Canada's Hidden Railway Crisis: The Rising Threat of Trespassing Accidents

By Dale Jodoin In recent years, Canada's railways have been at the center of a growing safety crisis, one that affects the lives of hundreds and remains severely underreported. Trespassing accidents—where individuals cross or walk along train tracks—have become a significant and deadly issue, yet they rarely make headlines. The statistics are alarming: in 2023 alone, 53 people lost their lives due to trespassing accidents on Canada's rail lines. This is not just a freak occurrence but part of an ongoing trend that demands urgent attention. The Growing Danger on the Tracks The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recorded 913 rail accidents in 2023, slightly lower than the previous year but still troublingly high. Out of those incidents, 67 were fatal, with the majority caused by trespassing accidents. Trespassing now accounts for an overwhelming 79% of all rail fatalities, making it the number one cause of death on Canada's railways( The Safety Magazine These accidents don't just happen in isolated areas; they occur in communities across the country. Many victims are young people, homeless individuals, or those who may be unaware of the dangers of walking on or near tracks. The increasing population density in urban areas has also made it easier for individuals to access railway lines, whether for shortcuts or as part of their daily commute. A Persistent Problem While the overall number of railway accidents has slightly decreased, the death toll from trespassing accidents continues to rise. Experts have pointed out that one reason for this is a lack of public awareness about the severe risks of walking along train tracks. Many people see tracks as convenient shortcuts, unaware that trains often approach more quickly than they realize and cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Trespassing fatalities have remained consistently high over the past five years. In 2022, 51 people were killed in trespassing accidents, and this number increased to 53 in 2023. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, despite efforts by railway companies and safety organizations to curb these incidents The Safety Magazine Understanding the Scale To truly understand the magnitude of the problem, it’s important to break down the statistics. In 2023, out of 913 total rail accidents, 87 involved dangerous goods such as chemicals, fuel, or other hazardous materials, but it’s trespassing that has captured the grim spotlight. On average, nearly five people die every month from trespassing accidents alone. Compare this to the 13 fatalities caused by crossing accidents (where vehicles or pedestrians attempt to cross the tracks at designated points), and it becomes clear that trespassing is far more dangerous. The Safety Magazine The loss of life is not just a statistic. These are real people, often from vulnerable communities, whose deaths have a ripple effect on their families, friends, and the broader community. Trespassing accidents leave behind shattered lives, and the emotional toll on train operators and first responders who witness these tragedies is immense. Why Is This Happening? There are several reasons for the rising number of trespassing fatalities. First, Canada's railway system spans vast areas, often running through densely populated cities and small, rural communities alike. Many people see train tracks as convenient shortcuts to get from one place to another, especially in areas where infrastructure like bridges or designated crossings is lacking. In some cases, people are unaware that they are even trespassing on private property. Homelessness has also been cited as a contributing factor. In urban areas, individuals without shelter often seek refuge near train tracks or use them as walking paths, unaware of the danger. Moreover, train speeds can vary, and depending on the weather conditions, trains can be especially quiet, making it hard for people to hear them approaching. Another major factor is insufficient fencing and barriers around railway tracks. While some urban areas have installed protective fences, many rural areas have little to no physical barriers to keep people from accessing the tracks. In regions where there are no fences or signs, people are more likely to wander onto the tracks without realizing the danger. What's Being Done to Stop This? Railway companies and organizations have taken steps to improve safety and raise awareness. Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) have launched public safety campaigns to educate people about the risks of trespassing on railway tracks. These campaigns include advertisements, social media outreach, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. However, despite these efforts, the number of fatalities continues to rise. Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to rail safety, has also worked to address this issue. They’ve launched the "Look, Listen, Live" campaign, which aims to teach Canadians the importance of being aware around train tracks and crossings. The campaign encourages people to "always expect a train" and highlights the irreversible consequences of not following railway safety rules. The TSB has also suggested that more needs to be done to prevent trespassing accidents, including better fencing, signage, and public awareness campaigns in high-risk areas. The Safety Magazine However, these measures come with a cost, and railway companies have been slow to implement them nationwide. In rural and remote areas, the lack of infrastructure and resources makes it difficult to protect the tracks fully. What Needs to Happen Next? The solution to this crisis is multifaceted. First and foremost, there needs to be a stronger commitment to public education. Schools and local governments must be more involved in spreading awareness about railway safety, especially in communities that are near train tracks. Parents should teach their children the dangers of playing near tracks, and adults need to be more conscious of the risks of trespassing. There also needs to be more investment in physical barriers like fences and warning signs in both urban and rural areas. Railway companies, local governments, and national safety organizations must work together to identify high-risk areas and take swift action to secure them. Finally, enforcement of trespassing laws needs to be strengthened. In many cases, trespassing on railway tracks is treated as a minor offense, but the consequences can be fatal. Increased patrols and fines may help deter people from walking on or near tracks. Canada's trespassing problem on its railway tracks is a deadly issue that deserves more attention. With 53 people killed in 2023, the dangers of walking along train tracks are clear. While efforts are being made to reduce these accidents, much more needs to be done to protect the public. By investing in education, infrastructure, and enforcement, Canada can work to prevent these senseless tragedies and save lives. The time to act is now.