Public awareness campaign aimed at reducing trespassing fatalities
MONTREAL, April 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - With trespassing being the leading cause of rail-related fatalities in Canada, CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) is marking Rail Safety Week through May 6, 2012, with a public awareness campaign stressing the deadly risks of trespassing on railway tracks and property. CN Police are urging the public to call CN Police at 1- 800-465-9239 to report unsafe behaviour on railway property.
CN Police Chief Stephen Covey said: "Disobeying railway crossing signals or trespassing on railway property is dangerous and illegal. We will not tolerate people who put their lives and those of others at risk. Through a combination of education and enforcement, we aim to change attitudes and behaviors towards rail safety. We must reduce injuries and fatalities on or near railway crossings, tracks, and CN property."
CN Police will be out in full force during Rail Safety Week, conducting safety initiatives at commuter stations, CN intermodal terminals and railway crossings in Canada and the United States. CN will visit commuter stations to target a larger audience of rail users, particularly parents who will be urged to pass on safety information to their children.
In 2011, there were 236 grade crossing and railway trespassing accidents in Canada, causing 70 fatalities and 42 serious injuries, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Ninety-nine per cent of trespassing incidents resulted in fatalities (67 per cent) or serious injuries (32 per cent). Serious injuries as a result of trespassing increased in 2011 by almost 11 per cent, to 21.
CN Police are rolling out a year-round initiative to reduce trespassing incidents, fatalities and injuries. CN Police will intensify their outreach to young people, who are more prone to risk-taking behavior. In addition, CN Police across the system will work to identify the highest risk areas for trespassing and develop targeted strategies to reduce incidents.
Operation Lifesaver and its partners created Rail Safety Week in 2003 to raise public awareness of the potential dangers at highway/railway crossings and from trespassing on railway property.
CN has been promoting railway safety for more than 25 years through its All Aboard for Safety community education program. Every year, CN Police officers make hundreds of All Aboard for Safety presentations and talk to more than 300,000 children and adults at schools and community events in Canada and the United States about the importance of safety and the dangers of walking or playing on or near railway tracks. Part of the strength of this program is the collaborative relationship with major community safety partners Operation Lifesaver, Safe Kids Canada, Safe Communities Canada and SMARTRISK.
CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) - Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries - spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca.
Link to photos: http://newscanada.com/cn-images-2012
Link to video: http://www.cn.ca/en/corporate-citizenship-community-all-aboard-rail-safety-week.htm
For more information about the CN safety initiatives in your area, see the attached list.
Available on satellite:
Video News Release will be available via satellite on
Monday April 30, 2012 at 10:00 - 10:30 and again at 14:00 - 14:30
Eastern
Anik F2C/3B
Download Freq: 3820MHz V
Audio subcarriers 6.8 left, 6.2 right
For assistance with the feed call: 1-800-565-1471
Video News Release also available via download Monday April 30, 2012
Click here to access broadcast quality footage: http://www.newscanada.com/mpgdownload.asp?id=5386
Please contact cdillon@newscanada.com if you do not have your Login ID and Password.
