Every year, more than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Almost all of these incidents are preventable – but that starts with knowing how to act safely around tracks and trains. Operation Lifesaver (OL), a national not-for-profit dedicated to rail safety, has developed some easy-to-follow tips that will help protect you and your family and friends. You can find more rail safety tips and resources at operationlifesaver.ca and by following OL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
How to Stay Safe Around Railway Tracks & Trains
Stay off the Tracks
Trains are faster than you think. You won’t necessarily hear or feel one coming if you’re walking along the tracks. And by the time you do, it might be too late.
Use Designated Railway Crossings
These are put up to help you cross the tracks safely. When you choose to cross somewhere else you’re putting your life on the line.
Obey All Signs and Signals
There are many railways signs and warning devices, such as lights, bells and gates, to tell you when a train is coming or where and when you should cross. Following their directions will keep you safe.
Stay Alert and Keep Your Distance
The best way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its path. That means paying attention (put your phone down and if you’re wearing headphones leave #OneEarOut!) when you’re near tracks and trains so that you can hear and see the warnings. At crossings, keep a distance of at least 5m from the tracks so that you’re out of harm’s way when a train passes. At stations, stand well behind the platform’s edge or safety line.
Videos
Wheel of Danger
Level Crossing Battle
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| Every year, more than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Virtually all of these incidents are preventable. | Think you can beat a train? A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a train-vehicle collision than in a crash with another motor vehicle. | What weighs tens of thousands of tonnes, travels over100 km/h, and takes 2 km to stop? The average train. It’s no competition. Stay off the tracks and stay safe. | Whether you commute by train or pass through rail crossings in your neighbourhood, remember that rail safety is a shared responsibility. Are you doing your part? |
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| Commuting by bicycle, or using a walker or wheelchair? Your wheels can get stuck in train tracks if you aren’t careful. Remember: only use designated crossings and always cross at a right angle! Find more rail safety tips at OperationLifesaver.ca/resources. | Train tracks and rail equipment might look like good places to play, but they’re dangerous for people big and small. Talk to your kids about rail safety. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca. | Are you looking for an outdoor location to take some photographs? Train tracks may look beautiful, but they’re dangerous. Be rail smart and rail safe. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca. | Trains are faster and quieter than you might expect, that’s why railway crossings are designed to get your attention. Don’t get distracted, look, listen and live. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca. |
Safety Tips
Share safety tips with workers in your community on how to stay safe: