Council Proclaims September 23 to 29 as Rail Safety Week

During the August 27 council meeting, the County of Northern Lights council proclaimed September 23 to 29 as 'Rail Safety Week' in the County. 

In 2023, 229 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada, resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 39 avoidable serious injuries. 

Here are 10 rail safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Make sure you go over these tips with your loved ones and children!

1. SPEED MISPERCEPTION: Because of their size, trains appear to be much further away and traveling much slower than their actual speed. Don’t be fooled!
2. TRAINS CAN’T STOP QUICKLY: The average train needs at least 2 km (1.25 miles) to stop. Trains can stop, but they can’t stop quickly!
3. TRESPASSING: Taking a shortcut across the tracks or being on railway property is illegal and trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
4. WEIGHT RATIO:  An average freight train weighs over 5,500 tonnes (12 million lbs). Compare that to a car, which weighs about 1.5 tonne (3,000 lbs). A train hitting a car is like a car hitting a pop can.
5. RAILWAY CARS: Stopped railway cars can move at any time. If you’re on one or near one when it moves, you could lose a limb or worse, your life.
6. TUNNELS AND BRIDGES: Tunnels, bridges, and trestles are only designed for trains. Trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
7. OVERHANG: Trains can carry loads that are wider than the railroad cars themselves. They can have chains, straps, or other equipment that may extend outside the car. If you are standing too close, you could get hit.
8. ANY TIME IS TRAIN TIME: Trains do not always run on a schedule. They can run at any time,
   on any track and come from either direction.
9. CN POLICE NUMBER: Together we can help save lives! If you witness any unsafe situation near the railroad, please call 1‑800‑465‑9239. Phone line open 24-7.
10. SAFETY INFO AND PLEDGE: Get more rail safety info and take the safety pledge at www.cn.ca/railsafety