Don’t interfere with trains during your summer adventures

CP highlights dangerous outdoor activities around railway property through RailSense campaign

“Do you have RailSense?” That’s the challenge Canadian Pacific (CP) is posing to the public on the first official day of summer. Hot weather can encourage outdoor exploration, and this can lead to dangerous encounters with railway property. Last year, hundreds of incidents involving people and trains left devastating effects on families, communities and railway employees.

• 141 crossing incidents. 19 fatalities. 21 serious injuries. (Source: TSB Canada)
• 81 trespasser incidents. 53 fatalities. 23 serious injuries. (Source: TSB Canada)

CP is dedicated to educating North Americans about train operations to ensure people have adequate knowledge to be situationally aware around trains. Through CP’s RailSense program and partnerships with CP Police, other policing agencies, communities, schools and advocacy groups like Operation Lifesaver the goal is to make people young and old think of lifelong consequences that can arise when tragedies occur on the tracks. 

“We ask everyone to consider their own safety and reconsider reasons that may bring them to railway property,” said CP Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Laird Pitz. “Through education and collaboration we can prevent these incidents from occurring, preventing tragic consequences for families, friends, and communities.” 

CP’s RailSense challenge is simple: Recognize how outdoor activities can quickly become dangerous and share the message. A simple share on social media or conversation with a neighbour could save a life. 

“Railway tracks are not an extension of a public pathway, nor are they a safe or legal shortcut,” said Ken Marchant, CP Chief of Police and member of the board of directors for Operation Lifesaver. “Rail safety requires ongoing vigilance every minute of every day. Each year both crossing accidents and trespassing result in serious injuries and all too often loss of life. By working together we can make a difference when we use RailSense.”

“Whether you’re out walking, biking, skateboarding or riding an ATV this summer, be sure to exercise RailSense,” said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver. “That means staying well away from tracks and trains, and remembering to Look. Listen. Live. at designated railway crossings. These simple steps could save your life.”

• Don’t bike down or near railway tracks
• Don’t use railway tracks or the adjoining right-of-way as an ATV path
• Never walk on railway bridges
• Keep your dog on leash at all times around railway property
• Only cross tracks at designated crossings. Railway lines are private property, and walking on them constitutes trespassing. The only safe, legal place to cross a rail line is at a marked grade crossing.
• Every rail crossing in North America has a 24-hour toll-free emergency number posted. If you ever see something unsafe around the tracks, call immediately.
• If you’re concerned about someone’s mental health and their interest in train tracks call your nearest mental health support line to get them help.
• If your vehicle is stalled on the tracks get out, get away. Call the emergency number on the crossing or 911.

For additional resources follow CP’s rail safety outreach activities and get safety tips on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram. Learn more at www.cpr.ca/RailSense and www.operationlifesaver.ca.

Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to major ports on the west and east coasts, 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.