"They look and see a train coming but try to race it across the level crossing. These drivers clearly have no idea of what speeds trains can travel at."
So far this year there has been two collisions in Wairarapa, one in Carterton where a wood chipper used by tree maintenance contractors was hit and the other in Featherston in which a driver overtook a bus parked at a level crossing and collided with a train.
"Rail Safety Week is a timely reminder there are rules to follow," Mr Pauling said.
"If lights are flashing and bells are ringing then you must stop and remain that way until the lights and bells stop".
He said drivers must treat a rail crossing like any other intersection - if something is approaching you stop.
The risk of collisions was often greater for those who lived close to rail tracks and crossings.
"They get used to timetables, but there is no room for complacency, freight trains can be scheduled between regular train times.
"The message to drivers is don't switch off," he said.
In an effort to increase awareness of rail safety, Mr Pauling has arranged a publicity campaign and a simulator will be displayed outside Paper Plus in Queen St Masterton, on Saturday, August 16 from 9.30am to 4pm.
People will be able to put on an inter-active headset and experience being in the cab of a locomotive along tracks and through level crossings.
"They will see first hand just what the behaviour of many drivers is like," Mr Pauling said.