2012 Safety Initiatives Locations
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA | ||||
| Delta | BNSF Tracks & Right of Way, Adjacent to Highway 91 | Trespass Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 12:00 to 14:00 |
| Kamloops | Lorne Street Crossing at 8th Avenue | Enforcement and Safety Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| New Westminster | Crossing at Braid St. & Brunette St. | Crossing Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Prince George | Boundary Rd. & Industrial Way | Pamphlets handed out to motorists | May 2, 2012 | 08:00 to 10:00 |
| Surrey |
Vancouver Intermodal Terminal 17569, 104th Ave. |
Pamphlets handed out to truck drivers | May 1, 2012 | 08:00 to 11:00 |
| Terrace | Kenny St. & Frank St. Crossing off Hwy. 16 | Officer on the train | April 30, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Terrace | Substation Rd. Crossing located off of Queensway St. | Crossing Blitz with R.C.M.P. | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 14:00 |
| Vancouver | Via Rail - Pacific Central Station, 1150, Station Street | Pamphlets handed out to passengers and display | April 30, 2012 | 08:30 to 11:30 |
| Vancouver | 2010 Glen Dr. & 1951 Glen Dr. (by FX Fashion Exchange) | Trespass Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 13:00 to 15:00 |
| Vanderhoof | Crossing at Burrard Av. and Terrance | Pamphlets handed out to motorists | May 1, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Vernon | Crossing at 28th Ave. and 28th St. | Enforcement and Safety Blitz with R.C.M.P. | May 2, 2012 | 08:00 to 12:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| ALBERTA | ||||
| Calgary | Calgary Intermodal Gate | Safety Blitz for truck drivers | April 30, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Edmonton | Edmonton Intermodal Gate, 184th St. and 122nd Ave. | Safety Blitz for truck drivers | April 30, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Edmonton | Via Rail Station | Safety Booth | May 1, 2012 | 07:00 to 08:00 |
| Lindbrooke | Hwy. 630 & R.R. 200 | Safety Blitz for school buses and trucks | May 2, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Sylvan Lake | 50th St. and 50th Ave. | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 10:00 to 12:00 |
| Tofield | Hwy. 14, Sec. 834 | Safety Blitz for truck drivers | May 3, 2012 | 10:00 to 12:00 |
| Viking | Hwy. 14 and Main St. | Safety Blitz for truck drivers | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 15:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| SASKATCHEWAN | ||||
| Saskatoon | Crossing at Dundondald Ave. and Burma Rd. | Crossing Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Saskatoon | Highway 219 crossing south of Melville St. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 15:00 |
| Yorkton | Darlington St. and Smith St. | Crossing Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Yorkton |
Regina Yard, 4425 1st Ave. North |
Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 15:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| MANITOBA | ||||
| Winnipeg |
VIA Station, 123 Main St. |
Rail Safety Display | April 30, 2012 | 08:00 to 11:00 |
| Winnipeg |
Winnipeg Intermodal Terminal 640 Plessis Rd |
Informational Handouts | April 30, 2012 | 18:00 to 20:00 |
| Winnipeg |
VIA Station, 123 Main St. |
Rail Safety Display | May 1, 2012 | 20:00 to 22:00 |
| Winnipeg | Parker Ave. and Wynne St. | Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 14:00 to 17:00 |
| Winnipeg |
VIA Station, 123 Main St. |
Rail Safety Display | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 11:00 |
| Winnipeg |
VIA Station, 123 Main St. |
Rail Safety Display | May 3, 2012 | 20:00 to 22:00 |
| Winnipeg | Crossing at Bison Rd. and Pembina | Informational Handouts | May 4, 2012 | 08:00 to 11:00 |
| Winnipeg | Crossing at Bison Rd. and Pembina | Informational Handouts | May 4, 2012 | 17:00 to 21:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| ONTARIO | ||||
| Belleville | Crossing on Moira St., South of College St. | Crossing Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 08:00 to 10:00 |
