Be rail safe this Thanksgiving long weekend
When sitting down with your family this upcoming long weekend, ready to indulge and give thanks, think about those who might not be celebrating with all of their loved ones.
As many of us already know, holidays are not only a time of celebration, but also serve as reminders that now more than ever, you have to be extra cautious travelling on the roads and near railway properties.
Anything can happen – celebrations can turn into tragedies in the blink of an eye.
Giving thanks and saving lives
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, of course, but also reflecting on what matters to us. This long weekend, take some time to read the firsthand stories of families who have been affected by railway related personal tragedy. The families of
Nick,
Ty and
Andrew, will be celebrating another Thanksgiving without them. Now is a time to be thankful that you have the ability to save the lives of your loved ones – simply by teaching them what it takes to stay alive around the tracks.
You can start by:
Making rail safety part of the holiday conversation
While sitting around the dinner table or on the couch as the turkey comas settle in, strike up a conversation about rail safety with the family and gauge their knowledge.
- You can start by bringing out your iPad or laptop and opening the Operation Lifesaver Train Safety FAQ page to kickstart the conversation.
- Next, encourage your family members, especially those who have a valid driver’s license, to take the Train Safety Quiz. It’s a great indicator of how much one knows, and where you could improve.
- If you have younger children, encourage them to become familiar with olkids.ca. It's a great website that is kid-friendly when teaching and talking about rail safety.
No matter how old we are, refreshing our rail safety skills is something that is never-ending. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or caregiver, rail safety is an ongoing life lesson.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving this long weekend, and remember to always:
Look, Listen & Live.