Rail Safety Week | Stay alert around train tracks

Each year, lives are lost or forever changed because of rail-related incidents — most of which are preventable. From September 15 to 21, 2025, Rail Safety Week reminds all of us in Lacombe County to take extra care when travelling near railway crossings or working close to tracks.

Why It Matters Here

With busy harvest activity underway, more farm equipment and heavy trucks share the roads. At the same time, families are back into school routines, and residents are moving across the county. Rail lines run through our rural communities, and crossings are part of daily travel for farmers and motorists alike. Staying alert and following the rules can prevent tragedy.

Safety Tips for Farmers and Rural Travellers

• Know your equipment. Before heading out, ensure machinery can safely clear the crossing and that loads are secure.
• Don’t take chances. Trains move faster and are closer than they appear. Never try to beat a train across the tracks.
• Wait it out. Only cross if there is enough space to clear the tracks on the other side completely — don’t stop partway.
• Stay off the tracks. Tracks are private property, not a shortcut or parking spot. Trespassing is both illegal and dangerous.
• Avoid distractions. When approaching a crossing, put away phones, turn down music, and keep your focus on the road.

A Shared Responsibility

Operation Lifesaver, Transport Canada, rail companies, and municipalities like Lacombe County support Rail Safety Week across Canada. By reminding each other and teaching our kids how to stay safe around trains, we can reduce risks.

Let’s all do our part to ensure that every trip, whether in a tractor, truck, or family car, ends safely.
For more information and resources, visit www.operationlifesaver.ca.