Mr Lewer said the number of near-misses he'd seen in his 43 years on the job were "countless". He's also experienced two collisions.
"When you have a near-hit, you get a fright and you can get a little bit angry."
The situation was different in an actual collision, he said.
"Once the actual shock is over, you think that's a mother or a father or a son who's not going home."
Mr Lewer said he had seen colleagues leave the job after their locomotives collided with vehicles or pedestrians.
"They're not the sort of things you forget.
"In the locomotive you're basically a bystander but you're also a first responder.
"Your brain's telling you to walk fast, but your heart's telling you to walk slow."
The collision statistics have been released by KiwiRail as part of Rail Safety Week, which runs until Friday.
Across New Zealand, vehicle collisions have decreased since 1993 with safety improvements made to level crossings but pedestrian collisions have increased.
This is due to various factors including population growth and the increasing use of smartphones and headphones, according to KiwiRail.
"I cringe when I see people walking even near the tracks with headphones on," Mr Lewer said.
One of the key messages of Rail Safety Week, run by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE, is "remove your headphones, remove your risk."
Population growth, increased frequency of trains and more subdivisions near the rail corridor were also listed as reasons behind the increase in collisions.
The Bay of Plenty has 86 level crossings, more than half of which have flashing lights, bells and/or barriers.
Three pedestrians have been killed in train collisions in the region since 2007 but there have also been eight near-collisions.
There were eight pedestrians hit by trains last year throughout the country, and 91 near misses - up from just three in 2006.
"The good thing is, in the company we have huge support from each other, but if we can stop it that's even better," Mr Lewer said.
KiwiRail is urging people to be alert around the rail network following a rise in incidents involving pedestrians wearing headphones.
KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ are putting the spotlight on pedestrian safety for this year's Rail Safety Week on August 14-20.
Rail Safety Week is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness of safe behaviour around railway tracks.
In 2010, there were 15 near misses reported between pedestrians and trains at level crossings throughout the country. Last year, this increased to 94, and so far this year there have already been 68 near misses reported.
Although this rise can be partly attributed to an increased focus in KiwiRail over the last year on reporting near misses, the numbers also reflect a global trend of a rise in rail incidents involving pedestrians.
KiwiRail asset management and investment general manager David Gordon said an increase in people using technology is causing distraction around railways tracks.
"There has been a number of incidents recently where headphones have been found to be the cause.
"These are incredibly traumatic events which impact on the victim's friends and family as well as on their local community, and on our people.
"We are urging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and take care around railway crossings," Mr Gordon said.
TrackSAFE NZ's foundation manager Megan Drayton said three deaths at level crossings in the past 18 months reportedly involved the use of headphones.
"People are often on autopilot when they are familiar with an environment and do not remember to look up from their phones or remove their headphones when they approach a level crossing.
"Other factors are also feeding into this - growing populations, more train services and faster and quieter trains, particularly in Auckland and Wellington," she said.
A long-term programme is underway to upgrade level crossings throughout the country, and KiwiRail is also working on a number of initiatives with the NZTA to make level crossings safer.
These include trialling a new warning system which sees flashing LED lights installed in the footpath near crossings.
The lights, which are being trialled in Rangiora, Porirua and Palmerston North, are designed to alert pedestrians who are wearing headphones or carrying mobile devices that a train is approaching.
Other measures being trialled include solar powered warning signs, and signals that activate early when an over-length vehicle is approaching a crossing.
Safety advice for pedestrians:
•Every time you're near railway tracks, be alert. Trains can come at any time, from either direction.
•Only cross at formed pedestrian crossings or an overpass or underpass.
•Remove your headphones, stop and always look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.
•Only cross if you are sure there are no trains in sight.
•Obey the warning signs at the crossing - if lights are flashing or bells are ringing it means a train is approaching.
•If a train has passed or is stationary at a station, always check both ways again to make sure another train is not coming. Two tracks might mean there is a second train.
For further information on Rail Safety Week please see www.tracksafe.co.nz
Key safety messages for pedestrians
- Every time you're near railway tracks, be alert. Trains can come at any time, from either direction.
- Only cross at formed pedestrian crossings or an overpass or underpass.
- Remove your headphones, stop and always look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.
- Only cross if you are sure there are no trains in sight.
- Obey the warning signs at the crossing - if lights are flashing or bells are ringing it means a train is approaching.
- If a train has passed or is stationary at a station, always check both ways again to make sure another train is not coming. Two tracks might mean there is a second train.
Key safety messages for motorists
- Take extreme care when driving over a railway level crossing.
- Obey the warning signs and look carefully in both directions for trains.
- Listen, be aware and pay careful attention to your surroundings.
- Always ensure there is space on the other side of the crossing for your vehicle.
