Home Initiatives Rail Safety in your Community Municipal Toolkit

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Operation Lifesaver is funded by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, and works with the rail industry, governments, law enforcement, labour groups, the media, and other partners to raise awarenes about rail safety. We've put together this Rail Safety Toolkit to make it easy for municipalities to share rail safety information with their residents.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? 

Every year, more than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Almost all of these incidents are preventable. Railways play an important role in our society by transporting both people and goods. But as more rail lines are built across Canada, we need to work together to ensure that residents know how to keep themselves safe around tracks and trains. 

Four ways that you can help communities stay rail-safe.


SHARE    INFORM    PARTNER    PARTICIPATE

1.

SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT RAIL SAFETY WITH RESIDENTS.


Share rail-safety graphics and posts on social media, and include rail safety information on your municipal website - we've produced videos and written something just for you down below!

Every year, more than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Almost all of these incidents are preventable – but that starts with knowing how to act safely around tracks and trains. Operation Lifesaver (OL), a national not-for-profit dedicated to rail safety, has developed some easy-to-follow tips that will help protect you and your family and friends. You can find more rail safety tips and resources at operationlifesaver.ca and by following OL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

How to Stay Safe Around Railway Tracks & Trains

Trains are faster than you think. You won't necessarily hear or feel one coming if you're walking along the tracks. And by the time you do, it might be too late.
These are put up to help you cross the tracks safely. When you choose to cross somewhere else you’re putting your life on the line.
There are many railways signs and warning devices, such as lights, bells and gates, to tell you when a train is coming or where and when you should cross. Following their directions will keep you safe.
The best way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its path. That means paying attention (put your phone down and if you’re wearing headphones leave #OneEarOut!) when you’re near tracks and trains so that you can hear and see the warnings. At crossings, keep a distance of at least 5m from the tracks so that you’re out of harm’s way when a train passes. At stations, stand well behind the platform’s edge or safety line.

2.

INFORM EMERGENCY RESPONDERS AND MUNICIPAL WORKERS ABOUT HOW TO STAY SAFE.


Make sure that workers in your community know how to stay safe by sharing these brochures. 

3.

TAKE PART IN OUR LOOK. LISTEN. LIVE. COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.


This free program reminds pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to stay alert around tracks and trains by installing rail safety decals at key croissings in communities. All you have to do to get started is contact us!

4.

PARTICIPATE IN OUR CAMPAIGNS!


Every year we run nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about rail safety, and we're always looking for municipalities to share our message and co-host events. Follow us on social media and contact us if you would like to learn more. 

Upcoming Campaigns
These eye-catching videos can be played with or without sound to promote rail safety to your residents. Download and post them on your website, share them on social media, or play them on screens in municipal buildings.


Video 1 - Wheel of Danger

Video 2 - Level Crossing Battle

GRAPHICS & POSTS FOR MUNICIPAL USE


Every year, more than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Virtually all of these incidents are preventable.

Think you can beat a train? A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a train-vehicle collision than in a crash with another motor vehicle. 

What weighs tens of thousands of tonnes, travels over100 km/h, and takes 2 km to stop? The average train. It’s no competition. Stay off the tracks and stay safe.

Whether you commute by train or pass through rail crossings in your neighbourhood, remember that rail safety is a shared responsibility. Are you doing your part?


Commuting by bicycle, or using a walker or wheelchair? Your wheels can get stuck in train tracks if you aren’t careful. Remember: only use designated crossings and always cross at a right angle! Find more rail safety tips at OperationLifesaver.ca/resources.

Train tracks and rail equipment might look like good places to play, but they’re dangerous for people big and small. Talk to your kids about rail safety. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca.

Are you looking for an outdoor location to take some photographs? Train tracks may look beautiful, but they’re dangerous. Be rail smart and rail safe. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca.

Trains are faster and quieter than you might expect, that’s why railway crossings are designed to get your attention. Don’t get distracted, look, listen and live. Learn more at OperationLifesaver.ca.