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following incident near taber

Red Deer RCMP remind large vehicle operators to use caution at railway crossings

Mar 19, 2026 | 11:26 AM

Red Deer RCMP and CN Police are reminding operators of large vehicles to be as cautious as possible around railway crossings.

This after a scary incident near Taber on Tuesday that saw a train plow through a semi trailer that was stopped on the tracks.

“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.”

Railway crossings remain high-risk year-round, particularly for operators of farm machinery, commercial vehicles, and heavy equipment.

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.

For more safety tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.