Meet Steely Stan

This Rail Safety Week meet the legend. And his horse.

Some say Steely Stan resides deep in the Remutaka Ranges. Others swear he’s a Mt Eden local. The man's a mystery. But know this. Wherever rail crossing advice is needed, Stan will be there to share the secrets of his 'Steely Stare’™.

Behavioural science tells us people are more likely to do the right thing when they are being watched. This is why we are introducing a new role model to demonstrate the correct behaviour when crossing railway tracks.  

We are urging people to be like Steely Stan – and take a good hard look for trains when approaching any rail level crossing. 

As part of Rail Safety Week 2023, role model Steely Stan will champion taking a good look to both the left and right before crossing, with the campaign phrase, ‘Steely Stare. Steely Stare. All clear!’ 

Steely Stan A3 poster portrait

This Rail Safety Week meet the legend. And his horse.

While there is a light-hearted aspect to this year’s Rail Safety Week campaign, the subject matter is very serious.   

Sadly, 10 people have lost their lives in collisions with trains over the past year and it’s very worrying to see near misses at level crossings continue to rise.  

One second more and a near miss could be a collision – resulting in serious injury or death. People just can’t afford to take that risk.   

It is so important that all of us are cautious and vigilant any time we approach a rail level crossing.

Advice for keeping yourself safe at level crossing:  

  • Steely Stare, Steely Stare. All Clear!  
  • Trains can come at any time from either direction  
  • Only cross tracks at level crossings  
  • Always look for trains  
  • At a Stop sign, you must stop
  • Cross only when alarms have stopped

Rail Safety Week runs from Monday 7 August to Sunday 13 August 2023.  
 
The week is coordinated by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE in close partnership with Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Transdev Wellington and councils and supporting organisations and schools throughout New Zealand. 

Downloadable posters and other images available on the TrackSAFE website.