On September 16, national rail safety nonprofit Operation Lifesaver (OLI) and the Amtrak Police Department joined forces with hundreds of law enforcement agencies and first responders across the United States for “Operation Clear Track,” an effort aimed at reinforcing the importance of making safe choices near railroad tracks and trains.
[Above photo via Amtrak]
Held during See Tracks? Think Train!® Week, “Operation Clear Track” positioned first responders at targeted railroad grade crossings and other locations nationwide to share rail safety education messages within their communities, distributing rail safety materials, and enforcing crossing and trespassing laws.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, trespassing along railroad rights-of-way remains the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., followed by railroad crossing incidents. In 2024, more than 2,300 people were injured or killed in these oftentimes preventable incidents.
“One choice can change everything,” stressed Rachel Maleh, OLI’s executive director, in a statement.
“Operation Clear Track helps make the safe choice the clear choice,” she stressed. “We are proud to partner with Amtrak supporting first responders in this powerful effort to raise awareness and help stop track tragedies before they happen.”
“Operation Clear Track helps us engage with communities and reinforce the importance of safety around railroad tracks and crossings,” added D. Samuel Dotson, Amtrak’s chief of police.
“Trespassing on tracks is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” he said. “By reminding everyone to respect railroad crossings, while alerting them to the dangers of trespassing, we can collectively work to reduce tragic accidents and ensure the safety of our families and communities.”
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