Big business ready for Rail Safety Week

<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Many of Australia and New Zealand’s key rail companies, authorities and organisations have announced their plans for the TrackSafe Foundation’s Rail Safety Week, which kicks off next Monday. </span> <p>The TrackSafe foundation, launched by the Australasian Railway Association in 2012, runs the annual Rail Safety Week, which has itself been running since its launch by the ARA in 2006.</p><p>The week is targeted at improving education and awareness around railway level crossing and track safety.</p><p>“Over the years, more and more rail organisations have become involved in this community education initiative by visiting schools, holding competitions, running advertising campaigns, and ultimately increasing awareness of the importance of rail safety,” TrackSafe said.</p><p>This year, TrackSafe member Aurizon is launching a new rail safety video, which will include interviews with train drivers who have experienced near hits on the rail network. In Queensland, the operator will be working with the Queensland Police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and in NSW it will visit schools in the Hunter Valley.</p><p>Usually Aurizon’s competitor, Pacific National will join the Brisbane-based operator in the initiative, conducting rail safety presentations at primary schools in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA.</p><p>Brookfield Rail will partner with Aurizon to deliver rail safety education presentations to schools and communities across WA, for the third consecutive year. Accident survivor John Beninca will join Brookfield and Aurizon for the initiative.</p><p>On Monday, Metro Trains Melbourne will launch its event, capitalising on its well-known Dumb Ways to Die campaign. A Community Education Unit will visit a number of Melbourne schools.</p><p>NSW Police says it will use social media, as well as regional media outlets, during the week, to raise awareness. It will partner with Sydney Trains for community opportunities at Central Station, as well, according to TrackSafe.</p><p>NT Police will target level crossing enforcement throughout the week, and will do work to raise community awareness, as well.</p><p>More information: <a href="http://www.tracksafefoundation.com.au/whats-on">www.tracksafefoundation.com.au/whats-on</a></p>