The Canadian Press
MONTREAL–Rail safety advocates are using virtual reality to highlight just how dangerous it can be to cross or trespass near train tracks.
“Operation Lifesaver,” a public-private partnership that promotes awareness of safety issues around crossings, launched a campaign yesterday to mark the beginning of Rail Safety Week.
The campaign, called “Look, Listen, Live,” puts users in the shoes of someone experiencing the near miss of being struck by a train.
There were 45 rail-related deaths in 2015, with the number climbing to 65 last year.
Canadian National police chief Stephen Covey said research shows that males aged 18-35 are involved in many of the roughly 200 railway incidents yearly that result in death and injury.
The virtual campaign was designed with that age bracket in mind.
“It’s a very difficult audience to get a message out to,” noted Covey.
“If you get hit by a train, you will lose, so we feel that by living that experience, hopefully we’ll be able to reach that audience and keep them safe,” he reasoned.
Transport minister Marc Garneau said Canadians need to be reminded of the dangers of taking short-cuts and crossing tracks in unauthorized areas or trespassing on railway facilities.
“People need to realize trains are immutable forces, and you have to respect them and stay away from them,” he stressed.
