One would think it would be strictly a matter of common sense but unfortunately accidents can, and do, happen, even right here in Yorkton.
Trains are powerful machines yet for whatever reason, people sometimes fail to respect that fact.
April 28 to May 4 is National Public Rail Safety Week and in light of that fact, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Shortline Railway Association (SSRA) are urging all motorists and pedestrians to be alert and cautious near tracks and trains.
"Rail transport is vital to our growing economy, but it is important to respect these massive and powerful machines," says Regina Walsh Acres MLA Warren Steinley. "Rail safety is everyone's responsibility - only cross railway tracks at authorized and marked crossings, and always obey the signs."
As part of its public education efforts, the province distributes Train Safety Activity Booklets to Grade 4 students at about 100 schools located near shortline rail lines each year in conjunction with National Public Rail Safety Week. The booklets are produced by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure in partnership with the SSRA.
"Our shortlines are continuing to grow to keep up with the province's exports, and so safety is more important than ever," adds SSRA President Conrad Johnson.
National Public Rail Safety Week is an initiative of Operation Lifesaver, which works with the rail industry and government partners to reduce crossing collisions and trespassing incidents along railways in communities across Canada. Further resources on railway safety can be found at Operation Lifesaver's website at www.operationlifesaver.ca.
As the regulator of shortline rail in Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure reviews safety management plans, provides reflective tape for rail signs and locomotives, and conducts routine safety inspections of locomotives and the province's 1,100 provincially-regulated shortline crossings.
Saskatchewan has 13 operational, privately-owned shortline railways on about 2,000 km of provincially-regulated track.
Let's do our part to ensure they operate safely not just this week but the entire year through!
