Rail Safety

Rail Safety

CPKC is proud to support Operation Lifesaver (OL) in Canada and Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) in the U.S., and the Mexican Association of Railroads to promote rail safety education. CPKC Police Service in Canada and the U.S. work diligently with Operation Lifesaver, provincial and state agencies, and local law enforcement to share rail safety messages year-round, participate in community outreach activities and Rail Safety Week.

Rail Safety Week

In 2026, Rail Safety Week runs Sept. 21-27.

Our goal is simple: Encourage safe behaviour around tracks and trains and eliminate injuries and fatalities.

Rail Safety Facts

Unsafe behaviour around the railway

Every year, approximately 2,300 North Americans are seriously hurt or killed because of unsafe behavior around the railway.

Private property

Trains and railway property are private property.

Trespassing is illegal and dangerous

This includes the rights-of-way, approximately 50 feet or 15 metres, from either side of all railway tracks.

In Canada, federal offences under the Railway Safety Act range as high as $10,000. (Fines vary by province.) In the U.S., felony trespass can result in up to 4 years in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. (Varies by local and state jurisdictions.)

Rail Theft – See something? Say Something!

Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something suspicious near tracks, trains or railroad property, call 911 immediately.

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Crossing regulations and standards

Crossing safety is key to the safe operations of CPKC’s trains through the communities that we operate in. Crossing safety is a shared responsibility between cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, stakeholders and the railway. We are committed to working with crossing owners and users to improve safety and comply with regulatory requirements.

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