Ten deaths at southern Ontario train crossings is enough, say officials who launch safety campaign in Mississauga

Train safety officials are introducing several new measures to make train crossings in Mississauga and across the Golden Horseshoe safer for drivers and pedestrians in the wake of 10 deaths in the last three years. 

As Rail Safety Week kicks off across North America, commuters at Port Credit GO station in Mississauga were greeted this morning by safety demonstration videos, safety equipment displays and safety tips and reminders from officials with Metrolinx and Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit group of rail safety educators. 

The goal, officials say, is to increase awareness of the potential dangers to drivers and pedestrians at the 139 public grade train crossings used daily by GO Transit and UP Express. In the past three years, 10 people have died at such crossings in the Golden Horseshoe. 

Metrolinx, the Crown agency that manages public transportation in the Golden Horseshoe, says in addition to public safety campaigns, plans are underway to implement safety measures that include: 

• road-embedded LED lights that illuminate when the crossing is active to provide drivers with extra awareness when a train is approaching
• pedestrian gates with skirts will be installed to provide users with awareness of an active crossing and a barrier to restrict access to the rail corridor
• pathway lights on all crossings that have a pedestrian path to guide pedestrians
• anti-trespass mats on the right of way to deter pedestrians from taking a short-cut across the tracks

As Rail Safety Week continues, similar displays/campaign efforts will be set up at Union Station Toronto (Sept. 21, 3-6 p.m.), Aurora GO station (Sept. 22, 7-9 a.m.), Acton GO station (Sept. 23, 7-9 a.m.) and Stouffville GO station (Sept. 24, 7-9 a.m.).