The CN team was out in Squamish, issuing verbal warnings to those found walking or crossing the tracks. Ashley Michnowski, a media representative for CN, told the Squamish Reporter that CN police team educated many community members of the dangers and verbally warned everyone they encountered that tickets and fines could occur.
“We will continue to work with District of Squamish staff to remind the community of the dangers around the railway,” she said. “Enforcement happens on an ongoing basis. CN Police works closely with our neighbouring communities to ensure everyone knows the dangers of trespassing on the CN right-of-way and encroaching near rail infrastructure. “
She said in the past week, the CN police team observed that many residents were unsafe and were crossing over the tracks at locations not designated to cross. She added that rail safety is a shared responsibility, and CN asks everyone to be especially careful when on or near railroad property and at crossings. Look, listen, and live! That’s what it means to be rail smart.
Below are a few safety tips she shared.
Stay Off Tracks
Never walk, cycle or drive along railway tracks. It’s hard to judge how far away a train is or what speed it’s travelling at. Trains can go as fast as 160 km/h and can take up to 2 kilometres to come to a complete stop. That’s the length of 18 football fields.
Keep Off of Railway Property
Railway yards, tunnels and bridges are all private property. If you are caught trespassing on them, you could be fined up to $50,000. But it isn’t just illegal to trespass on railway property—it’s extremely dangerous. Railway tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little or no room for you if a train does come along.
Use Designated Railway Crossings
Always cross railway tracks at designated crossings. Trying to cross tracks anywhere else could be deadly. Remember, trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track. They also don’t always run on a set schedule.
Keep Your Distance
Trains can overhang the tracks by as much as 1 metre on each side. ¬They can also carry loads that are wider than the railway cars themselves. So, stay clear. You could also get hit by chains, straps or other equipment swinging loose from the train if you are too close.
Please visit our Be Rail Smart page for educational materials, safety tips and other information for your community.
Robert Stuart says
There are trails that come to tracks that are well used ( to the estuary is one ) I say that they should be crossings for pedestrians otherwise why is the trail built coming to tracks ??