Twelve years ago, then 13-year-old Andrew West finished his exams early at St. Martin de Porres High School.
Instead of waiting for the bus, he opted to walk to meet some friends at a nearby Shell Station for snacks. Carefree, he walked with headphones in, and didn’t hear the train horn blowing or the brakes slamming.
It’s a memory that remains difficult for mother Roxane.
“He’s my baby – he would have been turning 26 (this year),” she said.
“It’s hard. He’s in my heart and mind every single day.”
Roxane and her mother Betty Melik continue to fight to raise awareness for rail safety, though 12 years later, they are frustrated at a lack of progress from the City and local schools.
“I’m ready to throw my hands up. What are we not saying?” Melik said.
“Do we need to phrase it differently? This is the first disaster they ever had in Airdrie.”
West said soon after the accident, the city began to implement the introduction of new fencing and walkways near railroads, but that the process has stalled.
Melik said some local schools have begun to implement railway safety programs, but that there is not enough room in the curriculum to cover it efficiently, if at all.
Melik is a part of Operation Lifesaver, an organization formed to educate Canadians about the hazards of railways and trains
During Public-Rail Safety Week, which takes place this year April 29 to May 5, Melik will do her part to educate the community by giving speeches to schools, senior homes, community groups as well as handing out posters.
But the family is feeling discouraged by a lack of support from the community and a feeling that not enough progress is being made on improvements to the city, such as installing additional walkways and fencing to areas around railways.
“One person’s fight is a lonely fight,” West said.
“If you don’t get the support, your motivation is not there and you feel like giving up.”
Public-Rail Safety Week is an Operation Lifesaver program run by volunteers across Canada.
Volunteers will participate in local events such as crossing blitzes, mock collision scenarios, and presentations to schools, clubs and community groups.
West said education about rail safety remains the most important part of accident prevention, and continued work on improving safety in the community needs to become a stronger focus.
“Every school in Airdrie should have Operation Lifesaver in their schools,” West said.
“Let’s get a move on the walkways. And the fencing. Take care of your city.”
For more information on Public-Rail Safety Week, visit www.operationlifesaver.ca
Twelve years ago, then 13-year-old Andrew West finished his exams early at St. Martin de Porres High School. Instead of waiting for the bus, he opted to walk to meet some friends at a nearby Shell Station for snacks. Carefree, West walked with headphones in, and didn’t hear the train horn blowing or the brakes slamming.
It’s a memory that remains difficult for mother Roxane.
“He’s my baby – he would have been turning 26 (this year),” West said. “It’s hard. He’s in my heart and mind every single day.”
Roxane and her mother Betty Melik continue to fight to raise awareness for rail safety, though 12 years later, they are frustrated at a lack of progress from the City and local schools.
“I’m ready to throw my hands up. What are we not saying?” Melik said. “Do we need to phrase it differently? This is the first disaster they ever had in Airdrie.”
West said soon after the accident, the city began to implement the introduction of new fencing and walkways near railroads, but that the process has stalled. Melik said some local schools have begun to implement railway safety programs, but that there is not enough room in the curriculum to cover it efficiently, if at all.
Melik is a part of Operation Lifesaver, an organization formed to educate Canadians about the hazards of railways and trains. During Public-Rail Safety Week, which takes place this year April 29 to May 5, Melik will do her part to educate the community by giving speeches to schools, senior homes, community groups as well as handing out posters.
But the family is feeling discouraged by a lack of support from the community and a feeling that not enough progress is being made on improvements to the city, such as installing additional walkways and fencing to areas around railways.
“One person’s fight is a lonely fight,” West said. “If you don’t get the support, your motivation is not there and you feel like giving up.”
Public-Rail Safety Week is an Operation Lifesaver program run by volunteers across Canada. Volunteers will participate in local events such as crossing blitzes, mock collision scenarios, and presentations to schools, clubs, and community groups.
West said that education about rail safety remains the most important part of accident prevention, and continued work on improving safety in the community needs to become a stronger focus.
