OREANDA-NEWS. Canadian Pacific and Canadian Pacific Police Service stressing importance of safety at grade crossings and reminding people to stay away from railway property.

During Public Rail Safety Week, April 28 - May 4, Canadian Pacific, other Canadian railways, and stakeholders will be reminding motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians about the importance of staying safe around railway property, in particular railway crossings. Public Rail Safety Week is an initiative aimed at raising awareness among Canadians of the safety implications around railway lines.

"Safety is a priority at Canadian Pacific," said Canadian Pacific Police Service Acting Chief, Ken Marchant. "Public Rail Safety Week is an important reminder to the public to stay away from railway property and be aware at grade crossings."

Of particular importance this year is the number of grade crossing collisions involving commercial vehicles. Driver awareness and caution is critical to preventing incidents, especially since over half of all motor vehicle collisions that occurred in 2013 occurred at crossings with fully armed lights and gates. The dangers of distraction also crosses over to trespassers, who are often caught off guard by a train approaching or fail to hear warning whistles through headphones.

CP and CP Police Service work with partners, like local law enforcement agencies and Operation Lifesaver, to further educate the public about the potential hazards of railway crossings and the dangers of trespassing on railway property.