| Belleville | VIA Station, 250, Station St. | Safety Booth | April 30, 2012 | 13:00 to 14:30 |
| Belleville | Holy Rosary Catholic School, 10, Prince of Wales Dr. | Presentation to students with Operation Lifesaver | May 1, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:30 |
| Belleville | VIA Station, 250, Station St. | Safety Booth | May 2, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:00 |
| Belleville | Prince of Whales Public School, 37 Price of Whales Dr. | Presentation to students with Operation Lifesaver | May 3, 2012 | 09:00 to 11:30 |
| Brampton | 76 Intermodal Dr. | Pamphlets handed to truck drivers | April 30, 2012 | 12:30 to 14:00 |
| Brampton | John and James St. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Brampton | Goreway Dr., south of Steels Ave. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 18:00 to 19:00 |
| Brampton | 76, Intermodal Dr. | Safety Blitz for truck drivers | May 2, 2012 | 18:00 to 20:00 |
| Brampton | Mississauga Rd., north of Bovaird | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 18:00 to 19:00 |
| Brampton | Torbram Rd., south of Steels Ave. | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 17:00 to 18:00 |
| Brampton | Winston Churchill Rd., south of Mayfield Rd. | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 17:00 to 18:00 |
| Brockville | Perth St. near Church St. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Burlington | Burloak Dr., south of Queen Elizabeth | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 18:00 to 20:00 |
| Cornwall | VIA Station, 1560 Station Rd. | Safety Booth | April 30, 2012 | 10:45 to 11:30 |
| Fort Erie | Lewis and Prow St. | Trespass Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 14:00 to 15:00 |
| Fort Frances |
Armit/Smith/ Victoria/Crowe Aves. |
Trespass observation | April 30, 2012 | 08:00 to 09:00 |
| Fort Frances | Wright and Webster Aves. | Trespass observation | April 30, 2012 | 15:00 to 16:00 |
| Fort Frances | MP. 85.31 Fort Frances Sub. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Georgetown | Georgetown GO Station | Trespass Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 14:30 to 16:00 |
| Gravenhurst | Muskoka Rd. & 1st St. | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 12:00 to 13:00 |
| Grimsby | VIA Station, 99, Ontario St. | Rail Safety Display | May 1, 2012 | 18:15 to 19:00 |
| Grimsby | Stevensville Rd. North of Bowen Rd. | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 11:30 to 12:30 |
| Hamilton | Holley Ave. east of Ottawa St. | Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 16:00 to 17:00 |
| Kingston | VIA Station, 180, John Counter Blvd. | Officer on the train Kingston to Oshawa (train 55) | April 30, 2012 | 14:15 |
| Kingston | Joyceville Rd. near Concession Rd. 4 | Crossing Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Kingston | VIA Station, 180, John Counter Blvd. | Rail Safety Display | May 2, 2012 | 06:50 to 07:35 |
| Kingston | Joyceville Rd. near Concession Rd. 4 | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Kingston | John Counter Blvd., near VIA Station | Crossing Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 12:00 to 13:00 |
| Lancaster | Main St. | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 09:00 |
| Lively | TM Davies Community Centre arena, 325 Anderson Dr. |
Rock & Rail grade 12 safety event (mock collision) (ENGLISH PRESENTATION) |
April 30, 2012 | 10:00 to 13:30 |
| Lively | TM Davies Community Centre arena, 325 Anderson Dr. |
Rock & Rail grade 12 safety event (mock collision) (FRENCH PRESENTATION) |
May 1, 2012 | 10:00 to 13:30 |
| London | VIA Station, 205 York St. | Safety Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 07:00 to 07:35 |
| London | Egerton St. at Bridges St. | Trespass Blitz | May 1, 2012 | |
| London | VIA Station, 205 York St. | Safety Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 07:00 to 07:35 |
| Milton | Derry Rd West, west of Bronte St. South | Crossing Blitz-school buses | May 2, 2012 | 14:30 to 16:00 |
| Niagara Falls | VIA Station, 4267, Bridge St. | Rail Safety Display | May 2, 2012 | 09:30 to 10:15 |
