(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, September 21, 2021)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak Police and Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education non-profit, are joining with law enforcement and other first responders across the U.S. for “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest rail safety initiative in the U.S. This fifth annual initiative takes place during Rail Safety Week, observed September 20-26 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of making safe choices near railroad tracks and trains.
“Operation Clear Track is an important annual initiative to help save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Amtrak Chief of Police D. Samuel Dotson.
In the U.S., every 3 hours a vehicle or person is struck by a train,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Together, we can help stop track tragedies.”
During “Operation Clear Track,” law enforcement representatives report to high-incident railroad grade crossings in various locations. Once onsite, law enforcement officials share safety tips and enforce crossing and trespassing laws as well as write citations and warnings to violators.
State Operation Lifesaver programs across the U.S. and their partners in the first response community participate in Operation Clear Track and other Rail Safety Week events to reduce these incidents and empower the state’s residents to keep themselves safe near tracks and trains. This collaborative railroad safety initiative is one of several events scheduled during Rail Safety Week.
For more information on railroad safety, visit oli.org and stayoffthetracks.org.