Global Collaboration, Canadian Commitment to ‘Get to Zero’ Rail Crossing and Trespassing Incidents
June 3, 2025, Ottawa, ON — Every year, in Canada and around the world, far too many lives are needlessly lost or forever changed because of unsafe behaviour around railway property.
Whether it’s ignoring signals at a level crossing or trespassing on tracks and railway property, hundreds of Canadians have been injured or killed in recent years. Operation Lifesaver Canada – along with our domestic and international partners – want to do our part to get to zero. That’s why Operation Lifesaver Canada is proud to support two important international initiatives this month: the 4th annual International Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD) on June 4, and the 17th edition of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on June 5. Led by the International Union of Railways (UIC), these campaigns bring together countries, rail companies, and safety advocates from around the world to raise awareness and prevent railway-related tragedies. This year’s theme of “Safe decisions – every time” highlights the importance of personal responsibility and making the right choices around tracks and trains.
“Whether it’s a shortcut across the tracks or trying to beat a train at a crossing, these are decisions that can have lasting, even deadly, consequences,” says Chris Day, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “These international days of action remind us that rail safety is a shared responsibility. That collaboration at home and abroad is key to making a difference.” Each year, nearly 50 countries participate in ILCAD and TRESPAD, sharing best practices and launching national campaigns to combat risky behaviour. The 2025 launch events are being held in York, United Kingdom.
“These global safety campaigns aim to raise awareness, encourage behavioural change, and ultimately save lives,” says Day. “Risk assessments, technical innovation, education and enforcement are all part of the mix of collective actions that will get results. With everyone doing their part, we can get to zero (rail-related incidents, deaths, and injuries). But we still have work to do.”
According to UIC’s safety data, level crossing users accounted for 94% of the nearly 10 rail-related victims per week reported in 2023 across 33 countries. Most of these incidents were avoidable. In Canada, too, the majority of railway incidents are caused by people making risky decisions—decisions that can be prevented through education and outreach. Operation Lifesaver Canada will continue to promote public education, community partnerships, and industry collaboration to stop these incidents before they happen. Through programs like Look. Listen. Live., and campaigns like #STOPTrackTragedies, Operation Lifesaver is committed to reducing railway trespassing and crossing collisions to zero.
To learn more about how you can stay safe around railway property or to access our suite of safety resources, visit our newly redesigned website www.operationlifesaver.ca. Get the resources. Have the conversations with the people you love. You could help save a life.
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Media Contacts:
Chris Day
National Director, Operation Lifesaver Canada
admin@operationlifesaver.ca
Isabelle Fonverne
Senior Advisor, Safety and Interoperability, UIC
fonverne@uic.org
