Queensland Rail is calling on motorists to pay greater attention at level crossings after a shocking collision on the Darling Downs on Tuesday afternoon.
A female driver managed to escape serious injury after she ran in to a freight locomotive on a level crossing in Dalby.
The car she was driving became wedged between the guard rail of the Nicholson Street level crossing and the side of the train after she hit the locomotive.
The woman was transported to hospital in a badly shaken state.
Queensland Rail Acting Chief Executive Officer, Martin Ryan, said the collision could have had far worse consequences.
“The motorist has hit the lead locomotive, so I shudder to think what would have happened if she had have tried to cross the track a split-second earlier,” Mr Ryan said.
“We are relieved that the woman wasn’t seriously injured in the incident.
“I simply cannot believe that drivers do not pay attention at level crossings when one mistake can be fatal.
“This level crossing has flashing lights and reports from the site are that they were in operation at the time of the accident.
“There hasn’t been a near miss or a collision at this level crossing for over five years, but it just goes to show that you need to keep your wits about you when trains are involved.
“Every near miss, every collision, is one too many; this, like every other incident, could so easily have been worse.
“Trains cannot stop quickly, they cannot swerve; on train tracks they have right of way.
“Queensland Rail’s What would you miss? campaign focuses on the people and life experiences you would miss if you had a fatal accident at a level crossing.
“It hits home just how dangerous it can be if you don’t pay attention at level crossings.”
