---
title: History reminds us why level crossing safety matters
date: 2026-07-16T12:13:00+10:00
author: Kirsten Woolley
canonical_url: "https://tasrail.com.au/news/history-reminds-us-why-level-crossing-safety-matters"
section: News
---
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#  History reminds us why level crossing safety matters 

One hundred years ago yesterday (15 July 1926), a tragic collision at the Perth railway level crossing changed lives forever … and could have changed the course of Australian history.

 

 

 Post Date### 16 Jul 2026

 

 

 

 ![Perth Copy](https://tasrail.com.au/volumes/images/_1000x600_crop_center-center_70_none/23733/perth1-Copy.webp) 

 

 

 

 

  In July 1926, then Tasmanian Premier Joseph Lyons, House of Assembly Speaker Michael O'Keefe and Hydro-Electric Commission General Manager Walter Curtis were travelling through Perth when their car collided with a train at an unprotected level crossing. Mr O'Keefe later died from his injuries, while Mr Lyons survived and would go on to become Australia's only Tasmanian-born Prime Minister.

Today, a new commemorative sign at the Perth level crossing tells this remarkable story while delivering an equally important message: level crossing safety saves lives.

TasRail and the TrackSAFE Foundation were proud to support the Perth Tasmania Historical Society in bringing this community initiative to life. By preserving an important piece of Tasmania's history, the project also encourages people to think about the decisions they make every time they approach a railway crossing.

While level crossings today are significantly safer than they were a century ago, trains still cannot stop quickly. A fully loaded freight train can take up to two kilometres to stop after the emergency brakes are applied, making it vital that motorists and pedestrians always obey signs, signals and warning devices.

This story is a powerful reminder that a single moment can have consequences far beyond what anyone could imagine. It highlights the importance of remaining alert around rail infrastructure and reinforces that everyone has a role to play in keeping themselves, rail workers and the wider community safe.

TasRail thanks the Perth Tasmania Historical Society, Northern Midlands Council and everyone involved in ensuring this important story, and its enduring safety message, will continue to educate future generations.

 

 

 

![](https://tasrail.com.au/volumes/images/perth2.jpg)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  [  10 Aug 

 ![Tas Rail100826 621](https://tasrail.com.au/volumes/images/_600x400_crop_center-center_none/23824/TasRail100826-621.webp) 

 

 ## Today's children are tomorrow's drivers: Why rail safety is road safety

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  ](https://tasrail.com.au/news/todays-children-are-tomorrows-drivers-why-rail-safety-is-road-safety) 

 [  04 May 

 ![Evx1](https://tasrail.com.au/volumes/images/_600x400_crop_center-center_none/23079/evx1.webp) 

 ## Evandale Rd level crossing - temporary closure

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  ](https://tasrail.com.au/news/evandale-rd-level-crossing-temporary-closure)