Get out and enjoy summer—but stay away from tracks and trains

July 11, 2018

Summer is short, so make the most of it by getting out and exploring Canada’s great outdoors. But regardless of how you decide to enjoy the summer weather, Operation Lifesaver and Canadian Pacific (CP) want to remind you to have “RailSense” and stay clear of trains and tracks.

"Railway tracks are not an extension of a public pathway, nor are they a safe or legal shortcut," says Ken Marchant, CP Chief of Police and member of the board of directors for Operation Lifesaver. "Rail safety requires ongoing vigilance every minute of every day. Each year both crossing accidents and trespassing result in serious injuries and all too often loss of life. By working together we can make a difference when we use RailSense."

Last summer, 14 Canadians were seriously injured and 25 lost their lives as the results of unsafe behavior around trains and tracks. Every one of these incidents could have be prevented by following the rail safety rules.
"Whether you're out walking, biking, skateboarding or riding an ATV this summer, be sure to exercise RailSense," says Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver. "That means staying well away from tracks and trains, and remembering to Look. Listen. Live. at designated railway crossings."

So, follow these simple rules—and make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons:

Don't bike or walk on or along railway tracks
Don't use railway tracks or the adjoining right-of-way as an ATV path
Never walk on—or jump off of—railway bridges
Don’t go around lowered railway crossing arms
Keep your dog on leash at all times around railway property
Only cross tracks at designated crossings

Share these and other rail safety tips with someone you love—it could save a life.