Rail Safety Week 2024: Educating Communities to Prevent Tragedies

RSW24 THEME: There is no ‘Undo’ button.

This week, we celebrate Rail Safety Week, an important initiative led by Operation Lifesaver aimed at raising awareness about the hazards associated with railway tracks and trains. As we continue to see incidents of trespassing and accidents at crossings, this campaign serves to educate the public and help prevent tragic events.

Alarming Statistics

Recent statistics reveal a troubling reality: around 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year due to unsafe behaviors near railway tracks. This statistic highlights the urgent need for education and awareness regarding rail safety.

So far in 2024 (January-June), an average of 10 Canadians per month have been seriously hurt or killed at crossings, or by trespassing onto federally regulated railways. That’s a 33% increase over the five-year historical average. 

Operation Lifesaver’s Mission

Operation Lifesaver is a national public rail-safety program dedicated to reducing these preventable tragedies. Supported by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, the organization works diligently to inform Canadians about the dangers associated with rail properties and trains.

Key Safety Messages

Railway safety experts emphasize several key points:

• Always expect a train, as schedules can be unpredictable.
• Never trespass on railway tracks; it is both illegal and extremely dangerous.
• Trains require significant distances to stop, often more than 2 kilometers when traveling at 90 km/h.
• Only cross tracks at designated crossings, adhering to all warning signs and signals.

Industry Collaboration

Major railway companies, including CN Rail, are collaborating with Operation Lifesaver to enhance safety awareness. Chris Day, Interim National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada, emphasizes that “rail safety is a shared responsibility” and encourages everyone to contribute to the goal of “getting to zero” incidents.

Looking Ahead

As Rail Safety Week progresses, the message remains clear: vigilance and education are essential in preventing accidents. By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, Operation Lifesaver and its partners aim to significantly decrease rail-related accidents and save lives across North America.