28 April 2008
Canadian Pacific Police Spread the Message of Rail Safety Across the Country
The Canadian Pacific Police Service is taking
its public safety message directly to schools and community groups this week
announced Police Chief Ivan McClelland at the start of Rail Safety Week.
Police officers will remind students, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists of
the important message of staying safe around railway property, in particular
at railway crossings.
As part of Railway Safety Week in Canada, which runs from 28 Apr 2008 to
4 May 2008, CP Police will conduct safety awareness blitzes at a number of crossings,
survey rail property for trespassers and target a variety of educational
institutions with rail safety presentations.
"Rail Safety Week is important as it serves as a focused reminder that we
all play a role in staying safe around the railway," said Chief McClelland.
"CP Police from Montreal to Vancouver will be participating in more than 100
events targeting everyone from preschoolers to those learning to drive
semi-trucks."
CP events will coincide with those being put on by other Canadian
railways, associations and organizations dedicated to further reducing the
amount of fatalities and serious injuries tied to rail-related incidents each
year.
Transport Canada reported 209 crossing collisions across Canada, 27
fatalities and 21 serious injuries in 2007. There were also 100 trespasser
incidents, including 57 fatalities and 25 serious injuries.
"Our officers devote a significant amount of time year round to educating
communities so they can co-exist safely with the railway," added Chief
McClelland.
In addition to risk of death or serious injury, people who trespass on
railway property or fail to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at
a crossing are subject to being charged federally under the Rail Safety Act.
The public is asked to assist in reporting offences occurring at crossings and
on railway property by contacting the Canadian Pacific Police Service at:
1-800-716-9132 or their local police.
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