“Never attempt to cross a railway line until you’ve checked both ways. The cost of not doing so is too high, with severe consequences, including death and injury.”
This was the plea of Lisa Mangcu, South African deputy minister of Transport, on Thursday (15/06), which marked International Level Crossing Day (ILCAD).
Various events across the country were planned for this day, serving to bolster awareness.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), for instance, planned to participate in the 15th annual ILCAD, joining railway operators and associations across the country, continent, and the world to commemorate the day.
The ILCAD is a commitment from partners in 40 countries to raise public awareness of the dangers at and around level crossings.
TFR teams were expected to be deployed at level crossings across the country, where safety messages would be disseminated, and members of the public informed about behaviour that makes them vulnerable to dangerous incidents that can lead to the loss of life.
“Remember, where there’s a track, there’s a train,” Mangcu reiterated.
“We must commit to staying safe around railway lines by following the regulations.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, and obey all signals.”
