A near miss at a rail crossing in Orange last week has prompted calls for motorists to remain alert and put safety first when navigating level crossings in the region.
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Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said even though travel restrictions remain in place, rail corridors are operating as usual and motorists need to be aware at rail and road intersections.
"After two near misses at Bathurst and Orange last week, we are reminding Central West motorists to slow down and look before driving through a rail crossing," Mr Toole said.
"Ignoring the signs at rail crossings can not only have catastrophic outcomes for motorists and their passengers, but can also have lifelong impacts on train drivers and crews.
"There is no excuse for putting yours and other lives on the line at level crossings."
Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and often take up to one-and-a-half kilometres to come to a stop at a level crossing.
It is important for drivers, riders and pedestrians to obey all signs, flashing lights, boom gates and markings.
Between July 2008 and March 2020 there have been 77 collisions between trains and cars at level crossings, resulting in eight fatalities and 13 serious injuries.
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