21 September 2005
CPR Police Service Promote Rail Safety in Kenora
Kenora - Canadian Pacific Railway's Police Service is sending a direct message to Kenora
residents about rail track safety. On Wednesday, 21 Sep 2005, CPR police officers will be conducting a
day-long safety blitz.
"Canadian Pacific Railway police officers will be making a special effort to educate the public about the dangers of using the
tracks as a pathway or when not crossing at designated crossings," said CPR Police Service Community Awareness Constable, Claude
Beaudry. "Our goal is to promote rail safety awareness, prevent tragic consequences from happening and creating a safer situation
for everybody."
Constable Beaudry said the goal is to educate pedestrians to stay away from the tracks. "Not only is being on CPR's
right-of-way against the law, it's a danger with the potential for deadly consequences. We want to work with local
residents to make avoid tragic situations."
CPR supports Operation Lifesaver, which is a national public education program sponsored by the Railway Association of Canada and
Transport Canada and works in co-operation with the Canada Safety Council, provincial safety councils/leagues, railway
companies, unions, police, public and community groups. Its goal is to reduce the needless loss of life, injuries and damages caused
by highway/railway crossing collisions and train/pedestrian incidents.
According to Operation Lifesaver, 101 people were killed or seriously injured from pedestrian-train collisions in 2004 in
Canada. In the first five months of 2005, there have been 30 pedestrians who died or have been seriously injured nationwide. However,
Constable Beaudry added there are many other "near misses" that go unreported."The saying "train time is
anytime" is very relevant since a train could be in the area at any time of the day.
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