As a part of GTA area activities to highlight Rail Safety Week – April 25th to may 1st, 2016 – the Halton Regional Police Service will be partnering with GO Transit, CN Police & CP Police will be distributing Passenger Safety Tip sheets and creating awareness surrounding Halton area resident’s safe interaction with trains that move within our Region.
The Halton Regional Police Service shares our rail partner’s safety message and belief that everyone is responsible for their own safety around trains. Halton Police would like to remind area residents of the following information:
- Trains can come along in either direction at any given time.
- People must cross tracks at designated crossings. When you cross anywhere else, you’re not only are you breaking the law, but you are placing yourself in great danger.
- Take the time to walk that extra stretch and cross where it is safe and legal to do so. It can save your life.
- Even at a level crossing, take the time to look both ways and then cross the rails.
- Never get in the way of the train or try to beat the train through an intersection. A locomotive weighs 129 tons and a passenger rail car weighs 49 tons. It can take that train almost 1800 metres to stop.
- Always obey the warning devices that are in place at a crossing. Do not go around gates that are activated. Wait until the gates are up, even when you don’t see a train coming. One could be coming in the opposite direction if there are multiple tracks.
- Never cross tracks at stations, and always stay behind the yellow platform lines.
- We ask everyone to be aware and follow the rules - look, listen, live.
The Halton Regional Police Service also supports our rail partners' collective efforts pertaining to mental health awareness and track-side signage to encourage those experiencing mental illness or emotional distress to reach out to available services and supports within the Halton community.
The Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week at 1-877-825-9011. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.