National Rail Safety Week Sept. 20-26

Via CN Police Service: September 20-26/2021 marks National Rail Safety Week across Canada United States and Mexico. Its annual aim is to increase awareness of the importance of safe behavior near railroad tracks.  Operation Lifesaver Canada and Operation Lifesaver U.S. work in partnership with CP, the rail industry, government, police, unions and many public organizations and community groups to highlight safe practices around railway property. Although safety awareness is ongoing, this week raises that importance even further.

Every year, more than 2300 people in North America are seriously injured or killed at railway crossing and trespassing incidents.  Last year, 187 incidents occurred in Canada alone –57 of them fatal and 31 seriously injured. In the U.S. a person is hit on average by a train every three hours. Cst. Dean Solowan, CN Police Community Service Officer said “ the saddest thing is that the vast majority of these are avoidable, the underlying casual factor is a disregard for signs and complacency.”

When you are operating your large trucks please be aware of your length and if you can’t fit don’t commit. Remember, you need time and space to clear an active crossing.

Be alert!