Rail Safety Week starts April
25. #SeeTracksThinkTrain #RSW2016
CALGARY, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific
(CP) and the CP Police Service (CPPS) will be educating the public
throughout Rail Safety Week (April 25
– May 1) about the importance of
safe, smart decisions in and around railway property, 365 days a
year.
In conjunction with Operation Lifesaver and other stakeholders,
CP is reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that any route
that includes illegally crossing railway tracks or using railway
tracks as a shortcut is the wrong route. During the week, CP and
CPPS will conduct rail safety blitzes in communities across our
network with participation from other police agencies and schools
to educate the public about the role we each play in staying
safe.
"Railway tracks are not an extension of a public pathway, nor
are they a safe shortcut," said Laird Pitz, CP Vice President and
Chief Risk Officer. "While Rail Safety Week is a good reminder,
rail safety requires ongoing vigilance every minute of every day.
Crossing incidents can have tragic consequences for all involved,
but it's important to remember that they are preventable."
The safe operation of our trains through the communities in
which we operate is a priority for CP. During Rail Safety Week,
CPPS will be visible in the community educating people about the
dangers of trespassing on railway property. CPPS will focus on high
traffic areas where the railway sees high instances of trespassing
or dangerous behavior around the railway right-of-way.
Although the number of crossing and trespasser incidents and
fatalities has declined year-over-year, one incident is one too
many.
Federal Railroad Administration statistics (all railroads)
- 2,059 vehicle vs. train incidents in the U.S. in 2015 resulting
in 240 fatalities
- 893 trespasser vs. train incidents in the U.S. in 2015; 486
resulted in fatalities
People can follow CP's rail safety outreach activities and get
safety tips on Facebook and Twitter. Share your rail safety story
using #SeeTracksThinkTrain #RSW2016.
More information about safety around tracks and trains can be
found at oli.org. Join the conversation on Facebook and
Twitter.
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in
Canada and the United States with direct links to eight
major ports, including Vancouver
and Montreal, 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 Canadian Pacific.
About CP Police Service
The CP Police Service (CPPS) is a fully accredited police agency
operating in both Canada and the
U.S. created by Federal Statute with full federal, state and
provincial powers. CPPS officers are peace officers as defined by
the Criminal Code. The CPPS plays an important role by contributing
to public safety and enforcement activities in the communities
where Canadian Pacific operates. CPPS officers promote public
safety through trespasser abatement patrols, enforcement of traffic
legislation at and near railway crossings and participation in
education activities to raise awareness of community safety issues.
The CPPS also help to protect the critical infrastructure of
Canada and the U.S. by ensuring
supply chain integrity and ensuring the operational efficiency of
the transportation network.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific