Authorities have sounded the alarm about a “very disturbing” trend in one state that could lead to potential tragedies.

Shocking new vision has emerged of a “very disturbing” trend in South Australia where impatient pedestrians are gambling with their lives by running into the path of oncoming trains.

The startling scenes have prompted the state’s transport authorities to issue an urgent warning to the public before any of the near misses end in tragedy.

The first clip from 9 News shows a man opening a shut barrier gate before making a desperate sprint across the train tracks.

He barely misses the 140-tonne train that is barrelling towards him.

The second video from Christie Downs in Adelaide’s south shows another man who made a similar last-minute dash when he saw a train coming his way.

He also makes it safely to the other side just seconds before a potential tragedy.

SA Public Transport Authority executive director Scott White said these near misses could have easily ended in death.

“It’s very disturbing,” he told 9 News.

“In some of those videos people come within inches of losing their life and that’s a very traumatic experience for everyone involved.”

Each year in South Australia six train collisions and 110 near misses with pedestrians and other vehicles are recorded.

But Mr White warned the worrying behaviour was on the rise throughout the state.

“More recently what we’re seeing is a 40 per cent increase in near misses across the whole of our network,” he said.

“Wait a minute or two for the train to pass, otherwise you’re risking your life. To me it doesn’t make any sense.”

Less than two weeks ago a 64-year-old cyclist died in hospital from his injuries after he was hit by a train.

The man was crossing the track at North Adelaide Railway Station on June 23 when he was struck.

Mr White said these incidents were not only tragic for those involved but for the workers who had to attend the scene afterwards.

“Having to attend an incident where someone’s been hit by a train, on your way there your stomach goes over,” he said.

“You know it’s going to be really tough and challenging and something that's going to stick with you forever.”

Tram and train commuters will notice an increase of police presence at railway stations as Rail Safety Week was launched across the country on Monday.

This year’s theme is “Stand back. Look up. Stay Rail Safe”.

The rail network reported 19 collisions in the past financial year according to data released by SA Police.

Seven of the incidents involved a train and 12 involved a tram. Three of the collisions resulted in serious injuries.

The metropolitan area reported 13 collisions while six occurred in regional South Australia.

Police said all 19 collisions could have been prevented.

The increased police presence, which focuses on pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety, will occur at railway stations and pedestrian crossings across Adelaide.

SA Police inspector Julian Coram said officers would watch for dangerous behaviour around rail networks.

“Members of the public should not feel alarmed seeing an increase presence of police and PSOs around rail networks and pedestrian crossings during Rail Safety Week,” he said.

“Crossing train or tram tracks against warning signals or in a dangerous manner only puts you and others including motorists at significant risk of serious injury or worse.

“Should any member of the public need assistance during Rail Safety Week, please do not hesitate to speak to a police officer or a PSO.”

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