The continuing problem of road users failing to yield to trains at level crossings has been highlighted in the ATSB’s latest investigation into the fatal 2012 accident near Port Germein in South Australia.
The accident occurred on 19 March at the Port Flinders Causeway Road level crossing. A Pacific National ore train was travelling on the interstate main line between Port Augusta and Port Pirie. As the train drew closer to the level crossing, it slowed for a temporary speed restriction of 50 km/h. About 200 m from the level crossing, the train driver saw two motor vehicles travelling towards the crossing. He immediately sounded the train’s horn.
The first car, a yellow Hyundai Accent, appeared to be slowing; the train driver sounded the horn a second time just as the vehicle disappeared from his view behind some thick vegetation. As the car re-emerged from behind the vegetation, it looked as if it would stop at the crossing. The train driver sounded the horn a third time, continuously. However, the car continued and entered the level crossing into the path of the train. The train driver made an emergency brake application, but given the train’s closeness to the level crossing and its relative size and weight, it was unable to stop before colliding with the car.
Although they vaguely recalled hearing a horn, they did not relate this to the
approaching train...
The front of the train struck the passenger side of the motor vehicle and then continued to travel around 256 m past the level crossing. The car’s passenger died in the accident and the driver sustained serious injuries. The locomotive crew were shaken but not hurt. The motor vehicle was severely damaged, the train received minor damage. There was little damage to the track and fixed infrastructure.
The driver of the motor vehicle was a local resident and had regularly traversed the level crossing. Although they vaguely recalled hearing a horn, they did not relate this to the approaching train and could recollect little else regarding events prior to the accident.
The level crossing was controlled by passive approach warning signs and a ‘Stop’ sign at the crossing. These required a road user to stop the vehicle at the ‘Stop’ sign and detect the presence of any train through direct visual observation.
The ATSB concluded that the motorist’s attention may have been diverted during a critical period when they would normally have stopped to look for a train.
The ATSB urges all drivers of motor vehicles to be vigilant and obey road traffic signage, especially at level crossings where accidents can easily result in fatalities, serious injuries and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Read the report: Collision involving a motor vehicle and train 4460S, 10 km south of Port Germein, South Australia, on 19 March 2012