Queensland Rail has released horrifying footage of erratic and irresponsible drivers smashing through boom arms at level crossings, prompting a desperate plea for caution around the tracks.
Queensland Rail Senior Manager Security and Emergency Preparedness Drew Brock said the footage painted a distressing picture of drivers blatantly ignoring safety signs and signals as they dashed across the train tracks.
“Boom arms are being dislodged and cars are hurtling through the level crossings, sometimes seconds from a collision with a train – it’s hard to watch,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s inattention or indifference, if you ignore the warning signs, the result can be the same – catastrophic.
“Trains travel fast, they’re slow to stop and they can’t swerve – so it’s up to motorists to stay safe obey the flashing signals and boom arms at level crossings.”
Brock said boom arm strikes across the South-East were on the rise.
“We saw seven drivers strike Queensland Rail boom arms in just one month in January, following an alarming upward trend. In 2022 there were 85 boom strikes – up from 72 the previous year,” he said.
“Aside from the obvious danger to lives, damaging boom arm infrastructure is costly, leaves the level crossing exposed to traffic and causes service disruptions.”
Brock said the increase in year-on-year boom arm strikes prompted Queensland Rail to join forces with Queensland Police and refresh a targeted safety campaign.
“Our message is simple, avoid harm, stop before the boom arm,” he said.
“There are flashing red lights that operate for at least eight seconds before boom arms start to lower, so drivers need to pay careful attention to these, and just like you stop at a red traffic light – stop at red flashing lights at level crossings.”
Queensland Police Service Senior Constable Jason Goodwin said police would continue to patrol South-East level crossings.
“Drivers can expect to see us out in force at these bad behaviour hot spots,” he said.
“We’ll have mobile message boards around the network, as an added reminder but we’re pleading with motorists to do their part and make safe choices.
“If you’re doing the wrong thing, rest assured you’ll be glad it’s us catching you and not an oncoming train.
“Drivers also risk heavy fines – disobeying warning lights at level crossings can result in a $431 infringement notice and three demerit points. Any damage to rail infrastructure (including boom arms) could earn $1,150 in fines and four demerit points.”
More information regarding Queensland Rail’s Avoid Harm, Stop Before the Boom Arm campaign could be found here.