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Rail Safety Week encourages awareness near rail roads and crossings

Whitecourt, AB, Canada / XM 105
Sep 15, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Rail Safety Week encourages awareness near rail roads and crossings

(ID 50155018 © George Kroll | Dreamstime.com)



Canadian National Railway (CN) marks Sept. 15-21 as Rail Safety Week, an opportunity to inform the public about the importance of rail safety and the risks of trespassing and not obeying signs and signals at rail crossings.

Multiple communities in Alberta participate in the initiative, including Edson.

According to data collected by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, there were 18 trespasser accidents on railways in Alberta in 2024. Nine individuals were fatally injured and eight were seriously injured.

“Rail safety isn’t just about big moments; it’s about the small safe choices we make every day,” commented Shawn Will, chief of police and chief security officer for CN. “Each time you respect the signs and signals around tracks and railway property, you’re helping to keep your community stronger and safer. Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and together we all play a role in protecting lives.”

Michelle Hannan, CN spokesperson, shared the following rail safety tips to keep in mind:

Stay off tracks
Never walk, cycle or drive along railway tracks. As Hannan notes, it can be difficult to judge how far away a train is or what speed it’s travelling at. Trains can go as fast as 160 km/h and can take up to two kilometres to come to a complete stop — that’s the length of 18 football fields.
 
Keep off of railway property
Railway yards, tunnels and bridges are all private property and those caught trespassing could be fined up to $50,000. It isn’t just illegal to trespass on railway property, however, it’s also extremely dangerous. Railway tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little or no room for you if a train does come along.
 
Use designated railway crossings
Always cross railway tracks at designated crossings. Hannan says trying to cross tracks anywhere else could be deadly as trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track. They also don’t always run on a set schedule.
 
Keep your distance
Trains can overhang the tracks by as much as one metre on each side, and can carry loads wider than the railway cars themselves, so be sure to stay clear. Bystanders could also get hit by chains, straps or other equipment swinging loose from the train if they are too close.