Adelaide train drivers are sharing their stories of near misses and the lasting impacts these incidents have on them, in a new campaign launched as part of Rail Safety Week, which runs from August 7-13.

Drivers, like Tony featured in the campaign video below, have been involved in more than 260 near-misses over the past 12 months, including pedestrians and cyclists risking their lives crossing rail tracks in front of oncoming trains.

Drivers involved in these incidents have reported severe and lasting trauma due to the emotional, physical and mental toll of being in the driver’s seat in the seconds leading up to a potential tragedy.

As part of a broader national Rail Safety Week campaign, residents and visitors in regional South Australia are being told to 'Expect the Unexpected', as a reminder that trains in regional areas can come at any time, day or night including when road users are least expecting them.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are encouraged to be sensible and alert near trains and on platforms, remain behind the white line, look both ways when crossing, put mobile phones away and dismount from bikes when near tracks.

It is also illegal to cross or enter a level crossing while the lights are flashing or when warning bells are sounding.

Powerful video messages from the drivers will be displayed at stations across Adelaide, as part of the campaign.

For more information about the campaign visit Rail Safety Week 2023.