Every year, dozens of Canadians are killed or injured when they are in unsafe situations around railway tracks.

This week is Public - Rail Safety Week and the City of Weyburn made a proclamation at city council on Monday night.

Mayor Marcel Roy said safety is a priority for council, which is why they are working to raise awareness.

"We as city council have a duty to work together with our fire, with our police, to make a safe community as well as all the city works and the railways," he said.

From January to March of this year in Saskatchewan, three accidents have occurred at railway crossings - five in the same time period last year.

Manitoba is reporting four thus far this year and Alberta has had 12. Most collisions occur within 40 kms of the motorist’s home.

Operation Lifesaver is the organization spearheading this week and it is sharing Scott Sackaney's story. There are also tips below the video:

What lifesaving tips do you have for people travelling on foot?

  • DO NOT walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) on railway tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.
  • Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or railway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
  • DO NOT hunt, fish or bungee jump from railway trestles. They are not designed as sidewalks or pedestrian bridges – there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.
  • DO NOT attempt to hop aboard railway equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, or your life.
  • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN. Trains DO NOT follow set schedules.

What lifesaving tips do you have for automobile drivers?

  • Never drive around lowered gates – it’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local emergency number.
  • Never race a train to the crossing. Even in a tie, you lose.
  • Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway/railway crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is 1 metre wider than the tracks on both sides.
  • If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks. Call 911 or your local emergency number for assistance. Look for a 1-800 emergency notification number nearby to contact the railway.
  • At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
  • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Trains do not follow set schedules.
  • Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 120 km/h can take up to 2 km or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied; more than 18 football fields in length!
  • Don’t be fooled by the optical illusion. The train you see is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.