Rail crossing and trespassing incidents double year-over-year in May

Summer is finally here. That means Canadians are out walking, cycling, running, and hiking more. People are also heading off on summer road trips—if they can stomach the price of gas! And though it’s great to see people finally getting out more, Operation Lifesaver wants to remind Canadians of all ages of the need to exercise caution when their outings take them near or across railway tracks. Because if people don’t, it can have tragic consequences.
 
Last month is a perfect example. In May, two people lost their lives in crossing incidents and three others were killed trespassing on tracks or railway property. That’s double the number of rail crossing and trespassing incidents from May 2021. The saddest part is that these deaths could have been prevented—if people followed some simple rail safety rules.
 
Every Canadian has a part to play in rail safety
 
Operation Lifesaver’s goal is to eliminate all rail crossing and trespassing incidents through education and public awareness campaigns like #STOPTrackTragedies and Train to Drive, and through initiatives like Rail Safety Week (to be held this year from September 19^th to 25^th).
 
But we are a small organization, and we need the help of Canadians across the country to prevent rail tragedies. So, no matter where you live, get to know the rail safety basics. If we all do our part, we can get these numbers down to zero—because even one death is too many.