September 24, 2018
Railway Track Safety Encouraged During Rail Safety Awareness Week
During Rail Safety Awareness Week, Manitobans are reminded to exercise caution and follow the rules around railways, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler and Sean Finn, executive vice-president, CN, announced today.
“There are approximately 6,000 kilometres of railway track in Manitoba,” said Schuler. “With such a large amount of rail infrastructure, it’s critical that Manitobans remember to be safe around our many rail crossings.”
Each year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behaviour around tracks and trains. Basic rail safety includes being prepared to stop a vehicle at every rail crossing, never stopping a vehicle on the tracks and never trespassing on railways, which are private property.
“Rail Safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we can help save lives and prevent avoidable tragedies,” Finn said. “I want to thank Minister Schuler and the government of Manitoba for recognizing the importance of rail safety awareness and being a partner in proclaiming Rail Safety Week across Manitoba.”
“Most rail accidents are preventable,” Schuler added. “Raising awareness of public rail safety reduces avoidable accidents, injuries, fatalities and damage caused by collisions at crossings.”
In 2017, there were 15 rail-crossing accidents in Manitoba that resulted in two fatalities and three serious injuries, in addition to one fatality and two serious injuries caused by trespassing on railways, Schuler noted.
Schuler signed a proclamation designating Sept. 23 to 29 as Rail Safety Week in Manitoba.
- 30 -