Nevada joins national railroad effort to reduce preventable deaths, injuries near trains and tracks
CARSON CITY — Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is proud to be joining forces with law enforcement agencies in the U.S. for “Operation Clear Track” the single largest rail safety initiative in the U.S. 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.
Coordinated by Amtrak Police and Operation Lifesaver Inc (OLI), Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the approximately 2,000 serious injuries and deaths each year in the U.S. around railroad tracks and trains. The event is held during the annual observance of Rail Safety Week, which this year is September 20-26 in North America.
“We have partnered with “Operation Clear Track” to help promote this important safety initiative by informing the public of necessary measures to take when near trains and railroad tracks,” said David Fogerson, DEM Chief. “Our five missions are prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery, all with one overarching priority, to save lives. We hope Nevadans take a few moments to learn about the safety measures during this week.”
“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,” and throughout Rail Safety Week, DEM will share rail safety messages on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, empowering our communities to make safe choices around railroad tracks and train. Share the rail safety message this week and beyond. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.
For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit www.oli.org.