CALGARY — The Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) is taking its public safety message directly to the street, during Rail Safety Week which runs from April 27 to May 3 in Canada.
CP Police officers from Montreal to Vancouver will conduct more than 100 safety and enforcement blitzes in communities across Canada. They will remind students, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists about the important message of staying safe around railway crossings and property.
“This week our focus is to build on the education efforts of programs such as Operation Lifesaver by deploying officers to enforce the laws that relate specifically to railway safety,” said CPPS Chief Ivan McClelland. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, safety needs to be top of mind at all times.”
In 2008, Transport Canada reported 214 crossing collisions across Canada, 26 fatalities and 36 serious injuries. There were also 101 trespasser incidents, including 56 fatalities and 27 serious injuries.
“These statistics highlight the need for increased safety awareness around railways,” added Chief McClelland. “We are taking a more pro-active approach and confronting the problem head on.” “Shifting our focus from education to enforcement activities.” “Our aim is to reinforce the need for safety and to deter people from taking unnecessary risks.”
People who trespass on railway property or fail to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing risk death or serious injury and are subject to being charged with a number of offences under the Rail Safety Act. People can report offences occurring at crossings and on railway property by contacting the Canadian Pacific Police Service at: 1-800-716-9132 or their local police.
— CNW
