On Saturday Feb. 16 at around 3:20 p.m a southbound train struck an unoccupied snowmobile at Cote Boulevard railway crossing in Hanmer, Ontario.
The snowmobile had used a trespassing trail that runs parallel to the CN track from Eva Street to Cote Boulevard where “No Trespassing" signs are posted. The driver of the snowmobile tipped the sled over exiting at Cote Boulevard and was unable to remove it from the crossing in time.
Earlier that same day, another unoccupied snowmobile was struck by a train in Parry Sound when it was trespassing and attempted to cross over the rails instead of using an approved railway crossing.
Luckily no one was injured in both incidents and trespassing charges were laid.
CN police are reminding snowmobile riders to stay away from railway tracks and railway property. Trespassing is not only dangerous but illegal.
"Those who enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiling must stick to the trails and never the rails," said a news release from CN Rail.
"With the sound of the snowmobile motor combined with reduced visibility, trains can be hard to see and to hear when enjoying the outdoors. Trains can also take over two km to come to a complete stop."
In 2017, more than 222 accidents occurred in Canada, resulting in 72 fatalities and 44 serious injuries.
Disregard for railway crossing signals and gates and distracted driving were the main causes of those accidents, along with trespassing. Under the Railway Safety Act, trespassing on tracks is illegal because of the significant risk of injury and death.
Trespassers can be charged under the Rail Safety Act for up to $125.
