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September 21, 2021

Amtrak Police and Law Enforcement Officers Unite for Largest Railroad Safety Initiative in U.S.

Police and Sheriff’s Departments partner with Operation Lifesaver to reduce railroad-related deaths and injuries nationwide

WASHINGTON – Nearly 500 Police and Sheriff’s departments across 43 states and the District of Columbia will join the Amtrak Police Department and Operation Lifesaver Inc (OLI)  to conduct “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest railroad safety law enforcement detail in the U.S. This is the fifth annual event aimed at enforcing state grade crossing and trespassing laws while raising awareness on the importance of making safe choices near railroad tracks and crossings.

Operation Clear Track was created to help reduce the approximately 2,000 serious injuries and deaths that occur each year on the nation’s railroad tracks. This initiative is part of Rail Safety Week, 2021 held September 20-26.

During “Operation Clear Track,” police and sheriff’s officials report to high-incident railroad crossings within their jurisdictions around the country to share safety tips, enforce state grade crossing and trespassing laws and issue citations and warnings to violators. Over the years, this rail safety detail has resulted in thousands of citations and warnings to drivers and trespassers who were largely unaware that they were in violation of the law.

“We can’t say this enough, trespassing on train tracks is not only dangerous, but it’s also illegal in all 50 states,” said Amtrak Chief of Police Samuel Dotson. “Every time someone trespasses on the tracks, it can lead to devastating results which impact someone’s life, their family, and the community at large.”

Law enforcement officials will distribute pocket safety cards to the public, during the exercise, to teach drivers and pedestrians how to be safe around trains and train tracks. In addition to police, many first responders, transportation departments and emergency management offices across the country have joined the campaign virtually, sharing relevant social media content and safety messaging that emphasize the importance of complying with state laws related to driving or traveling near railroad tracks.

“Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “While we have made strides in reducing deaths and injuries, the goal of Operation Clear Track and other Rail Safety Week activities is empowering individuals and communities to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains and raising rail safety awareness. We appreciate the ongoing safety partnership of the first responder community.” 

All individuals should exercise caution around railroad tracks and crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to communicate the dangers of grade crossings.

For rail grade crossing tips, please visit www.stayoffthetracks.org or www.oli.org.

For More Information

Olivia Irvin
MediaRelationsOakland@Amtrak.com
PR Manager

Jennifer DeAngelis
jdeangelis@oli.org
Operation Lifesaver
202-815-4340

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing 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.

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. OLI leads an international observance of Rail Safety Week each September. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.