11 July 2007
CP Police Promote Rail Safety in Golden and Field
Golden and Field British Columbia residents will be getting a
direct message about rail crossing safety and the need to stay off railway property. On Wednesday and Thursday, 11 and
12 Jul 2007, CP Police will be conducting a rail safety awareness blitz at high-traffic rail crossings in
both towns.
Canadian Pacific Railway police officers will be making a special effort to educate the public about the dangers of using the tracks as
a shortcut. Pedestrians will be advised that not only is cutting across railway property illegal, it is highly dangerous. Motorists
will be reminded of being safe at rail crossings.
The primary goal of the two day-long blitz is to promote increased rail safety awareness and prevent tragic consequences
in the future. However noting the seriousness of the situation, railway police will be issuing fines, if necessary.
"Unfortunately, we encounter too many people still using the tracks as a pathway and drivers not obeying crossing signals,"
said CP Police Constable Larry Parsons. "As part of our awareness building we are asking people to use rail crossings
appropriately and to stay away from the track. Being on CP's right-of-way is against the law; it's a danger with the
potential for deadly consequences."
CP 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 provincial safety councils, 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 pedestrian-train incidents.
According to Operation Lifesaver, in 2006 there were 249 crossing collisions across Canada, 28 fatalities and 27 serious injuries.
There were also 91 trespasser incidents, including 58 fatalities, and 27 serious injuries. In British Columbia alone,
year-to-date stats (up to May 2007) show there have been 21 incidents resulting in five deaths and five serious injuries.
These statistics do not include the many near misses that occur.
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 under the Railway Safety Act, which carries a maximum fine of
$10,000 and/or one year in jail. 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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