Georgia Operation Lifesaver, the rail safety education organization, is participating in “Operation Clear Track,” the largest railroad safety law enforcement operation to date in the United States, involving more than 460 police or sheriff departments across the lower 48 states, according to a press release.
The initiative is spearheaded by Amtrak and the national Operation Lifesaver Inc. program during Rail Safety Week in the U.S. and Canada.
“No one should think it’s O.K., even one time, to ignore grade crossing or trespassing laws on railroad property,” said Amtrak Police Chief Neil Trugman. “This safety detail will deliver that message to thousands of people in-person today to try and stop these tragic rail-related incidents that occur every day in someone’s home town.”
During “Operation Clear Track,” police reported to highway rail grade crossings throughout the state of Georgia where there have been a high number of incidents according to preliminary data by the Federal Railroad Administration. Once onsite, law enforcement officials enforced Georgia grade crossing and trespassing laws, writing citations and warnings to violators.
“Enforcement, education and engineering are our three best weapons against incidents involving trains,” said Operation Lifesaver Interim President, Wende Corcoran. “While we have made strides in reducing deaths and injuries since our inception 46 years ago, the goal of Operation Clear Track and other Rail Safety Week activities is to empower citizens to keep themselves safe near tracks and trains.
This year’s Rail Safety Week theme is ‘Stop Track Tragedies,’ and Operation Clear Track is an important part of our efforts.”
Rail Safety Week is being observed in the U.S. and Canada from Sept. 23 -29.
Information: www.oli.org/RSWeek.
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