Railway warning signs and signals save lives

Every day, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians put their lives at risk by not obeying railway warning signs and signals. But signals and warnings at railway crossings are there for a reason—to prevent tragedies from happening.
 
In February 2018, a 39-year-old jogger in Windsor, Ont., was killed when he ignored flashing lights at a railway crossing and went around a lowered safety arm. Witnesses say he climbed through two stopped railway cars. When he emerged from between the cars, he was struck by a passing train on a second track and killed instantly. It is believed that he was wearing headphones and may not have heard the approaching train.

In November 2013, 17-year-old Michael Newnham’s life came to a tragic end when he was hit by a commuter train just minutes from his home in Mississauga, Ont. He had ducked under the crossing gates, thinking he could beat the train. Michael’s story is featured in a video that is part of Operation Lifesaver’s #STOPTrackTragedies campaign.

Don’t Risk Your Life to Save a Few Minutes

Whether you’re rushing home after work, trying to make it to school on time, or just wanting to get where you’re going a little more quickly, saving a few minutes by disobeying railway warnings isn’t worth risking your life.

Follow these safety rules, to make sure you stay safe:
 

• Always be prepared to stop at a level crossing
• Never go around a railway barrier when it is lowered
• Obey all the warning signs and signals, whether they are lights, barriers or alarms
• Do not proceed through a crossing until all the warning signals stop
• Check both directions before proceeding through a crossing

 
Don’t be a railway incident statistic. Take the time. It’s worth it—and it could save your life.