When Anna Chuprun was in her first year at Royal West Academy, in Montreal West, she remembers having to learn the ropes.
Contrary to most, it didn’t involve textbooks or sports, but the complex Montreal West rail crossing she would have to navigate to get to the school, just blocks away.
“You just kind of have to use your judgment and cross the street when there are no cars coming and make sure you’re safe,” she said.
She added she doffs her headphones as she approaches the crossing.
A recent rail accident at the Roxboro-Pierrefonds RTM train station has once again raised awareness about the dangers at level crossings.
“People may think they’re safe to cross, and then a third train will come on the track,” said Chantal Juhasz, vice-principal of Royal West Academy.
READ MORE: Train accident has Pierrefonds residents calling for additional rail safety
The school has been holding annual safety seminars for over a decade.
Both Montreal West and the Roxboro-Pierrefonds stations have a common issue — retractable barriers at some places, but not others.
“I think that’s something that probably should be discussed,” said Jill Delaplace, a commuter from Montreal West.
According to Operation Lifesaver, a group that monitors rail mishaps, more than 240 train accidents happened last year in Canada.
READ MORE: Teen hit by commuter train in Pierrefonds-Roxboro
RTM officials say they are are considering adding safety features in the wake of the Roxboro accident.
The next safety seminar at Royal West Academy is scheduled for Sept. 21.
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