Be a Trainspotter – Rail Safety Week 2026

A recent study found that the rate of stopping compliance at railway crossings among truck drivers was notably higher than among car drivers. However, it is always a good time to remind people about rail safety.

Rail Safety Week is an annual campaign run by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE to remind the public about safe behaviours when interacting with the rail network. This year’s campaign centres around the theme “Be a Trainspotter When You Cross”, reframing trainspotting as a practical safety habit and drawing on fashion-inspired taglines, particularly “The Essential Look When You Cross”.

The campaign serves as a fresh reminder of the essential safety behaviour we must all follow when crossing at an official level crossing: stop and give both directions your best look before crossing.

“Collisions and near misses with trains can cause severe and long-lasting trauma, not only for the victims and their families, but also for locomotive engineers and other affected staff, emergency services personnel, and witnesses,” says Megan Drayton, TrackSAFE Foundation Manager.

“We urge you to share the campaign and its message with your friends and whānau. Together, let’s keep Aotearoa safe.”