MINNEAPOLIS, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific's (CP) Rail Safety Week 2017 is here, and given the number of preventable trespassing incidents in 2016, it serves as a useful reminder to be safe, aware, and vigilant around railroad tracks and property. During this Rail Safety Week, CP is reminding the public that they must stay off of tracks and observe all laws when driving over crossings.
Trespass incidents have been on the rise nationwide. In 2016, 511 people died in more than 3,600 railroad trespass incidents in in the U.S., up 12 percent from 2015. Pedestrians should be aware that railroad property is private property and trespassing is illegal.
The numbers of grade-crossing fatalities also rose last year, with 265 fatalities in 2,025 incidents, up 13 percent from 2015. CP believes every grade-crossing incident is preventable, and reminds the public that trains can't stop quickly. Driving past flashing crossing signals is illegal. When approaching a crossing protected with a crossbuck, motorists must look both ways and ensure no trains are approaching before proceeding.
From April 24 through April 30, CP and Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will conduct rail safety blitzes and public outreach in communities across our U.S. network. It will also support "Officer on a Train" exercises in New York's Capital region and in Hopkins, Minn. In these exercises, local police departments board a train to witness rail safety from the train crew's perspective, and to call in violators to officers in adjacent patrol cars. The goal of all these exercises is to raise public awareness and prevent tragic consequences.
"Rail Safety Week is an important reminder. However, rail safety must be an on-going priority – every minute of every day," said Laird Pitz, CP's Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. "We ask everyone to consider their own safety around railroad property. These incidents and accidents are preventable, so let's work together to prevent them. The impact of an incident or accident can have tragic consequences for families, friends, and communities."
People can follow CP's rail safety outreach activities and get safety tips on Facebook and Twitter. Share your rail safety story using #LookListenLive #RSW2017.
More information about how to be safe around the tracks can be found at www.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 CP.
About CP Police Service
The CP Police Service (CPPS) is a fully accredited police agency operating in both Canada and the United States 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