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What is Operation Lifesaver?
Operation Lifesaver is a project of the Railway Association of Canada and
Transport Canada in cooperation with the Canada Safety Council and the
Provincial Safety Councils and Leagues. Operation Lifesaver is designed to
create an awareness to the general public of the potential hazard of
rail/highway crossings and of trespassing on railway property. The goal is to
reduce the number of accidents and the fatalities, personal injuries and
material damages which are a consequence of the accidents.
Are railway tracks private property?
All railway property--including tracks, bridges, yards and equipment--is private
property and is therefore strictly off limits to trespassers. This includes
all-terrain vehicle operators, trail bikers, snowmobiles, bicyclists,
cross-country skiers and pedestrians.
How many rail-highway crossing exist in Canada?
There are 30,000 at the time of this printing.
How many rail-related accidents and injuries occur each
year on average?
In 2000, there were 261 rail crossing accidents, killing 33 people and seriously
injuring another 33 people.
When do trains have the right of way?
Trains always have the right of way.
How quickly can a train stop?
Trains are big and powerful. They cannot stop on a dime. A 100-car freight train
can weigh 10,000 tonnes or more. Traveling at 80 km/h it takes about 2,500
metres for a train to come to a full stop in an emergency. If it is a race
between you and a train, you will lose--so don't take a chance.
Why are there so many rail/highway crossing accidents?
Investigations consistently show that motorists are mostly responsible for these
accidents. Some motorists are indifferent as they approach rail/highway grade
crossings. They ignore the horn and bell warnings of trains. They ignore
automatic warning devices such as flashers and bells. They even have the
audacity to drive around lowered barriers and very often misjudge their safety
margin.
Is it OK to cross the railway tracks when the last car of
a train clears the crossing?
No. Do not move until the flashing lights stop operating. Otherwise, you might
drive right into the path of the fast moving train on another track, or hit the
side of the train. You should delay starting your car until you are sure there
is not a hidden train bearing down on the crossing.
What should I do when I am driving across the tracks and
the flasher lights start flashing and the gates start to come down?
Keep right on going! It only takes a couple of seconds to continue across the
tracks and the warning devices are activated at least seconds before a train
reaches the crossing.
How does "Operation Lifesaver" get its message
to children?
"Operation Lifesaver" has special audio-visual programs and printed
material available to help parents and teachers warn children of the dangers of
playing close to railways. For more information, get in touch with your nearest
provincial safety council or league, or contact Operation Lifesaver at:
Operation Lifesaver
800 René-Lévesque Blvd. West
Suite 1105
Montréal, Québec
H3B 1X9
(514) 879-8558
Web-site: http://www.Ol-Og-canada.org
What is Direction 2006?
Direction 2006 is a special government-industry initiative devoted to reducing crossing collisions by another 50 per cent within the next five years.
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