The busy pre-holiday shipping season is upon us. This year, adding to the usual flurry of buying and sending, a strike by Canada Post employees has people scrambling and looking for private-sector alternatives.
That means other delivery drivers are likely to be even busier.
Cue the added pressure on delivery drivers—both full-time and ‘gig economy’ workers—who will play an even more critical role than usual in getting packages where they need to be.
As the pace of holiday deliveries ramps up, safety must remain a top priority, especially near railway crossings.
Rail Safety Matters - For All
Canada’s vast railway network spans 42,000 kilometers and there are nearly 25,000 locations where roads and tracks intersect.
In the first half of 2024, incidents at railway crossings increased by 11 per cent compared to the five-year average.
Every year across North America a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours, often with devastating consequences.
“When drivers don’t know and respect important rail safety rules, the chance of incidents resulting in life-limiting injuries and fatalities increase,” explains Chris Day, Interim National Director, Operation Lifesaver Canada (OL Canada).
New Tools to Help Delivery Drivers Stay Safe
OL Canada’s Train to Drive program is designed specifically with delivery and rideshare drivers in mind.
It includes a virtual reality video that simulates real-world scenarios around railway crossings, helping drivers practice making safe choices without real-world risks.
This campaign comes at a crucial time.
With mail and parcel deliveries by Canada Post halted, businesses and consumers are turning to other carriers, including gig drivers.
This shift could lead to heightened workloads and tighter schedules for these drivers, increasing the chances of distracted driving.
Safety Over Speed
Whether delivering holiday gifts, groceries, or a late-night meal, drivers should remember: their lives matter and we want them to get home safe after shift.
When you’re navigating railway crossings, there’s no room for error.
As we gear up for the busiest time of year for deliveries, we’re working to ensure every delivery driver has the tools and knowledge to make it home safely.
You can access Train to Drive and other resources here.
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