From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining fellow law enforcement agencies and first responders across the nation, as well as Canada, to participate in “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America. This collaborative railroad safety initiative is one of several events scheduled during Rail Safety Week (RSW), which takes place Sept. 19-25.
According to the Amtrak Police Department, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States every three hours. This annual safety campaign, which is coordinated by the Amtrak Police Department and Operation Lifesaver Inc., aims to reduce serious injuries and deaths in the U.S each year.
“Many of the first responders who are passionate about this initiative are the same men and women who have responded to railroad incidents and have experienced first-hand the tragedy when a life is lost in-conjunction with the devastating consequences experienced by that individual’s family as well as their community,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Whether on foot or in a vehicle, we want all citizens and local communities to be aware of the risks and empower everyone to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains.”
During Rail Safety Week, state troopers will be distributing educational materials to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists at railroad crossings and other various locations across the state, in order to reinforce the importance of crossing and trespass laws.
“Trespassing on train tracks is not only dangerous but it is also illegal in all 50 states,” said Colonel Jimmy Helms, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety director. “We are proud to be
a part of this ongoing safety partnership within the first responder community and do our part in reducing deaths and injuries in order to save lives. Together, we can help stop track tragedies.”
ALEA will also participate in virtual rail safety messaging on all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and Instagram. Anyone interested in taking ALEA’s rail safety pledge or learning more about making safe choices around tracks and trains can visit alea.gov