These days, getting a ride where you need to go or ordering food and having it delivered right to your door is just a click away. And more and more people are making a little extra cash by driving people or delivering goods.
In fact, according to the most recent Statistics Canada data, 79,000 Canadians provided taxi or rideshare services through an app or digital platform in 2021, while more than 200,000 had delivered food or other goods.
At Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada, we want to ensure these gig workers aren’t putting their lives in danger while on the job.
Providing critical training to gig workers
Although most professional drivers get the training they need to ensure their safety around tracks and trains, gig workers generally don’t receive the same in-depth education. And that can lead to tragedy.
“Gig economy workers often spend many hours on the road, sometimes after long days at other jobs. And some don’t get any formal training regarding railways signs and signals or rail safety,” explains Chris Day, Interim National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “When drivers don’t know important rail safety rules, the chances of incidents resulting in life-limiting injuries and fatalities increase.”
That’s why OL created a new
Train to Drive page specifically for rideshare and food delivery drivers. A virtual reality video allows these drivers to make choices in real time around virtual railway tracks and trains—without putting their own safety at risk.
Learning the rail safety rules
There’s no question that driving these days comes with a lot of distractions. And if you’re doing it for a living, it can be even more of a challenge. So, it’s critical that rideshare or food delivery drivers know—and follow—some key rules to stay safe around railway tracks, including:
- Not texting or talking on a cellphone.
- Not eating or drinking while driving.
- Never driving around lowered gates. If railway gates are down and lights and bells are on, a train is coming. Stop and wait until tracks are clear in both directions.
- Always looking and listening for trains when approaching tracks, and slowing down to be able to stop safely, if necessary.
- Getting out of the vehicle immediately if it gets stuck on tracks. Then look for the blue sign and call the number on the back or call 9-1-1. And stand well back from the crossing.
Our
signs and devices quiz is another good place to learn how to stay safe around tracks and trains.
Working together to keep drivers safe
If your organization or business hires delivery drivers or has a fleet, get in touch with us. One of OL’s
Rail Safety Ambassadors may be able to provide in-person training to help keep your team of drivers rail-safe.
Let’s work together to improve rail safety across Canada by helping those around us drive safer. Because there’s no ‘Undo’ button when it comes to a vehicle versus a train—and there’s no room for error around tracks and railways.