Operation Lifesaver urges Canadians not to be killed by a train this summer

OTTAWA, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ -Don't be Bob. That's the message Operation Lifesaver, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing railway related deaths and injuries, is sending Canadians this summer. It's part of what we're calling "the summer of rail safety".

"The Misadventures of Bob"

From June through August, Canadians can follow along with "The Misadventures of Bob", OL's unofficial rail safety mascot, as he embarks on warm weather adventures the wrong way - in the path of an oncoming train.

Whether it's skateboarding, surfing, camping, fishing, mountain biking, or a Canadian classic, like canoeing, Bob's actions clearly illustrate how fatal these activities can be if they're done near train tracks.

"We've found that more young Canadians are pushing the boundaries on the tracks. Whether it's a selfie, trespassing to get to a surf spot, or building a skate ramp near the tracks—it's simply unsafe and reckless," explains Operation Lifesaver's national director, Mike Regimbal.

"This summer, we hope Canadians will ask themselves: 'What would Bob do?' And then make sure to do the opposite."

Think rail safety every day

The summer kicks off on June 3, with the seventh annual International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), a global event bringing awareness to the everyday dangers of level crossings. Under the theme "Take your time, don't risk your life", ILCAD offers an important reminder that nothing will put a stop to our busy everyday lives quicker than a train.

This year Operation Lifesaver is supporting ILCAD through a crossing blitz in Moncton, put on jointly by the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Provincial Committees.

"We want Canadians to make rail safety a part of their everyday routines," says Regimbal. "Whether you're heading to run errands or going to work—give rail safety the same level of attention you give to putting on your seatbelt. It could save your life."

The summer of rail safety

Beyond the "Misadventures of Bob", Canadians can expect to see witty and engaging rail safety DOs and DON'Ts, videos, and raw firsthand interviews fresh on the Operation Lifesaver blog every week.

All summer long, get in on the rail safety action by following the #SeeTracksThink and #ownsafety hashtags and joining the conversation on:

• Facebook.com/oplifesaver
• Twitter.com/oplifesaver
• Instagram.com/oplifesaver

http://www.operationlifesaver.ca/

About Operation Lifesaver

Established in Canada in 1981, Operation Lifesaver is a national public-rail safety program sponsored by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada. Through partnerships with provincial safety councils, police, railways, the trucking industry and community groups, Operation Lifesaver is dedicated to saving lives by educating Canadians about the hazards surrounding highway/railway crossings and trespassing on railway property.

About International Level Crossing Awareness Day

The International Level Crossing Awareness Day is a joint global commitment to raise public awareness on the dangers of misbehaviour at level crossings. In 2014, 43 countries across the world participated in ILCAD. To learn more, visit: http://www.ilcad.org/ILCAD-2015.html.

SOURCE Operation Lifesaver