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Footage of pedestrians and cyclists engaging in risky behaviour around trains has been released by the state government in a bid to reduce the number of collisions on Adelaide's rail network.
- On average there are six collisions every year between trains and either people or cars
- There are 110 near misses each year
- The state government is running a new campaign showing footage of close calls
On average, there are six collisions and more than 100 near misses involving either a person or car reported by rail operators across the state each year.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the footage would be used in a social media campaign to highlight the dangers of inattention and unsafe behaviour.
"This harrowing near-miss vision shows the very real danger of inattention or downright reckless behaviour on our rail network, with recent examples of people just seconds away from tragedy," he said.
"Whenever you're travelling on or near trains and trams, please make sure to look out for each other and pay attention to your surroundings — particularly if you're travelling with young children or heading home after a few drinks.
"It only takes one moment of distraction or unsafe or reckless behaviour to change a person's life forever."
A typical passenger train weighs about 140 tonnes and can take up to the length of two football ovals to come to a complete stop, while freight trains can need more than one kilometre of track to stop safely.
"The trauma when a train hits a person or car is devastating and far-reaching – not only for those injured or killed and their families, but also the train driver, other rail staff, emergency service workers, passengers and the local community," Mr Koutsantonis said.
"Even minor incidents and near misses can have a lasting impact on everyone involved, as well as creating unnecessary service disruptions, traffic delays and property damage.
"We're reminding everyone – please keep yourself safe by always waiting behind the white line, putting away your phone and removing distractions such as headphones, and only ever crossing rail tracks at dedicated pedestrian and vehicle crossings."
There have been a number of incidents involving pedestrians and trains in recent months.
A cyclist died after being struck by a train at Ascot Park in April, and a pedestrian was struck and killed by a train at East Grange Railway Station in March.
In February, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a train at Tambelin Railway Station at Evanston Gardens in the city's north.
Last year, three people died after being hit by trains in Adelaide.