CP highlights dangerous outdoor activities
around railway property through RailSense campaign
CALGARY, June 21, 2018 /CNW/ - "Do you have
RailSense?" That's the challenge Canadian Pacific (CP) is posing to
the public on the first official day of summer. Hot weather can
encourage outdoor exploration, and this can lead to dangerous
encounters with railway property. Last year, hundreds of incidents
involving people and trains left devastating effects on families,
communities and railway employees.
2017 Statistics
- 141 crossing incidents. 19 fatalities. 21 serious injuries.
(Source: TSB Canada)
- 81 trespasser incidents. 53 fatalities. 23 serious injuries.
(Source: TSB Canada)
CP is dedicated to educating North Americans about train
operations to ensure people have adequate knowledge to be
situationally aware around trains. Through CP's RailSense program
and partnerships with CP Police, other policing agencies,
communities, schools and advocacy groups like Operation Lifesaver
the goal is to make people young and old think of lifelong
consequences that can arise when tragedies occur on the tracks.
"We ask everyone to consider their own safety and reconsider
reasons that may bring them to railway property," said CP Senior
Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Laird Pitz. "Through
education and collaboration we can prevent these incidents from
occurring, preventing tragic consequences for families, friends,
and communities."
CP's RailSense challenge is simple: Recognize how outdoor
activities can quickly become dangerous and share the message. A
simple share on social media or conversation with a neighbour could
save a life.
"Railway tracks are not an extension of a public pathway, nor
are they a safe or legal shortcut," said Ken Marchant, CP Chief of Police and member of
the board of directors for Operation Lifesaver. "Rail safety
requires ongoing vigilance every minute of every day. Each year
both crossing accidents and trespassing result in serious injuries
and all too often loss of life. By working together we can make a
difference when we use RailSense."
"Whether you're out walking, biking, skateboarding or riding an
ATV this summer, be sure to exercise RailSense," said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation
Lifesaver. "That means staying well away from tracks and trains,
and remembering to Look. Listen. Live. at designated railway
crossings. These simple steps could save your life."
Quick tips:
- Don't bike down or near railway tracks
- Don't use railway tracks or the adjoining right-of-way as an
ATV path
- Never walk on railway bridges
- Keep your dog on leash at all times around railway
property
- Only cross tracks at designated crossings. Railway lines are
private property, and walking on them constitutes trespassing. The
only safe, legal place to cross a rail line is at a marked grade
crossing.
- Every rail crossing in North
America has a 24-hour toll-free emergency number posted. If
you ever see something unsafe around the tracks, call
immediately.
- If you're concerned about someone's mental health and their
interest in train tracks call your nearest mental health support
line to get them help.
- If your vehicle is stalled on the tracks get out, get away.
Call the emergency number on the crossing or 911.
For additional resources follow CP's rail safety outreach
activities and get safety tips on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. Learn more at www.cpr.ca/RailSense and
www.operationlifesaver.ca.
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the
United States with direct links to major ports on the west
and east coasts, providing North American customers a competitive
rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the
globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of
freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply
chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific