86.13EM Emergency Resolution: Cabooseless Freight Trains
Whereas, The caboose is important for not only total efficiency but for the safety of the general public and the environments;
Whereas, Trains are longer, over two miles not unusual, and trains travel faster, 50-65 MPH, carrying more dangerous commodities than ever before, 35 percent growing at 5 percent per year;
Whereas, A series of train accidents in the past year has caused many deaths (29 at Hinton, Alberta along) and environmental disruption with millions of dollars spent on cleanup; and
Whereas, For economic reasons the railways desire to remove the only remaining means of human, visual inspection of a freight train enroute; therefore be it,
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada request the Government of Canada to urge the Railways to retain the caboose occupied by a rear-end trainman on all trains transporting dangerous/hazardous materials.