| Niagara Falls | Thorold Stone Rd. | Crossing Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 14:00 |
| Oakville | 200, Cross Ave. | Officer on the train Oakville to London (train 73) | April 30, 2012 | 12:15 |
| Oshawa | 915, Bloor St. West | Officer on the train Oshawa to Kingston (train 60) | April 30, 2012 | 11:45 |
| Ottawa | Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place | Safety Booth | May 6, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Richmond Hill | 50, Hightech Rd. | Trespass Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 17:00 to 18:30 |
| Richmond Hill | Elgin Mills Rd., east of Young St. | Crossing Blitz-school buses | May 1, 2012 | 07:30 to 09:00 |
| Richmond Hill | 9325 Yonge St. at 16th Ave. | Trespass Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 17:00 to 18:30 |
| Sarnia | Mandaumin Rd. near Confederation Line | Crossing Blitz | April 30, 2012 |
07:30 to 08:30 12:30 to 13:30 |
| Sarnia | 699 Macgregor Rd. | Safety Blitz for CN contractors | May 1, 2012 |
07:30 to 08:30 15:30 to 16:30 |
| Sarnia | Indian Overpass, Sarnia Rail yard | Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 |
07:30 to 08:30 15:30 to 16:30 |
| Sarnia | Indian Overpass, Sarnia Rail yard | Trespass Blitz | May 4, 2012 |
07:30 to 08:30 15:30 to 16:30 |
| Sioux Lookout | Sioux Lookout Yard | Trespass Observation with O.P.P. | May 1, 2012 | 12:00 to 13:00 |
| Sioux Lookout | Sioux Lookout Yard | Trespass Observation with O.P.P. | May 3, 2012 | 12:00 to 13:00 |
| St Catharines | VIA Station, 5, Great Western St. | Rail Safety Display | April 30, 2012 | 09:00 to 09:55 |
| St Catharines | Glendale Ave. North, East of Keele St. | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 13:00 to 14:00 |
| St Catharines | Hickery St., South of Birch St. | Trespass Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 14:15 to 15:15 |
| Stoney Creek | Grays Rd. South of Community St. | Crossing Blitz | April 30, 2012 | 17:00 to 18:00 |
| Strathroy | Gemini Sportplex, 667 Adair Blvd. | Safety Booth | May 2, 2012 | 08:00 to 18:00 |
| Toronto | Union Station, GO concourse, 65 Front St. West | Safety Booth | May 2, 2012 | 07:00 to 17:00 |
| Whitby | Iroquois Centre, 500, Victoria St. W. | Safety Booth | April 30, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Whitby | Iroquois Centre, 500, Victoria St. W. | Safety Booth | May 1, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Whitby | Iroquois Centre, 500, Victoria St. W. | Safety Booth | May 2, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Whitby | Iroquois Centre, 500 Victoria St. W. | Safety Booth | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Whitby | Iroquois Centre, 500 Victoria St. W. | Safety Booth | May 4, 2012 | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Woodstock | Bay St. and Victoria St. | Crossing Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 10:00 to 12:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| QUEBEC | ||||
| Charny | Crossing near 3543, des Églises Ave. | Crossing Blitz with local police | May 2, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Charny | Joffre Yard, 2600, de la Rotonde Ave. | Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 12:00 to 16:00 |
| Coteau | Coteau Station, 50, Daoust St. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | May 2, 2012 | 12:00 to 14:00 |
| Dorval | 755, Montreal-Toronto Blvd. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | May 2, 2012 | 07:00 to 09:00 |
| Drummondville | VIA Station, 263 Landsay St. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | April 30, 2012 | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Latuque | Near 350, St-Joseph St. | Safety Blitz with local Police | May 3, 2012 | 09:00 to 12:00 |
| Laurier-Station | Crossing near 356, St-Joseph St. | Crossing Blitz with local police | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 10:30 |
| Levis | Rail Bridge over Chaudiere River | Trespass Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 13:00 to 16:00 |
| Limoilou | 6, des Capucins Blvd. | Trespass Blitz | May 3, 2012 | 13:00 to 16:00 |
