Washington, D.C., Sept. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 2023 – The Amtrak Police Department and Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, are joining law enforcement and other first responders across the U.S. today for “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest rail safety initiative in the U.S. This annual initiative takes place during Rail Safety Week, observed this year from September 18-24 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week raise awareness about the importance of making safe choices near railroad tracks and crossings.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, nine out of 10 rail-related fatalities result from crossing collisions and trespass incidents. Trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. Nationally, more than 400 trespass fatalities occur each year, the vast majority of which are preventable.
“We cannot say this enough. Trespassing on train tracks is not only dangerous but is illegal in all 50 states,” said Amtrak Chief of Police D. Samuel Dotson. “Through Operation Clear Track, we can help drivers and pedestrians understand that every time someone trespasses on the tracks, it can lead to devastating results, impacting someone’s life, their family and the community.”
During Operation Clear Track, law enforcement representatives conduct safety outreach at high-incident railroad grade crossings in various locations, sharing safety information and enforcing crossing and trespassing laws by issuing citations and warnings to violators.
Said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Our mission at Operation Lifesaver is to save lives by helping people make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains. We are thrilled to join forces today with Amtrak and our incredible first responders nationwide. We welcome their support in educating communities on the importance of rail safety and making safe choices all year round. Together, we can help stop track tragedies.”
State Operation Lifesaver programs partner with first responders across the U.S. during Operation Clear Track, working to reduce these incidents and empower individuals 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.
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to stopping track tragedies. For more than 50 years, Operation Lifesaver programs have saved lives via public awareness campaigns and a network of trained volunteers across the U.S. who give free presentations encouraging safe behavior near railroad tracks and trains. The Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) national office supports the efforts of state programs in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Learn more about OLI, the annual observance of Rail Safety Week, how to request a free presentation and become a volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
About Amtrak®
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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