Over the last ten years, fatality rates on federally-regulated railways have substantially diminished, but unfortunately this is in part due to reduced monitoring of railway tracks.
The numbers are still quite impressive. In 2005, the Transportation Safety Board reported 100 fatal accidents. In 2015, only 46 accidents resulted in deaths. There has also been a decrease in fatal accidents occurring at railway crossings. In 2015, there were just 15 crossing fatalities, down from 36 deaths in 2005.
Improvement in railway safety is obviously a good thing, but it’s important to acknowledge that the federal government is monitoring 8% fewer railways than it once did. Accidents on lines that are no longer monitored may not be being counted within federal statistics. Transport Canada also notes that safety improvements should be attributed in part to their Grade Crossing Improvement Program.
It is likely that statistics from the Transportation Safety Board don’t tell the whole story. Individual provinces are responsible for regulating the 5,000 kilometres of train tracks that are not federally regulated, so these tracks are likely still being monitored and, ideally, being reported to the TSB. But even if reporting is taking place, there is no centralized location for railway statistics, which makes the true number of accidents hard to gauge.
Safety may also be improving because crossings have been improved. In many places, visible lights, timers and development guidelines have reduced the number of people who attempt to walk on or cross railway tracks. Transport Minister Marc Garneau has also promised to contribute nearly $11 million to improving crossings.
Still, until statistics can be more accurately reported, it will be difficult to track whether safety improvements are working.
To read more about the issues related to railway safety reporting, you can view the whole article here.
Even though safety may be improving, it is imperative that you take proper precautions when driving or walking near railway tracks. If no signals are present, it is your responsibility to be on the lookout for danger. Proceed carefully and never take a risk if you don’t have to. If you have been injured in an accident because of a poorly maintained crossing, a lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries.
If you have been involved in an accident, speak to a personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights.
