The OPP’s Annie Collins says people need to be extra careful driving near train tracks during the winter because of poor road conditions.
MyKemptvilleNow.com reached out to Collins, a Community Safety Officer with the Grenville County OPP detachment, after a train collided with a van in North Grenville late Sunday evening.
“They ended up being stuck on the train tracks, just suspended on there, just as the lights were coming on” Collins explains. “The occupants did extremely well to immediately get out and remove their four passengers, and unfortunately it was too late to [stop the train], and the vehicle was struck, but it could have been so much worse. No one was hurt in the incident, and they were safe and then they called 911.”
Collins says it’s important to be cautious when approaching train tracks, especially when the roads are slippery.
“Slow right down, and if the lights are starting, really try and leave yourself enough time to come to a complete stop before you get onto the train tracks,” she says. “Having appropriate winter equipment in your vehicle and on your car, as well, would be very important.”
She adds that if you do get stuck on the tracks, you should immediately leave your vehicle and call 911, to have any trains on those tracks stopped immediately. If you see someone driving recklessly, or in an emergency like that, Collins says you should report it as soon as possible.