September 20 - 26 is declared as Rail Safety Week, and as fall harvest traffic rolls along on the prairies, the need for awareness and caution is critical. Inspector Brian Jones with the CN Police Service knows all too well of the dire consequences that happen when vehicular traffic or pedestrians lock up in close encounters with trains.

“Harvest time in Saskatchewan is a busy time, and everyone is moving as quickly as they can,” notes Jones,” And that means long days and long nights trying to get harvest into the bins. So there’s lots of equipment moving up and down highways and across railway crossings in Saskatchewan. So we are asking everyone that’s on those roads to be aware and look out for trains. Trains don’t run on a schedule; they can happen at any time.”

Jones referred to the busy crossings parallel to Highway 5 and those that cross Highway 20. At the many uncontrolled crossings, Jones reminds motorists and pedestrians to use the age-old adage: look, listen and live. Because the speed of a train can be deceiving, especially when it’s viewed oncoming from a level crossing, Jones says travellers have to err on the side of caution and never try to “beat the train.”

Another concern for farm equipment is to ensure that its size will be accommodated by the crossing.

“You have to make sure if you are moving farm equipment across the crossings that it’s high enough and you’re not going to strike and damage the track.”

The fall is also a critical time as students are returning to school. In communities like Humboldt that are bisected by railways, the need for safety is compounded. For youngsters attending school, returning after a summer break or possibly attending for the first time, railway safety awareness is paramount. 

“First and foremost, we want to make sure that they are crossing at legal crossings,” says Jones. “Taking shortcuts across the tracks, even though it might seem like it’s the shortest distance, is really dangerous. We want to encourage everyone to cross at legal level crossings. Not only is it about safety, but some of that trespass activity is illegal.”

Jones says that reinforcing positive behaviour around railway tracks goes a long way to promoting safety.  

At times railbeds alongside the tracks themselves may seem inviting pathways for walking, or in the country for off-road vehicles, but again Jones says that walking or riding alongside railways is an invitation for hazard. 

“It may be that you haven’t seen a train for some time and it might seem like a good place to ride your bike or to walk the dog, but again, trains come at any time, and they can come up from behind without notice.”

Jones noted that trains are wider than the rails, so being too close to the rails can certainly be a danger.

Traditionally during rail safety week, organizations such as Safe Communities Humboldt will coordinate with CN Rail for visits and activities. Once again this year, COVID restrictions have put a hold on some activities. However, Rail Safety Week is still an important time to review and reflect on railway safety practices that will help all year round.