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