Railway Level Crossing a Safety Concern in Stellenbosch

Dangerous motoring behaviour is the main reason for railway level crossing accidents in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. Many motorists and pedestrians are not adhering to safety precautions.

These views were expressed by Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters during the Railway Safety Regulator’s level crossing safety campaign which coincided with Transport Month (October).

The campaign is intended to raise public awareness of the safety risks surrounding level crossings and to encourage road users to behave responsibly. During the off-peak period, there are few trains, so people tend to disregard crossing rules.

“This level crossing has a boom which automatically lowers when a train approaches. However, incidents still continue to take place due to reckless and negligent behaviour of motorists who drive around the boom or try to beat the boom and the train,” said Peters.

Using earphones, playing loud music and having noisy children in a vehicle when crossing a railway line make drivers less attentive. Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant says level crossings can be dangerous when motorists and pedestrians fail to adhere to safety precautions.

“With our partners, we will continue to work together to ensure safety and compliance at all level crossings across the province, as well as moving towards a situation where fewer vehicles and people need to cross railway tracks,” said Grant.

Railway crossing safety dangers can be reported to the National Traffic Call Centre on 0861 400 800.