By Dave Branco

Rail safety

Snowmobiles and railway tracks are not a good mix

Mar 3, 2021 | 3:43 PM

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PRINCE GEORGE – Riding a snowmobile is a great way to enjoy the outdoors but riders need to remember that snowmobiles and railway tracks are not a good combination.

There are risks related to the use of snowmobiles near the tracks and as a result, CN police officers are spreading a rail safety message.

According to CN officials last year in North America, there were over 3,400 collisions with trains, resulting in over 2,200 serious injuries or fatalities.

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Railway yards, tracks, tunnels, and bridges are private property and riding along or on railway tracks or taking a shortcut across tracks is not only illegal, it can be fatal.

As a result, CN Police will be on patrol throughout the province and want to send a strong safety reminder not to trespass on railway tracks or property.

They would like everyone to remember to Be Rail Smart. STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE.

Tips on how to stay safe near a railway for your audience:

• Use designated railway crossings.
• Slow down, look both ways and listen for approaching trains; proceed only if it is safe to do so.
• Stay off the tracks, trespassing on railway property is both dangerous and illegal.
• Use approved trails, not railway tracks.
• Keep in mind that trains can overhang the tracks by as much as one metre on each side.
• Stalls or stuck vehicles must be left behind.
• Once safe, immediately notify emergency responders by calling 911.
• Be rail-smart while snowmobiling: “Stop. Look. Listen. Live”.