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Operation Lifesaver Inc.'s Canadian arm has a new training tool to help student drivers better understand grade crossing safety. The non-profit organization has launched a computer-based "Train to Drive" program that's accessible online at www.traintodrive.net.

Designed to complement new-driver training programs, Train to Drive features video clips and sound to present railway safety information to student drivers from 15 to 24 years old. The program also provides a railway safety quiz; if students answer 80 percent or more of the questions correctly, they can print a completion certificate to present to their driver training instructor.

Operation Lifesaver officials are trying to make the online tool a part of Canada's driver training curriculum.

"By teaching [students] railway safety this early in the process, we can show how many highway/railway accidents are preventable through caution and common sense," said Operation Lifesaver Canada National Director Dan Di Tota in a prepared statement.

Since its 1981 inception, Operation Lifesaver Canada — which is co-sponsored by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada — has helped reduce crossing collisions 75 percent and trespassing incidents, 44 percent, through education and public outreach programs.