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CN police advise the public on safety and legal issues

In 2020, Manitoba had 21 railway crossing and trespassing incidents resulting in 7 fatalities and 1 serious injury
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CN police advise the public on safety and legal issues

In 2020, Manitoba had 21 railway crossing and trespassing incidents resulting in 7 fatalities and 1 serious injury

As spring arrives and we begin to explore more outdoor activities, the CN Police is reminding everyone that the only safe and legal place to cross train tracks is at a properly designated railway crossing.

Railway tracks, yards and bridges are private property and off limits to the public. Constable Michael Reid of the CN Police Service has seen a lot when it comes to trespassing including; walking, jogging, biking, diving, photoshoots, off road vehicles, fishing, hunting and more.

Especially concerning are people that make the wrong decision to short-cut through rail property to access their favourite recreational areas, walking along tracks, crossing yards, even climbing on, over or through parked trains. This is very dangerous as trains can move at any time and can result in serious injury or death.  

Trespassing on or along rail lines is not only dangerous, it is also illegal under the Railway Safety Act of Canada. Saying that you were taking a short cut or engaging in a recreational activity is no excuse.

A ticket in Manitoba will cost you $220, or it could lead to a criminal charge with a potential fine up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to a year.

When approaching properly designated railway crossings, obey the crossing signs and signals. Proceed through only when the warning signals have stopped and you have a clear view that no other trains are coming in either direction.

The CN Police Service will be on patrol in your local community spreading the safety message through education and enforcement. For more information contact OperationLifesaver.ca

Safety Tips:

STAY OFF THE TRACKS: It’s hard to judge the distance and speed of an oncoming train. Trains can go as fast as 160 km/h and can take two kilometres to stop - 18 football fields.

KEEP OFF RAILWAY PROPERTY: Railway tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little to no room for you if a train does come along.

USE DESIGNATED RAILWAY CROSSINGS: Trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track.

OBEY ALL RAILWAY SIGNS AND SIGNALS: Stop behind gates or stop lines no closer than five metres from the nearest rail. Cross only after the warning signals have ceased and you are certain no other trains are approaching, from either direction.

STAY ALERT:  Today’s trains are extremely quiet when approaching, so don’t be distracted by cell phones or other devices when behind the wheel or in the vicinity of a railway crossing.

 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Trains can overhang the tracks by as much as one metre on each side. They can also carry loads that are wider than the railway cars. You could be hit by chains, straps or other equipment, if you are too close.

REMEMBER: A train hitting a car is equivalent to a car running over a pop can. The average freight train weighs more than 5.5 million kg. - a car weighs around 1,375 kg. - a ratio of 4000:1

 

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