(Facebook/Wheatland Express Safety Train)

By Angie Rolheiser

Rail Safety

Wheatland Express Safety Train in Cudworth promoting rail safety week

Sep 20, 2020 | 10:00 AM

With railway tracks covering thousands of kilometres in Saskatchewan, the Canadian Safety Train Express is promoting rail safety from Sept 21 to 27.

Amy Lintick, director of operations with the safety train based in Cudworth, said they use many materials to teach rail safety on the regular basis including a simulation machine.

“It teaches kids how long it takes a train to actually stop in an emergency,” Lintick said.

A rail car was renovated to become a mobile classroom to teach different groups about railway safety on the train itself which includes the simulation machine.

“We try to be as interactive as we possibly can, we use iPads and touch screens for different activities,” Lintick said. ” We are firm a believer that the best way to learn is a hands-on experience.”

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The program has partnered with the Saskatchewan Government again this year to distribute 3,500 safety books to grade four students located near short-line railways in Saskatchewan and has also developed contests for children and teens for prizes and scholarships.

“When we first started our program we really focused in Saskatchewan and now have branched out to not only include Saskatchewan but also Western Canada,” Lintick said.

Saskatchewan alone is home to 2,000 kilometres of privately-owned short-line railway that connects more 6,000 kilometres of federally-regulated track.

According to Lintick, they focus on rail safety 365 days a year but rail safety week is when they do a huge blitz to really get the message out to the public.

“We really want to deliver that critical message that interaction with railway equipment is dangerous and almost always results in a significant or fatal consequence,” Lintick said.

Each year, there are 2,100 North Americans seriously injured or killed in railway crossing and trespassing incidents.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevents the program from hosting classes so it is even more crucial to raise awareness and prevent incidents.

“We are really doing a heavy online presence during rail safety week and going forward,” Linitck said.

Three contests will be unveiled on Monday for all age groups as well as a public service video contests that gives students a chance to win a $1000 scholarship.

More information on programs, railway safety books and contests click here.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser