Monday marks the start of Rail Safety Week and a national non-profit group notes it's an important reminder as rail accidents are on the rise in Canada.

Operation Lifesaver Canada reports in just the first three months of 2012, accidents increased by 25 per cent over the same period last year.

Serious injuries jumped 88 per cent and fatalities rose 20 per cent.

Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia saw marked increases, while the other provinces either remained unchanged or saw a general decline.

Rail Safety Week runs from Monday April 30 until Sunday May 6.

Groups will be hosting events and safety blitzes across the country this week to remind people to be careful around trains, tracks and rail property.