A look back at 2018: Rail-related crossing and trespassing incidents are up

2018 was not a good year for railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada. From January to December 2018 there were 236 railway incidents nationwide. Fifty-three Canadians needlessly lost their lives—another 72 were seriously injured.
 
Once again, Ontario had the greatest number of incidents. There were 74 in the province. That’s up from 62 the year before. Alberta reported 45 incidents, Quebec 36, British Columbia 34, Saskatchewan 23 and Manitoba 18. The fewest number were in the Atlantic provinces; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick both reported three incidents and Newfoundland had none.  
 
On a positive note: while the overall number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents increased in 2018, the actual number of fatalities went down. Fifty-three people died in these types of incidents last year, compared to 72 the year before.
 
Remember, no matter where you live in Canada, if there are train tracks, get to know the rail safety basics. It could save your life.
 
Don’t be a statistic in 2019: Look. Listen. Live.