Red Deer, Alta. – On March 18, 2026, the Alberta RCMP and CN Police partnered together to carry out a joint public awareness campaign focused on railway safety at crossings. Railway crossings remain a high-risk environment year-round, particularly for operators of farm machinery, commercial vehicles, and heavy equipment. As large and slow-moving vehicles continue to move across rural and industrial roadways, the RCMP is reminding operators to use caution and follow railway safety rules when approaching and crossing railway tracks.
Due to their slower speeds and size, farm and industrial vehicles require additional time and space to safely cross train tracks. Operators must be vigilant at both marked and unmarked crossings, especially on rural roads or private land. Weather conditions, including freezing and thawing cycles, can create uneven surfaces, soft or muddy ground, ice buildup, or hidden hazards near crossings. Even as temperatures begin to warm, risks can remain, so operators should never assume conditions are safe without carefully assessing the crossing first.
“Road maintenance equipment operators need to be extra vigilant when working at or on railway crossings,” explains Inspector Brian Jones of the CN Police Service, Mountain Division (Alberta and Saskatchewan). “Commercial vehicle operators need to remember to look, listen, and live when driving over a railway crossing. Your rig may be big, but a train is bigger.”
Safety reminders for equipment operators:
- Stop, look, and listen before crossing. Trains can approach faster and more quietly than expected.
- Never attempt to cross unless you are sure there is enough room on the other side to fully clear the tracks.
- Gear down before reaching the crossing. Avoid shifting gears while crossing tracks to prevent stalling.
- Always obey railway signs, lights, and signals, even if you don’t see or hear a train.
- If your vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, exit immediately and contact the railway company using the emergency number posted near the crossing.
Failure to take proper precautions could result in catastrophic consequences for both the equipment operator and train personnel. Working safely near railways means being alert, prepared, and respectful of all crossing points, marked or not.
“No matter the size of your vehicle, trains cannot stop quickly,” says Superintendent Holly Glassford, Detachment Commander of the Red Deer RCMP. “We’re reminding all drivers, especially those operating large or slow-moving equipment, to plan ahead and ensure it’s safe before crossing railway tracks.”
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