Rail safety in Canada remains a persistent issue, with more than 800 train-related accidents in 2025, according to the Transportation Safety Board. While that number is down from previous years, the 71 fatalities are above the 10-year average of 64.

Bringing those numbers down is why Operation Lifesaver Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and other partners help organize the annual Rail Safety week, which finished on Sept. 27.

This year’s campaign “There’s No Undo Button” stressed the importance of awareness that people need to have year round to ensure the safety of themselves and others.   

“Once the tragedy takes place, you can’t undo that,” said Const. Moh Jackson with the CPKC Police.

Operation Lifesaver Canada and partners are working year round, and especially for Railway Safety Week, giving Canadians tools to remain safe around railways. PHOTO: OPERATION LIFESAVER FACEBOOK.

Trains wait for no one and the risk is high

So, how do you stay safe around the rails? Operation Lifesaver offers the following tips:

  • Never ride or walk along railways because you cannot determine how fast or far away an oncoming train is. 
  • There is not only a $50,000 fine for trespassing on railway property, but also a huge risk to your life, especially within railway tunnels. 
  • Use designated railway crossings as trains do not always run on a set schedule. 
  • If the lights begin flashing red, the bell is ringing, and the gate is moving down, obey the railway crossing signals and stop behind the designated line, behind the gate or five meters from the rail. 
  • Like always when driving, don’t text or wear headphones as they can distract you from an oncoming train. 
  • Standing too close to the tracks when a train passes runs the risk of being hit by chains or straps hanging loose, or being hit by the cars themselves as they can overhang the track by one meter. 

Additionally, it outlines that entering railway property or simply being on the tracks is an unpredictable risk, as you can’t know when a train is  coming, from what what direction, or how fast it is moving.

The report adds that trains cannot stop quickly due to their size and weight, similar to a semi-truck on the road ways, adding to the risk factors of being on or close to the tracks.

The CPKC are working hard for this year’s Railway Safety Week by spreading the word and giving reminders to communities. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY: MOH JACKSON

Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to train safety

CPKC Const. Jackson did her part by visiting schools to spread awareness, creating partnerships with police agencies in areas she patrolled, participated in radio and print interviews, and visited first responders.

“It’s not only important for the layperson to know about train safety and track safety,” said Jackson. “But also, the first responder agencies who are going to be responding to these potential emergencies, and giving them the tools to keep them safe as well, because unfortunately, you know, the train kind of always wins.”

Jackson said she had visited a family whose child had an incident with the train tracks. She explained she sat down with them not only to check in, but to educate them on how to stay safe in the future around the tracks.

The need to be vigilant year round

Going forward, Jackson said the CPKC Police will continue to reinforce safety habits, spreading the word every day.

“We’d much rather have a conversation with someone before an incident occurs, and we have to respond and be reactive,” said Jackson. “Education is a huge piece too, like, we don’t want to go out and have to ticket or arrest people.”

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