Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler is encouraging Manitobans to use caution and follow the rules around railways as Rail Safety Awareness Week come to a conculusion.
Every year more than 100 Canadians are killed or injured during rail crossing or trespassing incidents. In North America the number is closer to 3300.
There is 187,210 miles of track across the continent with 2174 miles of track in Manitoba.
“Most rail accidents are preventable tragedies,” Schuler said. “We hope to heighten public awareness and help prevent rail accidents, injuries, fatalities and damage caused by collisions at crossings.”
In August two people lost their lives after their vehicle collided with a freight train in Headingley.
In 2018 there were 15 rail-crossing accidents that took two lives and seriously injured eight others.
How you can stay safe around trains
- Stay at a safe distance from trains and off railway property and tracks
- Don’t use train tracks as a shortcut
- Always obey railway signs and signals. Look. Listen. Live.
- Never stop your vehicle on tracks
For more information about rail safety visit OPERATION LIFESAVER
© News4.ca 2020
