8 June 2011

Improving Trackside Safety Means Safer Communities

Minneapolis Minnesota USA - Canadian Pacific Police Service officers will conduct safety and enforcement blitzes and accompany local law enforcement aboard freight trains on 9 Jun 2011, International Level Crossing Awareness Day.
 
"Ignoring signage at railway crossings and trespassing on railway property creates significant unnecessary personal risks, often resulting in fatalities and personal injuries," said Ray Holman, Deputy Chief, U.S. Operations, Canadian Pacific Police Service. "Awareness helps prevent tragic consequences from occurring and creates a safer situation for us all."
 
In 2010, the American Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recorded 2,013 crossing incidents, resulting in 262 fatalities, and 836 serious injuries. From 1980 through 2010, the number of grade crossing collisions fell 81 percent, injuries associated with collisions fell 79 percent, and fatalities fell 69 percent. The FRA also recorded 439 trespasser fatalities in 2010, an increase of five percent over 2009. The numbers do not include the many near collisions that take place every year.
 
People trespassing on railway property, or failing to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing, risk death or serious injury. Both actions are offences under State police ordinances. Offences occurring at crossings and on railway property can be reported to the Canadian Pacific Police Service at 1-800-716-9132 or to local police.