Don’t fall victim to carelessness at a highway-railway crossing

Did you know 4,000 fatalities and injuries will happen around the world today alone due to road accidents? 

Shocking, right? It’s not only a good time to acknowledge this staggering statistic, but also to review just how you could play a part in reducing this number.  Making rail safe behaviours a priority when you drive is a good place to start.

Ask yourself:

  • How much do you know about the rules of the road, especially when approaching a rail crossing?
  • How much do your kids or your friends know about rail safety?

It’s national road victim month in the U.K. and a reminder for Canadians to also remember those that have been lost.

To date there have been 101 rail-crossing accidents in Canada, and the inevitable question is Why?, especially since they could have so easily been prevented.

It’s a good time to review our own skill-set behind the wheel, and acknowledge our actions when we approach highway-railway crossings:

As we get older, we tend to forget and become complacent when acknowledging the general rules of the road, especially when it comes to rail safety. We feel that years of experience give us the right to do so. But we’re wrong—straight up.

Think about it this way: while we are diligent in staying on top of our vehicle’s regular maintenance so that it runs properly, we should also apply that same diligence to operating our vehicles safely, and knowing all the rules of the road—especially as they apply to rail safety.

Because when a train and a car collide, it’s not just the victims who lose - it’s the train crew, first responders and the family who are left to pick up the pieces. Literally.

World Remembrance Road Victim Day is November 17, 2013.