CP Police steps up safety enforcement in British Columbia
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Rail Safety Week is April 26 - May 2, 2010
Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will conduct crossing and rail property trespassing enforcement as part of Railway Safety Week in Canada, which runs from April 26 to May 2.
At Canadian Pacific, the health and safety of our employees and the public is fundamental to our culture and our operations, and CPPS are dedicated to promoting public awareness of railway safety issues. CPPS officers will be out next week reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of the importance of staying safe around railway crossings and property.
"Awareness helps prevent tragic consequences from occurring and creates a safer situation for everybody," said CP Police Sergeant Steve Gregoris. "During Rail Safety Week, officers across our system have the opportunity to further educate the public to deter risk taking behavior through enforcement activities."
CPPS officers will conduct traffic enforcement blitzes at railway crossings and anti-trespassing patrols around rail operations in southern British Columbia.
In 2009, Transport Canada reported 186 crossing collisions across Canada, 19 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. There were also 70 trespasser incidents, including 52 fatalities and 15 serious injuries. These numbers do not include the many near collisions that take place every year.
"Building public awareness is our top priority," said Sergeant Gregoris. "Ignoring signage at railway crossings and trespassing on railway property creates significant unnecessary personal risks that often lead to personal injury or death."
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 or applicable Provincial Legislation. 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
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