Rail Safety Week 2026

Tuesday 11 August 2026

South Australians are being reminded to stay alert and take extra care around trains and trams this Rail Safety Week (10 to 16 August 2026).

New rail safety data highlights the importance of remaining vigilant when travelling near the rail network.

Train near misses increase

Train near misses across metropolitan Adelaide have increased by four per cent in 2025-2026. This is a total of 163 near misses.

In the same period, 72 near misses were recorded across the Gawler line, up 22 per cent compared to 2024-2025. The Gawler line accounts for almost half of all incidents across the network.

While near misses increased slightly on the Belair line in the last financial year, incidents decreased along both the Seaford and Outer Harbour lines.

Almost 35 per cent of near misses involved cyclists, while there were seven level crossing vehicle incidents. Pedestrian crossing and maze incidents increased 54 per cent compared to last year with 98 incidents.

Tram near misses decrease

Across the tram network, near misses have decreased by more than 30 per cent, with 113 incidents reported. This is down from 165.

Despite the reduction, Adelaide’s CBD remains a high-risk area. The North Terrace and King William Street intersection and the Adelaide Railway Station stop continue to be incident hot spots.

When do near misses happen?

Train near miss incidents are most common during the afternoon and evening. The peaks are between 7pm and 8pm, followed by 5pm and 6pm during the afternoon commuter peak.

For trams, the peak is seen between 4pm and 5pm.

The troubling statistics serve as a timely reminder for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists to remain cautious and vigilant when near a railway station, level crossings or boom gates and sharing the road with a tram.

Rail safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists

Next time you are around the rail network, ensure you:

• look up from your phone
• stay behind the white line
• remove headphones to listen out for trains
• look both ways before crossing - a second train can approach quickly from either side
• be patient – never risk crossing in front of a train
• only cross the tracks at designated crossings
• dismount bicycles, scooters or skateboards before crossing as wheels can slip or get stuck in the tracks.

Rail safety tips for motorists

Next time you are around the rail network, ensure you:

• obey all signs and signals – if lights are flashing or gates are closing, stop and wait
• only enter a crossing if your exit is clear
• avoid distractions like phones or in-car tech
• give yourself time – impatience at crossings can have life‑changing consequences
• take extra care in rural areas and look before crossing – some crossings may not have boom gates or lights to notify you when a train is approaching.

To learn more, visit the My Licence website.