(CBC News circulated the following on March 16, 2010.)
OTTAWA — The federal government and the railways must improve safety at high-risk crossings on busy passenger train routes, according to the country’s transportation accident investigator.
The Transportation Safety Board identified that issue as one of nine areas it says pose the greatest risks to Canadians. The nine areas are part of a watch list released by the board on Tuesday in Ottawa.
The group said there have been 380 incidents in the last 15 years at railway crossings, and 106 Canadians have died when their vehicle was struck by a passenger train.
With rail traffic growing in expanding communities, the Transportation Safety Board said improved signage at crossings is just the first step needed. The agency said Transport Canada and the industry must do a thorough assessment to identify high-risk crossings.
The watch list put together by the independent agency also stressed the need for safety improvements aboard Canada’s fishing vessels.
Although the board has issued 42 safety recommendations since 1992, an average of 445 marine accidents are reported annually — with 44 per cent of these involving fishing vessels.
The accidents resulted in an average of 12 deaths a year between 2005 and 2009.
The fishing industry needs to promote safer operating procedures, the board said, calling on governments to work with industry to improve training and tighten regulations.
Keeping with marine transport, the Transportation Safety Board also said Canada’s ferries must improve their safety practices by keeping detailed passenger lists and practising evacuations.