FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jill McClintock, Tennessee Operation Lifesaver, 615-656-1223, jmoodytnol@comcast.net
Jessica Puchala, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., 703-739-0308, news@oli.org
Kimberly Woods, Amtrak, 202-906-3860, MediaRelations@amtrak.com
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tennessee “Operation Clear Track” Set for September 25 During Rail Safety Week
On Tuesday, September 25 during the Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 23-29, TN Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit rail safety education organization, will join with Amtrak and more than 460 local, state, federal and railroad law enforcement departments for "Operation Clear Track" to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S. “Operation Clear Track” will be the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted in the U.S.
During “Operation Clear Track,” Tennessee law enforcement personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing incident locations to hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians, and issue warnings and citations to violators. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness.
WHAT: “Operation Clear Track” Police enforcement/education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents.
WHERE/WHEN: 1) Navy Rd at Raleigh Millington crossing 2) Raleigh Millington at Church St crossing. Contact Police Dept. for times.
WHY: Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. TN ranked #14 in the US for Crossing Fatalities in 2017. “Operation Clear Track” is an effort by TN Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak and rail safety partner organizations, such as the Millington Police to raise awareness of the need for caution near train tracks during Rail Safety Week, which is being observed in the U.S. and Canada September 23-29, 2018.
MORE INFO: Visit Operation Lifesaver’s national website for safety tips and statistics: www.oli.org; visit the Rail Safety Week landing page for infographics, safety tips, and more; or contact Kimberly.Woods@amtrak.com or 202-906-3860 for more information on “Operation Clear Track.”
CONTACT: Millington Police: Bryan Childress, b.childress@millingtontn.gov, 901-873-5615
About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
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 the public with tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more at oli.org; follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.