Right on track

Regardless of how you do the math, ignoring the signals and disregarding safety at a railway crossing is a deadly equation.

For example:

1. The average locomotive weighs 110 tonnes and the average car weighs only two.
2. It takes a train travelling at 100 kilometres per hour the length of 14 football fields to come to a complete stop.

This adds up to the fact that you are 40 times more likely to die in a train collision than in a collision with another car!

Operation Lifesaver is a national public education program dedicated to reducing loss of life and injuries on the tracks. It reports that every year, Canadians die needlessly in rail crossing and trespassing accidents. In 2004 alone, 25 people lost their lives and 50 were seriously injured in collisions with trains.

Maybe our familiarity with trains has translated into a false sense of security. Operation Lifesaver also reports that most crashes occur within 40 kilometres of the motorist's home. Researchers at the University of Calgary's Department of Psychology found that many drivers involved in collisions with trains were familiar with the crossings and had used them regularly. This familiarity may encourage drivers to take greater risks such as driving around active gates or trying to beat the train.

Familiarity, however, is only part of the problem. For example, why do 50 per cent of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices such as gates, lights, and bells?

Gary Drouin from Transport Canada says people often underestimate the speed of a train: "Because of the angle of approach and size of the train, it appears that the train's speed is slower than it really is. When the bells start ringing the train will be at the crossing in approximately 22 seconds. And the impact of a train/car collision is the equivalent of a car driving over a pop can."

Although Direction 2006 (a 10-year program) came to an end on December 31, 2006, Transport Canada is continuing its' work to ensure public safety in our communities, in partnership with government, railway companies, public safety organizations, police, unions and community groups who aim to reduce grade crossing collisions.

Some people still believe it is easy to tell which set of tracks a train is on and which direction it is travelling when, in reality, a train can appear at any time. This is why listening for warning bells and whistles is so important. According to Mr. Drouin, "All crossings are safe if you obey the warning signs. It is when you don't respect them that tragedy occurs."

Respecting the warning signs begins with turning off distractions like radios, fans and heaters. Asking children to be quiet until the crossing is safely passed and opening the window to help you hear are also suggested. Never drive under a gate as it is closing, or around a closed gate. If your car stalls on the crossing and a train is approaching, or the warning devices start, get your passengers and yourself out of the car quickly and run down the road - away from the crossing. Call 9-1-1 and the 800 number posted on the crossing as soon as possible. Do not try to start your vehicle or push it off the tracks.

Operation Lifesaver staff and volunteers have designed a number of age-specific presentations to help people of all ages become aware of the dangers around railway tracks. Approximately 2,000 presentations are delivered annually across Canada by over 500 certified volunteer presenters - to schools, youth clubs, driver associations and community groups.

Preventing tragedy begins with learning how to stay safe. You can read more about rail safety by visiting Transport Canada's Rail Safety website, the Direction 2006 site, or the Operation Lifesaver website.