This Week Is Rail Safety Week

April 25th through May 1st 2016 is Rail Safety Week. CN and Operation LifeSaver remind you that you can help prevent crossing and trespassing accidents. Rail safety is everyone's responsibility. By looking out for each other and working together, we can help keep our community safe.

Did you know that trespassing on railway tracks and property is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States? By definition, trespassing on railway property is illegal.

Bookmark this page to keep these rail safety tips from CN and Operation LifeSaver handy -- they could safe your life.

1. Speed Misperception

Because of their size, trains appear to be much further away and traveling much slower than their actual speed. Don't be fooled!

2. Trains Can't Stop Quickly

Trains can sometimes travel rapidly. The average train needs at least 1.25 miles to stop. Trains can stop, but they won't stop quickly!

3. Trespassing

Taking a shortcut across the tracks or being on railway property is illegal and trespassers can get seriously injured or killed.

4. Weight Ratio

An average freight train weighs over 12 million pounds. Compare that to a care, which weighs 3,000 pounds. A train hitting a car is like a car hitting a pop can.

5. Railway Cars

Stopped railway cars can move at any time. If your'e on one or near one when it moves, you could lose a limb, or worse, your life.

6. Tunnels and Bridges

If you are trespassing on a bridge with a train approaching, you have two choices: jump or get hit. Tunnels, bridges and trestles are only designed for trains.

7. Overhang

Trains can carry loads that are wider than the railroad cars themselves. They can have chains, straps or other equipment that may extend outside the car. If you are standing too close, you could get hit.

8. Anytime is Train Time

Trains do not always run on a schedule. They can run at any time, on any track and come from either direction.

When you see tracks, think train!

Watch this vintage animated rail safety video from 1936, "Play Safe" by Fleischer Studios.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRxODr1AsfM

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