A campaign aiming to reduce the number of near collisions between heavy vehicles and trains is being launched today as part of International Level Crossing Awareness Day.

Since 2004, there have been 35 collisions and more than 250 near collisions between heavy vehicles and trains.

The national campaign, developed by the Chris Cairns Foundation, will target thousands of truck and bus drivers throughout New Zealand – promoting safe driving behaviour and reminding drivers of the care required when driving over level crossings.

Chris Cairns' sister Louise was killed along with two other women in a level crossing collision in 1993, when a concrete mixer truck drove through flashing lights and bells and into the side of a passenger train.

He says a collision with a heavy vehicle poses the greatest risk to human life from a road accident.

'Not only are heavy vehicle drivers at enormous risk themselves if they are involved in a collision with a train, but there is the potential for catastrophic harm to rail passengers if a truck were to collide with a passenger train.”

The campaign is aimed at reminding heavy vehicle drivers that they have a legal obligation to stop at crossings when the lights are flashing and bells are ringing.

The Foundation will be reaching truck and bus drivers by collaborating with the major road industry organisations, including the Road Transport Forum, NZ Trucking Association, the Road Transport Association and National Road Carriers.

'We are very grateful to have the crucial support of these organisations to help us get the message out there,” says Chris.

Police are also supporting the campaign and urge all motorists to take care at level crossings.

'We fully encourage New Zealand's commercial drivers to refresh themselves of the rules and obligations that are outlined in the drivers' safety guide. The few seconds taken to check and double check can save a lifetime of pain,” says Inspector Mark Stables.

The campaign is also supported by KiwiRail, who sponsors the Chris Cairns Foundation.

More information can be viewed at www.railsafety.co.nz