Aussie truckie testifies in crash which killed 11

BENDIGO - The driver of a truck which collided with a train at a level crossing, killing 11 people, including New Zealander Nick Parker, said he did not see the crossing warning lights flash.

Christian Scholl, 50, of Wangaratta, told his Victorian Supreme Court trial he believed it was safe to go through the crossing, north of Kerang, which he had crossed about 250 times.

Scholl said it was a bright, sunny day on June 5, 2007, and as he approached the crossing he noticed the crossing's lights weren't on.

"I considered it was safe to proceed because the lights were not flashing," he said.

He said he came around the bend doing the speed limit of 100km/h and noticed traffic on the opposite side of the crossing had slowed.

At this point he was 100 metres from the crossing and he saw the train approach.

He stood on his brakes and steered to the left in an effort to avoid the train.

Scholl is facing 19 charges including 11 of culpable driving causing death.

The trial continues.

- AAP