Wishing you a happy and rail-safe holiday season
It’s the time of year when many Canadians are getting back into winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and snowmobiling. But if you’re heading out on the trails, remember to stay clear of railway tracks.
Blowing snow, fog, and sleet can reduce visibility, making railway tracks—and trains—difficult to see. Helmets, tuques, and other winter gear can also muffle the sounds of approaching trains. Even engaging in winter activities beside railway tracks poses a danger. That’s why Operation Lifesaver (OL) is launching a new campaign to remind Canadians to make their winter recreation rail-safe this year—and every year.
2021 has been a big year for Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada. We celebrated our 40th anniversary, launched our new Today is Better suicide prevention campaign, and held yet another successful Rail Safety Week—just to name a few highlights.
But we couldn’t have done it alone. We depend on our Rail Safety Ambassadors to share our rail safety message with Canadians of all ages. So, we want to take this opportunity to thank them for all of their hard work in helping us to reduce the number of railway trespassing and crossing incidents across the country.
Saving lives is a team effort—so get on board
OL also wants to remind Canadians that we all have a part to play when it comes to preventing rail tragedies. Help us to make this holiday season a safe and happy one by learning—and living by—these simple rules:
Obey All Railway Signs and Signals: Warning signals and signs are there for a reason—to save lives. So, obey them!
Stay Off the Tracks: Never walk, cycle, or drive your recreational vehicle on or beside railway tracks. Tracks, yards, tunnels, bridges, and equipment are all private property. If you’re caught trespassing on them, you could be fined up to $50,000—or worse, you could lose a limb or your life.
Only Use Designated Railway Crossings: Trying to cross tracks anywhere else could be deadly.
Never Try to Beat a Train: Trains are much faster than you think. They’re also unable to stop quickly or to swerve to avoid hitting you.
Never Go Around a Lowered Crossing Gate: An activated gate means a train is coming—so keep clear.
Please follow these rules to ensure you have a happy, healthy and “rail safe” holiday season. And let’s make 2022 a year that is memorable for all the right reasons.
The OL Canada Team