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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 awareness about rail safety. We've put together this Rail Safety Toolkit to make it easy for educators to share rail safety information with their students.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? 

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

How can you help to spread the rail safety message?


TEACH    SHARE    PARTICIPATE    INVITE

1.

TEACH STUDENTS THE RAIL-SAFETY BASICS.


Incorporate these key messages into your lesson plans.

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 railway 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 when you’re near tracks and trains so that you can hear and see the warnings. Put your phone down and if you’re wearing headphones leave #OneEarOut! 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.

SHARE OUR AGE-APPROPRIATE RESOURCES WITH YOUR STUDENTS.


When it comes to rail safety, it’s never too early to start teaching the basics. But how to teach children these rules really depends on their age. Make sure that your students know how to stay safe by using these presentations, brochures and activities in your classroom.

For Kindergarten to Grade 2
For Grades 3 to 5
For Grades 6 to 8
For Teens


Graphic 1 - Train or tracks? Just keep back!

Graphic 2 - Don't use tracks as a shortcut.

Graphic 3 - Don't take photos on the tracks.

Graphic 4 - Railway tracks are not a playground.

Graphic 5 - Do not walk on railway bridges. 


Graphic 6 - Know the signs and signals.

3.

ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR CAMPAIGNS.


Every year, Operation Lifesaver runs nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about rail safety. These campaigns can often be an entry point for initiating rail safety conversations in the classroom. Contact us if you’d like to learn more, and follow us on social media to find out about our upcoming campaigns. 

Upcoming Campaigns
  • Rail Safety Week (September 20-26, 2021)

4.

INVITE OPERATION LIFESAVER TO SPEAK AT YOUR SCHOOL.


Operation Lifesaver delivers hundreds of rail safety presentations to schools across the country each year. Our Rail Safety Ambassadors make this possible. These volunteers provide important rail safety information and are our voice across the country.

Why not invite Operation Lifesaver to present to your school — virtually or in person — and help us spread the rail safety message? It could save lives. Fill out this form to request a presentation.