The Washington County Sheriff’s Office joins North American rail-safety operation aimed at reducing preventable deaths and injuries on rail lines
Washington County, Ohio (SEPTEMBER 22, 2020) – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be joining forces with law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Canada today for “Operation Clear Track” the single largest rail-safety-law-enforcement initiative in North America.
Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in the U.S. and Canada – incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held during the annual observation of Rail Safety Week, September 21-27.
“Many Washington County residents cross at least one railroad track in their daily travels. Do your part and always drive with caution when approaching railroad tracks for your and/or your passenger’s safety.” (Captain B.P. Rhodes)
“The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks and trains, in support of OLI’s mission to save lives”, said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, law enforcement agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. Police and sheriff’s offices across North America will be promotion rail safety through social media messages, by sharing Operation Lifesaver’s #STOPTrackTragedies public service announcements and other videos, and by posting other rail safety information to their department website. Participating police departments will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws trough Rail Safety Week.
For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit www.oli.org.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is a multi-dimensional organization guided by numerous legislative roles and community needs. The office consists of dedicated professional personnel committed to the delivery of exceptional service to the public it serves and the enhancement of the criminal justice system through the enforcement of the laws of the State and the maintenance of public order to protect the lives and property of the public. About Operation Lifesaver Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a nonprofit 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 Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter,Pinterest and YouTube.
