City reminding residents to be cautious around railway crossings during Rail Safety Week

HAMILTON, ON - Every year, approximately 100 Canadians are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing related incidents. Whether you are travelling on foot, in a car, or riding a bike or other recreational vehicle, staying safe around railway tracks is about understanding the signs and signals and responding accordingly. This week, the City of Hamilton is reminding residents how they can stay informed and play a role in making railway crossings safe.

Safety Tips

• Stay off the tracks: Railway yards, tunnels and bridges are all private property. If you are caught trespassing on them, you could be fined.
• Speed misperception: Because of their size, trains appear to be much further away and travelling much slower than their actual speed. Trains can take up to two kilometres to come to a complete stop- that’s the length of 18 football fields.
• Stay alert: Don’t be distracted by cell phones or other devices when behind the wheel or in the vicinity of a railway crossing. Although trains sound their whistles at most crossings, they may be hard to hear if you are on the phone or listening to music.
• Leave space: When a train is passing through a crossing, or the gates and warning signals are activated, remain behind the stop bar or at least 5 metres from the nearest rail. Cross only after the warning signals have stopped and the train has passed.
• Use designated railway crossings: Remember, trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track. Always be aware and cross railway tracks at designated crossings.
• Understand the signs and signals: It’s important to understand the traffic signs and warning devices related to railway crossings, including pavement markings, crossbucks, red signal lights and emergency notification signs.

For more rail safety tips, visit hamilton.ca/RailSafety or operationlifesaver.ca. 

Additional Resources

www.hamilton.ca/RailSafety
www.operationlifesaver.ca