The province of Manitoba wants people to be safer around railway crossings. 

That's why it is now proclaiming the last week in September every year as Rail Safety Awareness Week, which comes as welcome news for CN executive vice president Sean Finn. 

"It's so important to raise awareness," Finn said. "The number one cause of fatalities in Canada on the railways happens at the intersections and crossings of railways. My message is very simple for kids and people across Canada; when you get to a crossing, you stop, you look, you listen and then you go when it's safe." 

CN is giving out pamphlets this week with rules and tips on how people can be safer around railways crossings. Finn is encouraging people to pick some up and talk to their kids, friends and family members about staying safe. 

"Bring it home, put it on the fridge, show your children, bring it to your hockey team, just take five minutes to talk to our youth about railway safety," Finn said. "Railway safety is a shared responsibility and I think this is a good opportunity for us to talk about how crucial it is to our country." 

The province says in 2017, there were 15 rail-crossing accidents in Manitoba that resulted in two fatalities and three serious injuries, in addition to one fatality and two serious injuries caused by trespassing on railways. 

"There are approximately 6,000 kilometres of railway track in Manitoba and we have to be safe around them," provincial infrastructure minister Ron Schuler said. "Stop, look and listen is very good advice. Even if you don't think there is a train coming it's very important to do." 

You can find out more information about Rail Safety Awareness Week at www.cn.ca.