Tecumseh joins North American rail-safety operation aimed at reducing preventable deaths & injuries

Town of Tecumseh joins North American rail-safety operation aimed at reducing preventable deaths and injuries on rail lines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TECUMSEH, ON  (SEPTEMBER 24, 2024) – Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services is proud to be joining forces with agencies across Canada and North America today for “Operation Clear Track”— the continent’s single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative.

Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada and the U.S. — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held annually during Rail Safety Week (September 23-29, 2024).

“As first responders, we witness the devastating impact of rail accidents on families and our community. Rail safety isn't just about signs and signals—it's about awareness and making smart choices around railway tracks,” said Tecumseh Fire Chief Wade Bondy. “By working together during initiatives like Operation Clear Track, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and protect our citizens. Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with staying informed and vigilant.”

“Ignoring railway signs and signals, being distracted at rail stations or crossings, or using tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path can lead to track tragedies that are entirely preventable,” said Chris Day, Interim National Director, Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Operation Clear Track’s goal is to encourage people to avoid risky behaviours around tracks and trains so they stay safe and stay alive.”

More than 600 detachments across Canada are participating in Operation Clear Track this year. Each will promote rail safety by having conversations and sharing tips with drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. They will share rail-safety resources and content, and – as ever – they will enforce rail crossing and trespassing laws.

Day adds: “Track tragedies affect not only the individual, but their loved ones and entire communities. Railroaders and first responders, too. Rail safety is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play.”

For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit: operationlifesaver.ca   

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About Operation Lifesaver Canada

Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada is a national not-for-profit that works to prevent collisions at rail crossings and trespassing on railway property. OL is funded by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CPKC, VIA Rail, exo, West Coast Express, Metrolinx, and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through partnerships with safety organizations, law enforcement agencies, the trucking industry, and communities, OL works to prevent injuries and save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards associated with tracks and trains.

Media Contact:

Mackenzie Vandenberg
Communications Officer, Town of Tecumseh
mvandenberg@tecumseh.ca