Rail Safety Week runs from May 2 to 8, and CN police are asking for the public’s help in saving lives and preventing incidents.
The CN police force will be increasing patrols and handing out tickets to people who trespass on CN lands or who cross the tracks at areas other than designated crossings. They are also asking people to report trespassers whenever they see them.
With 55 trespassing fatalities across Canada last year, the highest in three years, CN Rail staff are working to reduce that number in 2011.
“We feel it’s unacceptable,” said CN spokesperson Warren Chandler of the unusually high death toll last year, adding that through education and enforcement, they hope to spread the message that trespassing on CN Rail property – especially rail switching yards like the one in Lac La Biche – can be a dangerous and potentially fatal activity.
The week long safety blitz includes CN police patrols across Canada, as they attempt to impress upon people the dangers of climbing over stationary trains and of crossing busy rail tracks.
“We don’t tolerate people who put their lives - and the lives of others - at risk,” said CN Police Chief Steven Covey. “We are getting tougher about enforcing the law, and are engaging the public in helping CN Police fight unsafe activity.”
People who see unsafe activity around rail yards or tracks are being asked to call the CN Police toll-free number, at 1-888-888-5909.
