A Victorian coroner has issued an urgent plea for safety improvements at a notorious Geelong level crossing, declaring the site where truck driver John Stubbs tragically died requires immediate attention to prevent further loss of life.
The coroner's investigation into the 2019 incident revealed systemic safety failures at the Boundary Road crossing in North Geelong, where the 57-year-old truck driver's vehicle became stuck on railway tracks before being struck by an oncoming V/Line passenger service.
Systemic Failures Exposed
Evidence presented during the inquest highlighted multiple concerning factors that contributed to the tragedy:
- Inadequate drainage and poor road surface conditions causing vehicles to become trapped
- Insufficient warning systems and safety measures at the crossing
- Previous near-miss incidents that failed to trigger necessary safety upgrades
- Delayed response to known safety concerns at the location
Family's Heartbreaking Loss
John Stubbs, remembered as an experienced and cautious driver, was described by family members as someone who took road safety seriously. His untimely death has left a void in his community and raised serious questions about the adequacy of level crossing protections across regional Victoria.
"He was the sort of driver who always put safety first," one family member told the investigation. "This should never have happened to someone with his experience and care on the roads."
Urgent Safety Recommendations
The coroner's report includes several critical recommendations for immediate implementation:
- Installation of improved drainage systems to prevent water pooling
- Upgraded road surface materials to reduce the risk of vehicles becoming stuck
- Enhanced warning signs and advanced notification systems for drivers
- Regular safety audits of similar level crossings across the state
Transport authorities have been given a strict timeline to implement these safety measures, with the coroner emphasizing that every day without action puts more lives at risk.
Broader Implications for Regional Safety
This case has sparked wider concerns about the safety of level crossings throughout regional Australia. Many similar crossings lack the sophisticated safety systems found in metropolitan areas, creating potentially deadly scenarios for both motorists and rail passengers.
The coroner's findings serve as a stark reminder that infrastructure maintenance and safety upgrades cannot be delayed when human lives are at stake.
