Preventable BC warns against outrunning trains

After multiple serious train-involved incidents in the Lower Mainland this month, Preventable BC issued a public service announcement (PSA) on how to act around train crossings.

The safety organization is urging the public to take railway crossing rules seriously

“Those trains are moving much faster than they appear to the eye,” said Ian Pike with Preventable BC. 

He says it is just not worth the risk to try and outrun a train.

“I understand some of our trains are very, very long and they appear to take forever to pass, particularly if you’re in a rush to get somewhere. However, it’s just not worth it.”

There were two incidents in Maple Ridge this week alone where vehicles were hit by trains.

One person died, and another was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.

Earlier this month, a Port Moody driver was seriously injured after the truck he was in was hit by a West Coast Express train.

“This is far too many people who are seriously injured or who die, and tragically, in our view, all of these incidents are entirely preventable,” Pike explained.

Caution also applies to people who cross train tracks on foot. On August 20, a pedestrian died after being hit by a train in Langley.

Additionally, police are reminding the public not to crawl under stalled trains after a group was seen doing just that at a stopped train in White Rock.