The numbers are startling. Just last year, 73 Canadians died or were seriously injured trespassing on railway tracks or property. So far in 2024, trespassing incidents have already spiked by 57 percent, compared to the five-year average.
Behind these numbers are real people’s lives—and every rail-related incident is a tragedy. What is particularly heartbreaking is that many of the victims are young people who have their whole lives in front of them. Lives that are forever changed, in an instant.
The question is: Why are so many Canadians getting seriously injured—or even killed—while trespassing on railway tracks?
Although we don’t have all the answers, we do have some clues.
Too many risks being taken
The recent spike in trespassing incidents can’t be attributed to just one thing. It’s more complicated than that. But Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada has heard from railway operators and police across the country that one of the biggest issues behind the recent spike is that young people are taking too many risks on railway property they shouldn’t be on in the first place. While some risk-taking might be considered by some just a normal part of adolescence, when it comes to tracks and trains these risky behaviours often have deadly results.
One of the more worrying trends we are seeing is the number of “train surfing” incidents, including a couple of recent high-profile ones in the Greater Toronto Area. Train surfing is when a person rides on top of a moving train. These incidents are often filmed and then shared on social media, all in the hopes of getting clicks and likes.
Just this past April, a 15-year-old boy was critically injured when he fell off the roof of a moving commuter train in. He was one of three young people who had climbed on top of the train—all for a thrill. But no photo or video is worth dying for nor suffering a life-altering injury.
More people camping out near tracks
The current spike in trespassing incidents is also tied to Canada’s affordable housing crisis. The double whammy of escalating real estate prices and steep inflation has led to a shocking increase in homelessness. Many of those without access to stable housing are vulnerable Canadians such as those with mental health and substance abuse issues.
As a result, there is a record number of encampments popping up across the country. Several of these are along railway lines, putting already vulnerable people at even higher risk, and in close proximity to danger.
When you’re living next to tracks, all it takes is one second of distraction, or one stumble, for a tragedy to happen. That’s why we’re reminding people during
Rail Safety Week 2024 that there’s no ‘Undo’ button and no room for error around tracks and trains.
A sign of Canada’s mental health crisis
Canada is also facing a mental health crisis. According to the recent Statistics Canada mental health survey, the number of Canadians with depression symptoms has climbed by more than 60 percent since 2012, and those with anxiety disorders has more than doubled.
So far this year, an average of seven Canadians a month have been killed or seriously injured by trains while trespassing on a federally regulated railway tracks. That’s a 62 percent increase over the five-year average. Although it’s hard to get exact figures on how many of these incidents are suicides, there’s no question that many of these incidents are intentional.
Preventing rail suicides and reducing trespassing incidents on tracks requires reaching folks where they are, with effective, proactive outreach and communications campaigns. Our
#TodayIsBetter campaign is one example of just that. It includes 11 poignant stories that show the benefits of reaching out for help, as told by survivors themselves. Their stories are proof that no matter how dark things seem, there is hope in reaching out and seeking help.
Through our social media channels, we also encourage anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide to reach out and call 9-8-8. It’s a toll-free line that’s available anytime day or night.
Being part of the solution
OL’s mission is to save lives by putting an end to all rail tragedies. But how do we do we go about doing this? Through education, outreach, and awareness-raising.
For instance, through our #STOPTrackTragedies campaign we document the devasting and heartbreaking consequences of taking risks around tracks. The heart-wrenching videos highlight the lasting impacts incidents have—not just on the victims and their families, but also on railroaders, first responders, and entire communities.
As part of Rail Safety Week 2024, we released two new #STOPTrackTragedies videos, one of which shows what can happen when young people trespass on tracks. It tells the story of 15-year-old
Tanner Sabila-Azzopardia, who was struck by a train and killed while hanging out with a group of friends on tracks. The video features Tanner’s mother and sister, who reflect on the devastation of their loss and urge others to avoid making the same mistakes. Tanner’s story, and his family’s pain, is a heartbreaking reminder of the deadly consequences trespassing can have.
Stories like Tanner’s are hard to hear, but we share them in the hope of saving lives. So, please, watch our #STOPTrackTragedies videos, share them with your friends and family, and post them on your social networks.
Because we all have a role to play when it comes to rail safety.