There have been more than 1360 boom strike or level crossing collisions on the Queensland rail network over the past seven years.
That is more than 16 collisions every month.
![The top locations for collisions with boom gates have been revealed in open data published by the Queensland government.](/web/20170327155103im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/h/y/j/h/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gv62oi.png/1490566687313.jpg)
The shocking figures were revealed in open data published online by the Queensland government, covering all rail networks in the state and showing some motorists just have not heard the message.
Analysis by Fairfax Media shows Telegraph Road at Bald Hills was the worst location, with 70 boom strikes recorded between 2009 and 2014 – and none in the past two years.
There was an overpass built at Telegraph Rd in 2014 under the LNP.
The data shows collisions with vehicles and people, but overwhelmingly the figures represent motor vehicles hitting boom gates.
The second-worst location was Beenleigh Road at Kuraby, with 33 boom strikes.
The next was Boundary Road at Coopers Plains, with 28 boom strikes.
There have been seven fatalities, 19 serious injuries and 35 minor injuries.
But the figures also show a decline in boom-gate strikes across the state, with 115 reported incidents where a motorist collided with level crossing boom gates in 2016 – about half the number in 2009, when there were 233.
Collisions with boom gates can cause serious harm, delays on the rail network and costly damage to infrastructure.
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the statistics reflected the success of railway safety initiatives.
"There is a wide range of initiatives in place designed to combat level-crossing incidents, including education sessions at schools and community groups, campaigns through social media, media and advertising, as well as working with police on enforcement," Ms Trad said.
"It's very encouraging to see the downward trend in incidents, which shows the effectiveness of these programs."
Ms Trad said there was still work to be done and urged motorists to remain vigilant and patient at level crossings.
"We are still seeing far too many of these incidents," she said.
"Motorists need to understand that trying to beat the boom gate to save a few minutes has potentially devastating consequences and is simply not worth the risk."
The penalty for ignoring railway crossing protection is a $353 fine and three demerit points. People who damage QR infrastructure, including boom gates, can be fined up to $8800, in addition to repair costs.
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