Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Canadian Pacific Police Services focuses on trespassing and awareness during Rail Safety Week

CALGARY, April 29, 2012 /CNW/ - During Rail Safety Week in Canada - April 30 to May 6 - the Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will be reminding the public about the importance of rail safety by taking their message to the streets in the communities where we operate.

CPPS officers across the country will be conducting more than 100 education and enforcement activities. In conjunction with Operation Lifesaver, a partnership program with Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, this year's Rail Safety Week focus is to educate people on situation awareness and distractions, and the seriousness of trespassing on railway property.

"Canadian Pacific has an industry-leading safety record, and the safety of CP employees and the communities where the company operates are our top priorities," said Canadian Pacific Police Chief Ivan McClelland.  "Stay Alert, Stay Alive is the message our officers will be taking to the public in light of the number of unfortunate trespasser fatalities on railway properties in the early stages of 2012. We want people to understand the devastating impact this has on the families, railway employees, and their communities."

In 2011, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recorded 169 crossing accidents, resulting in 25 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. Crossing fatalities increased one per cent across Canada last year. The TSB also recorded 67 trespasser incidents, resulting in 45 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. Trespasser fatalities increased 82 per cent since 2010.  These numbers do not include the many near collisions that take place every year.

Train tracks and railway property are not for public use. People trespassing on railway property or failing to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing risk death or serious injury. Both actions are criminal offences under the federal Rail Safety Act or applicable provincial legislation. Offences occurring at crossings and on railway property can be reported to the CPPS at 1-800-716-9132 or to local police.

About Canadian Pacific Police Service:
The Canadian Pacific Police Service is a police agency created by Federal Statute with full federal and provincial powers. CPPS officers are peace officers as defined by the Criminal Code. The CPPS plays an important role in public safety and enforcement in the communities where Canadian Pacific operates. CPPS officers typically promote public safety through trespasser abatement patrols, enforcement of traffic legislation at 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 US by ensuring supply chain security and ensuring the operational efficiency of the transportation network.

About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (CP:TSX)(NYSE:CP) operates a North American transcontinental railway providing freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Incorporating best-in-class technology and environmental practices, CP is re-defining itself as a modern 21st century transportation company built on safety, service reliability and operational efficiency. Visit www.CPonTrack.com and see how Canadian Pacific is further driving shareholder value.

Backgrounder:  Safety Tips near the tracks

When it comes to train tracks - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE

• ALWAYS use designated level crossings to cross train tracks
• ALWAYS obey the signs and signals near railway crossings - flashing lights and bells mean the train is coming so be safe and stay away
• ALWAYS stop, look and listen before you cross just to make sure it is safe
• ALWAYS stay away from the edge of the platform while waiting for the train at the station. Stay behind the platform safety line
• ALWAYS stay away from trains and tracks and off railway property
• ALWAYS say "NO" to trespassing on tracks or railway property
• NEVER take shortcuts on or around train tracks - it is dangerous
• NEVER throw things at trains - you could hurt someone
• NEVER put objects on train tracks - they can fly off and hurt someone - maybe you
• NEVER walk in front of or behind a stopped train - it could move suddenly
• NEVER walk or climb between parked railway cars - they can move at any time and you can get hurt
• NEVER enter open boxcars - the doors can shut suddenly and trap you there
• NEVER use railway tunnels and bridges as shortcuts - a train can come at any time
• Source:  Operation Lifesaver Canada

Media       
Kevin Hrysak
Canadian Pacific
tel [phone] 
[e-mail]
1-855-242-367424/7 media pager