With regional passenger and freight trains operating as usual through the coronavirus situation, motorists are reminded to be alert and put safety first at rail crossings.
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The warning comes after two near misses in the central west last week, with residents around NSW reminded to slow down and look before driving through a rail crossing.
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.
"While there may appear to be less traffic on the road, the rail corridor is still as busy as usual," he said.
"Freight is continuing to flow and NSW TrainLink services continue to operate as normal to support essential travel.
"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 can 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. These incidents resulted in eight fatalities and 13 serious injuries.
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