This Rail Safety Week, the BC Coroners Service, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, CN and Operation Lifesaver have come together with important reminders in an effort to prevent serious injury or death at railway crossings throughout British Columbia.

According to preliminary data, there were 13 unintentional (accidental and undetermined) railway deaths reported to the BC Coroners Service between Jan. 1 and Aug. 30, 2026, compared to six unintentional railway deaths reported during the same period in 2025.

“We have seen an alarming increase in unintentional railway deaths so far in 2026,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service. “It is more important than ever that we remind everyone to pay attention to their surroundings at railway crossings and that trains move faster and take longer to stop than you think they do.”

Rail Safety Week provides the opportunity to highlight the risks of trespassing and the importance of obeying signs and signals at crossings. Looking and listening, staying off railway property and tracks, and obeying traffic laws will help prevent avoidable injuries and deaths.

“Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re driving, cycling or walking, take a moment to look, listen and follow instructions at railway crossings,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “By staying alert and making safe choices around tracks and trains, we can help prevent tragedies and keep our communities safe.”

CN reports that in Canada in 2025, there were 252 railway crossing incidents that resulted in 69 avoidable fatalities and 60 avoidable serious injuries. Operation Lifesaver is a partnership initiative of the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada that collaborates with the public, rail industry, governments, Indigenous communities, police services, media and others to promote railway safety.

“Every crossing and every set of tracks deserves your full attention,” said Shawn Will, chief of police, CN. “The vast majority of rail incidents are preventable. That’s why every safe choice we make around trains and tracks can save lives. Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and together we can protect our families, friends and communities.”

This Rail Safety Week, remember to look, listen and be ready to stop.

The data reported by the BC Coroners Service is considered preliminary and subject to change.

Learn More:

• Visit Operation Lifesaver for information: www.operationlifesaver.ca
• Access the CN Rail Safety Week toolkit: www.cn.ca/railsafety