With preventable tragedies occurring annually at railway crossings, the City of Saint John is launching a public awareness campaign with a simple but urgent message: Never stop on the tracks. The initiative is part of the national Rail Safety Week, running from September 15 to 21, 2025.

In a press release issued Monday, the city highlighted the catastrophic risks of stopping a vehicle on railway tracks, whether due to traffic, distraction, or simple misjudgment.

“Rail crossings are not places to pause,” the city stated. “Trains can’t swerve or stop quickly. If your vehicle is on the tracks when a train is coming, the consequences can be catastrophic.”

Officials are reminding all Saint John drivers to exercise extreme caution around the city’s railway crossings. They have provided several key safety tips for residents:

• Know your route and be aware of traffic backups that could leave you stopped on the tracks.
• Look both ways and listen for approaching trains before proceeding across.
• Never try to beat a train. Trains often appear slower and farther away than they actually are.
• If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, exit immediately. Move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle in the direction the train is coming from to avoid being hit by debris.
• Be aware that some crossings in Saint John feature two sets of tracks. Ensure you have enough space to clear both sets completely before crossing.

Rail Safety Week is a national campaign led by Operation Lifesaver Canada, in partnership with municipalities and rail companies across the country. The goal is to reduce accidents and save lives through education and awareness.