Montreal-based CN has designated Sept. 21 to Sept. 27 as Rail Safety Week. The annual campaign raises awareness about the risks of unsafe behavior around railway tracks and property, and reinforces the critical message that safety around railway tracks and crossings is a shared responsibility.
Annually, there are more than 2,000 crossing accidents and 1,000 trespassing incidents in North America.
“Every crossing and every set of tracks deserves your full attention,” Shawn Will, CN chief of police and chief security officer, said. “The vast majority of rail incidents are preventable, that’s why every safe choice we make around trains and tracks can save lives. Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and together we can protect our families, friends and communities.”
During rail week, CN Police Services and CN employees will work to raise awareness throughout North America on the dangers of trespassing on railway property and ignoring signals at crossings.
Last year, more than 403 municipalities formally recognized Rail Safety Week through resolutions and proclamations. CN requests that its community partners help amplify the safety messages and encourage safe behavior around railways.
CN has a nearly 20,000-mile-long rail network that spans eight Canadian provinces and 16 U.S. states. The CN Police Services respond to incidents along the network.