| Longueuil | Crossing near 2020, St-Georges St. | Safety Blitz with local Police | May 4, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Longueuil | St-Hyacinthe Subdivision | Trespass Blitz | May 5, 2012 | 07:00 to 17:00 |
| Montreal | Central Station, 895, de la Gauchetiere St. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | April 30, 2012 | 16:00 to 18:00 |
| Montreal | Montreal Intermodal Terminal, 4500, Hickmore | Pamphlets handed out to truck drivers | May 2, 2012 |
10:00 to 13:00 17:00 to 20:00 |
| Montreal | Crossing near 3272, St-Ambroise St. | Safety Blitz with SPVM | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 10:00 |
| Montreal | Crossing near 585, de Courcelles St. | Safety Blitz with SPVM | May 3, 2012 | 12:00 to 14:00 |
| Montreal | Crossing near 2432, O'Brien St. | Safety Blitz with SPVM | May 4, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Montreal | Montreal and Deux-Montagnes Subdivision | Trespass Blitz | May 5, 2012 | 07:00 to 17:00 |
| Montreal | Montreal and Deux-Montagnes Subdivision | Trespass Blitz | May 6, 2012 | 16:00 to 02:00 |
| Montreal | Deux-Montagnes and St-Laurent Subdivision | Trespass Blitz | May 6, 2012 | 16:00 to 02:00 |
| Quebec City | VIA Station, 450 Gare du Palais St. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | May 1, 2012 | 16:00 to 18:00 |
| Roberval | Roberval Crossing | Crossing Blitz with local police | May 4, 2012 | 07:00 to 12:00 |
| Shawinigan | VIA Station, 1560 chemin du CN | Pamphlets handed to commuters | May 2, 2012 | 10:30 to 12:00 |
| Ste-Foy | VIA Station, 3255, chemin de la Gare | Pamphlets handed to commuters | May 1, 2012 | 13:00 to 13:30 |
| Ste-Foy | Crossing des Hotels, Champlain embranchment | Trespass Blitz with local police | May 4, 2012 | 07:00 to 12:00 |
| Ste-Foy | Champlain Blvd. | Trespass Blitz | May 4, 2012 | 13:00 to 16:00 |
| St-Hyacinthe | VIA Station, 1450 Sicotte St. | Pamphlets handed to commuters | April 30, 2012 | 10:00 to 12:00 |
| St-Romuald | Crossing near 2040 Rive-Sud Blvd. | Pamphlets handed to commuters - with local Police | May 4, 2012 | 13:00 to 16:00 |
| Terrasse-Vaudreuil | Hw 20, exit 35, corner 3rd Ave. | Safety Blitz with CP Police, SQ, and AMT | May 2, 2012 | 06:30 to 09:00 |
| Vanier | Crossing near 420, Plante St. | Crossing blitz with local police | May 3, 2012 | 08:00 to 12:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| NEW BRUNSWICK | ||||
| Bathurst | Squire Green, north of Riverside Dr. | Crossing Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 08:00 to 09:00 |
| Miramichi | VIA Station | Rail Safety Display | May 1, 2012 | 10:00 to 11:00 |
| Miramichi | Newcastle Blvd. and Station St. | Crossing Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 11:00 to 12:00 |
| Moncton | VIA Station, 1240 Main Street | Rail Safety Display | April 30, 2012 | 10:30 to 12:30 |
| Newcastle | Newcastle Yard | Trespass Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 08:30 to 10:00 |
| Newcastle | Newcastle Yard | Trespass Blitz | May 1, 2012 | 11:30 to 14:00 |
| Salisbury | Highway #2 truck weigh station | Safety Blitz aimed at truck drivers | May 2, 2012 | 10:00 to 14:00 |
| Sussex | Crossing on Main Street | Crossing Blitz with R.C.M.P. | May 3, 2012 | 10:00 to 11:00 |
| Sussex | Sussex Yard |
Safety Blitz - VIA Rail Station |
May 3, 2012 | 12:00 to 14:00 |
| City | Street | Activity | Date | Start/Finish |
| NOVA SCOTIA | ||||
| Amherst | VIA Station | Trespass Blitz | May 2, 2012 | 10:00 to 12:00 |
| Amherst | Crossing on Victoria St. | Safety Blitz with Amherst Police | May 2, 2012 | 13:00 to 14:00 |
| Dartmouth | Crossing at 474, Princess Margaret Blvd. | Safety Blitz with local Police | May 2, 2012 | 07:00 to 10:00 |
| Halifax | VIA Station, 1161, Hollis Street | Rail Safety Display | April 30, 2012 | 07:00 to 17:00 |
| Halifax | 1975, Gottingen | Safety Blitz with Halifax Police | May 1, 2012 | 08:00 to 09:00 |
For an interview with the CN Police Chief, contact:
Media Contact:
Louis-Antoine Paquin
Manager
Corporate Communications
514-399-6450
louisantoine.paquin@cn.ca
