Government of Canada approves Rail Crossing Improvements in Kootenay Columbia

April 29, 2010

Cranbrook, B.C.  Jim Abbott, Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia today announced $752 017 to upgrade rail grade crossings in Kootenay Columbia.

“Improving rail crossing safety is an important measure that our government announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Abbott.  “I’m pleased today to announce an investment that will upgrade high-priority rail intersection crossing here in Kootenay Columbia.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing close to $11 million to upgrade 155 high-priority rail grade crossings across the country.  This measure is another important commitment under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

In 2009, there was a 36 per cent decrease from the previous year in the number of crossing fatalities and serious injuries in Canada.

Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings, which is why the Government of Canada works closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements.  The Government also partners with organizations to implement safety awareness programs, including the Operation Lifesaver program.

For more information on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, please visit:
www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/publications-46.htm.




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BACKGROUNDER

LIFESAVING TIPS

TIPS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE, OR THAT OF A FRIEND

• Be prepared to stop at a highway/railway crossing.
• Look for the crossbuck symbol of a highway/railway crossing. Some more-travelled highway/railway crossings have lights and bells and some include gates.
• Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off, or turn down, distracting fans, heaters and radios in your vehicle. Ask passengers to be quiet until you are safely through the crossing. Opening the window helps you hear.
• Obey the signals. Never attempt to drive under a gate as it is closing, or around a closed gate. If the gate begins to close while you’re underneath, keep moving ahead until you clear the crossing.
• If a police officer or a member of the train crew is directing traffic at the crossing, obey their directions. Remember, however, that it is your responsibility to ensure your personal safety - you must confirm that it is safe to cross the tracks by looking and listening for an approaching train.
• If one train passes, make sure that a second train isn’t approaching on another track. They can and they do!
• Cross the tracks in low gear. Do not attempt to change gears while crossing.
• If your view is obstructed for 300 metres in either direction, do not attempt to cross the track until you are certain that no train is approaching. Be especially careful while driving through the crossing in bad weather.
• Walking or playing on train tracks is dangerous and illegal. The only safe way to cross railway tracks is to use a designated crossing and to obey all signs and signals. Be smart. Be safe. Stay alive!

For more Lifesaving Tips and Highway/Railway Facts, please visit www.operationlifesaver.ca