Railway trespassing fatalities double in May

May was another tragic month on Canada’s railway tracks. Four Canadians were killed while trespassing on tracks—twice as many incidents as occurred in May the year before—and two others were seriously injured.
 
Whether you’re walking, jogging, cycling, or hiking, please be cautious, especially when your outing takes you near railway tracks. Always ensure that you are “rail safe” by following these simple rules:
 
  • Stay off railway tracks, trestles, yards, and equipment. You could be seriously injured or killed by trespassing on railway property.
  • Only use designated railway crossings. Never take a shortcut across tracks—saving time isn’t worth your life. 
  • Never cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. Look for other oncoming trains before crossing. Trains can come from either direction and on any track. Wait until you can see clearly in both directions before crossing.
  • Keep your distance. Trains can overhang tracks by at least 1 metre on each side and carry loads that extend even further. If you're next to the tracks, you could be hit.
  • Keep one ear out near railway crossings. If you’re wearing headphones on both ears, you won’t hear a train coming.
  • Never assume a rail line is abandoned. Tracks can be deactivated and reactivated, so a train could appear on once-quiet tracks at any time.

Share these tips and OL’s other rail-safety resources with the people you love—and help us to #STOPTrackTragedies.