and to the trucking industry our thoughts are with you."

"Australia has many railway crossings.  It is time that a national policy was implemented. The unfortunate level crossing crash in Cardwell highlights again that action is needed."

"It is time all heavy vehicles were required to stop, look and listen, and then proceed with caution at all railway crossings. This would include all trucks and buses.  Unfortunately level crossing warning lights, booms and gates can fail."

"This could be enacted overnight in every state. Installing further protection such as booms or gates at most railway crossings is then required as soon as possible, particularly in view of the increased speed of today's trains."

"Standard traffic lights should also be incorporated as further protection on approaches to level crossings. Conditioning of all drivers is such that they are more likely to respond to a red traffic light."

"We said the same thing on the 6th June 2007 following the crash in Kerang Victoria."

"How many more deaths will it take before decisive action is taken?"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Radio 4BC Brisbane, Radio 612 ABC Brisbane and Brisbanetimes have followed up this release.  Thanks for the opportunity to put forward our point of view.

[ozbob]

It seems that some jurisdictions do understand the issues ..

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/rules.htm

School and commercial buses

    * Buses must stop for rail crossings.
    * The driver is required to look and listen for trains approaching from either direction and to cross only when it is clearly safe to do so.
    * In addition, before crossing the tracks, bus drivers must make certain there is enough space on the far side to allow them to completely cross the tracks if traffic requires the bus to stop.

Trucks carrying hazardous materials

    * State and federal regulations require trucks carrying hazardous materials to stop at all highway-rail grade crossings.
    * Stop gradually to avoid being rear-ended.
    * Don't shift gears while crossing the tracks.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Truckie Michael Nugent found not guilty in 2008 Cardwell tilt train crash http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/truckie-michael-nugent-found-not-guilty-in-2008-cardwell-tilt-train-crash/story-fnpqrsxl-1227238780350 ... #qldpol