CP recognizes Rail Safety Week, asks everyone to take the safe route home

Rail Safety Week starts April 25. #SeeTracksThinkTrain #RSW2016

CALGARY, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific (CP) and the CP Police Service (CPPS) will be educating the public throughout Rail Safety Week (April 25 – May 1) about the importance of safe, smart decisions in and around railway property, 365 days a year.

In conjunction with Operation Lifesaver and other stakeholders, CP is reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that any route that includes illegally crossing railway tracks or using railway tracks as a shortcut is the wrong route. During the week, CP and CPPS will conduct rail safety blitzes in communities across our network with participation from other police agencies and schools to educate the public about the role we each play in staying safe.

"Railway tracks are not an extension of a public pathway, nor are they a safe shortcut," said Laird Pitz, CP Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. "While Rail Safety Week is a good reminder, rail safety requires ongoing vigilance every minute of every day. Crossing incidents can have tragic consequences for all involved, but it's important to remember that they are preventable."

The safe operation of our trains through the communities in which we operate is a priority for CP. During Rail Safety Week, CPPS will be visible in the community educating people about the dangers of trespassing on railway property. CPPS will focus on high traffic areas where the railway sees high instances of trespassing or dangerous behavior around the railway right-of-way.

Although the number of crossing and trespasser incidents and fatalities has declined year-over-year, one incident is one too many.

Federal Railroad Administration statistics (all railroads)

• 2,059 vehicle vs. train incidents in the U.S. in 2015 resulting in 240 fatalities
• 893 trespasser vs. train incidents in the U.S. in 2015; 486 resulted in fatalities

People can follow CP's rail safety outreach activities and get safety tips on Facebook and Twitter. Share your rail safety story using #SeeTracksThinkTrain #RSW2016.

More information about safety around tracks and trains can be found at oli.org. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

About CP Police Service
The CP Police Service (CPPS) is a fully accredited police agency operating in both Canada and the U.S. created by Federal Statute with full federal, state and provincial powers. CPPS officers are peace officers as defined by the Criminal Code. The CPPS plays an important role by contributing to public safety and enforcement activities in the communities where Canadian Pacific operates. CPPS officers promote public safety through trespasser abatement patrols, enforcement of traffic legislation at and near railway crossings and participation in education activities to raise awareness of community safety issues. The CPPS also help to protect the critical infrastructure of Canada and the U.S. by ensuring supply chain integrity and ensuring the operational efficiency of the transportation network.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific

Related Links

http://www.cpr.ca