Rail Safety Week 2021 – From September 20 to 26 CN Wants You to Be Rail Smart

Rhea-AI Summary

CN Launches Rail Safety Awareness Campaign

On September 20, 2021, CN initiated its annual rail safety awareness campaign during Rail Safety Week, running until September 26, 2021. The campaign aims to educate communities about the dangers of trespassing on tracks and ignoring safety signals. CN reported 1,901 incidents last year in the U.S., leading to 198 fatalities. Over 130 municipalities have joined the campaign. CN emphasizes shared responsibility in rail safety, encouraging individuals to remain vigilant as daily commutes resume amidst the ongoing pandemic recovery.

Positive

• Over 130 municipalities have supported Rail Safety Week with proclamations.
• CN conducted online and outdoor activities promoting rail safety despite pandemic challenges.

Negative

• The U.S. reported 1,901 railroad crossing and trespassing incidents last year, resulting in 198 fatalities.
• The ongoing pandemic continues to pose challenges for public safety messaging.

The Company is Inviting People Across North America to Join the Discussion About Rail Safety

HOMEWOOD, Ill., Sept. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today launched its annual rail safety awareness campaign kicking off Rail Safety Week 2021 across North America. From September 20 to 26, CN Police Service (CNPS), along with many CN colleagues, will continue to spread the important message about rail safety in communities across CN’s network. As part of its efforts, it is raising awareness about the potentially devastating consequences of trespassing on railroad tracks and disregarding rail safety signs and signals at highway-rail grade crossings.

“For the past two years, our lives have been turned upside down by a global pandemic. With the availability of effective vaccines, we are looking forward to a return to normalcy. That means a return to the office, or school, and that daily commute and travel will resume. Once again, CN continues to encourage everyone to be extra cautious around railroad property and crossings and to discuss rail safety with loved ones and to ensure that together we can help put an end to these preventable tragedies. Rail safety is a shared responsibility and we are asking everyone to be especially careful when on or near railroad property and at crossings. Look, listen and live! That’s what it means to be rail smart.“

• Stephen Covey, Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer at CN
  

As businesses continue to slowly reopen and lives get back to normal, CN is reminding drivers and pedestrians to be extra vigilant around trains and when approaching highway-rail grade crossings. According to our partner Operation Lifesaver, last year in the U.S., 1,901 railroad crossing and trespassing incidents have been reported, which resulted in 198 fatalities and 688 serious injuries.¹

Rail Safety is a Shared Responsibility

Together with cities, towns and communities, CN has created powerful allies in promoting the rail safety message in its communities. The Company has already received support from more than 130 municipalities across North America who have signed proclamations in support of Rail Safety Week.

Rail Safety Week Activities

Rail safety never takes a break and, as proud neighbors, we continue to work with Operation Lifesaver, our communities and local authorities, CN Police Service officers and other CN employees to help prevent train-related incidents and injuries during the week with online and safely distanced outdoor activities to promote rail safety.

As a responsible global railroad that links communities to markets around the world, CN is taking all necessary steps to protect our employees, communities, customers, vendors and partners, in response to the unprecedented challenges associated with the pandemic. CN continues to invest into rail safety and this year, despite the ongoing pandemic, is inviting all the communities across its network to participate in activities, at a safe distance, to promote rail safety.

About CN Police
Every year, CN Police Service responds to hundreds of events along CN’s network across 16 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces. In addition to protecting CN property, CNPS officers deliver rail safety presentations to schools, trucking agencies, bus operators and community organizations. By rolling out strategic educational initiatives and conducting targeted operations, CNPS aims to promote safe behaviors and increase awareness of rail safety. CNPS is committed to making CN the safest railroad in North America.

For more information or an interview with CN Police, contact:

Mathieu Gaudreault
Senior Advisor
Public Affairs and Media Relations
514-249-4735
mathieu.gaudreault@cn.ca

¹ Source: https://oli.org/track-statistics/collisions-casualties-year

FAQ

What is CN's Rail Safety Week 2021 about?

CN's Rail Safety Week 2021, from September 20 to 26, focuses on raising awareness about rail safety and preventing trespassing incidents.

How many fatalities occurred from railroad incidents last year?

Last year, there were 198 fatalities reported in the U.S. due to railroad crossing and trespassing incidents.

What activities are included in Rail Safety Week 2021?

Activities include online and outdoor events promoting rail safety awareness in partnership with local communities and organizations.

Who supports the Rail Safety Week initiative?

Over 130 municipalities have signed proclamations in support of Rail Safety Week, collaborating with CN to promote safety.

What message does CN emphasize during Rail Safety Week?

CN emphasizes that rail safety is a shared responsibility, urging everyone to be vigilant around tracks and crossings.