(The following article by Jennifer Ditchburn was circulated by the Canadian Press on April 28.)
OTTAWA — All Canadian rail companies will be required to stick reflectors on each and every train car within the next seven years, a decision designed to prevent dozens of deaths at small rail crossings every year.
A government source said Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon is expected to approve the change Friday.
The Transportation Safety Board had recommended such a regulation in 2000, but the previous Liberal government never implemented it.
Last year, 12-year-old Sabrina Latimer was killed near Brockville, Ont., when she walked into the second section of an oncoming train, one that she did not see coming.
She was just one of 103 Canadians to die in 2005 from crossing and trespassing incidents.
The Transportation Safety Board conducted a study on the issue in 2003 that suggested between 1996 and 2001 motorists drove directly into trains at night 62 times.
Reflector strips are required on motor vehicles such as trucks and even farm equipment, but so far are only demanded of CN and CPR freight cars. Thousands of other privately owned cars are not covered.
The change is of particular interest to small communities where there are only rail crossing signs, but not full rail crossings.
Conservative MP Brian Pallister has been fighting for the change for years. One of his young constituents was killed in 2004 when he drove into a train at an unlit crossing at night.