Canberrans are being urged to be aware of their surroundings on or around the light rail corridor this Rail Safety Week, 8–14 August.

“This year’s message is ‘stand back, look up, and stay rail safe’. It’s really important that people pay attention and take responsibility,” said ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel.

“If you’re crossing the light rail corridor as a pedestrian, turn off the music, take out the headphones, and make sure that you’re paying attention.

“These are six-tonne rhinoceroses on skateboards that can’t stop very easily.”

On the two major tram accidents that occurred last month, Mr Steel said, “We’ve had four collision incidents in 2022, two with pedestrians and two with motorists. That’s why the messages for Rail Safety Week are so important. We want people to pay attention.

“Don’t do a U-turn unless it’s permitted – that’s a rule that exists everywhere on Canberra roads but particularly around the light rail corridor.”

Canberra Metro Operations (CMET) have reported 50 near misses on the tracks so far this year.

Of those, 43 resulted in emergency brake use, where the driver had to stop suddenly to avoid a full collision with cars, pedestrians, or bicycles.

The rate of emergency brake use is up six per cent from this time last year.

“The light rail has now been in operation for over three years. People are getting used to the light rail operating, but we still need to reinforce those important safety messages,” Mr Steel said.

“For pedestrians, to make sure that they use those designated crossing points, remove the headphones, turn off the music, pay attention, and look both ways before you cross.”

To reinforce those messages, local graphic design students have once again created unique light rail wraps that were unveiled today to mark the beginning of Rail Safety Week.

Four wraps will be displayed across two light rail vehicles, starting with Dickson College student Teagan Wood’s design.

The 18-year-old budding caricaturist was excited and overwhelmed to see her character, Ken Behrens, unveiled on the 32.96 metre canvas.

“I wanted to create something fun and really engaging, that people would really want to look at,” Ms Wood said.

There are multiple versions of Ken decorating the tram, including Bandaged Ken, Squished Ken, and Stretched Ken, placed on the joints on the light rail, elongating at every turn.  

Ms Wood was inspired to create a “Canberra version” of the viral Dumb Ways to Die Melbourne safety video.

Ken Behrens can vote for their favourite designs by scanning the QR codes located inside light rail vehicles.

For more information about Rail Safety Week, visit transport.act.gov.au

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