Rural motorists are being given a wake-up call to be more vigilant at railway crossings.
New research reveals almost 80 percent of serious collisions with trains happen in rural areas.
But there isn't enough funding for protection barriers at every crossing.
The driver of a school bus near Palmerston North was one of 13 people killed on our rail network in the past year.
It happened at a level crossing, which are the focus of this year's rail safety week.
In the 12 months to June there were 31 collisions and 227 near-misses at crossings.
"The best protection is a motorist, a cyclist and a pedestrian being safety-conscious and ensuring no train is coming before they cross the track," says KiwiRail CEO Greg Millar.
KiwiRail does have some other protections in place.
Of more than 1300 public road level crossings in New Zealand, 472 are protected by flashing lights and bells and 604 have 'Give Way' or 'Stop' signs. But only 285 are protected by barriers most are in urban areas.
"It's never going to be possible to have that protection at every single one. So yes we will fund as much infrastructure as we can but we still need people to take responsibility," Transport Minister Michael Wood says.
South Wairarapa District Council official Godwell Mahowa was killed in January when his car collided with a train at a crossing near Featherston.
Deputy Mayor Garrick Emms wants more protection in their district.
"We are supporting this, no blame, we're just saying we want our facilities increased."
Police Officer Kim Munro grew up without her mum and two siblings after they died in a level crossing accident in 1976.
That experience has driven her to road policing - and she has a simple message for those trying to beat the train.
"We're all busy but it's a few seconds that might save your life," she says.
Especially in rural areas, where patience could be your only protection.
