There are fewer collisions at Canada’s rail crossings since 1980, but still too many accidents causing death and injury.

There are fewer collisions at Canada’s rail crossings since 1980, but still too many accidents causing death and injury.
Photo Credit: Dillon Hodgin/CBC

Millions pledged to improve rail crossing safety

The Canadian government will spend $10.9 million to improve the safety of more than 400 rail crossings. An investigation by the public broadcaster, CBC, found there are about 179 rail accidents every year. At least 463 people have died at rail crossings since 2000.

Many train crossings have lights, but no mechanical arms to prevent motorists and pedestrians from crossing when a train approaches.
Many train crossings have lights, but no mechanical arms to prevent motorists and pedestrians from crossing when a train approaches. © Aadel Haleem/CBC

Almost 50,000 km of track cross Canada

Canada is the world’s second largest country. From the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans it measures 5,187 km. The building of a railroad was key to the creation of the country. There are currently almost 50,000 km of track.

Of the 17,000 railway crossings in Canada, two-thirds have no electronic arms that descend to prevent pedestrians or vehicles from approaching when a train is coming, notes CBC.

About 400 crossings to be improved

Collisions at crossings have declined since 1980, reports Canadian Press, adding that there were 164 in 2015 from more than 800 in 1980. It also notes that in 2015, 47 people were killed and 36 seriously injured in train accidents.

About 400 crossings will be improved, mostly with lights to improve the visibility of warning systems for motorists and pedestrians.

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