Illinois State Police participating in railroad track safety initiative

The Illinois State Police is promoting “Operation Clear Track” — a rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America.

The initiative 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 observance of Rail Safety Week, Sept. 21-27.

“Tragedies involving train collisions with pedestrians and vehicles are preventable,” said District 17 Interim Commander Lieutenant Dyan Talbot in a press statement. “As you approach a railroad crossing, take a moment to look both ways and listen for a train before crossing the tracks; the brief moment may save your life."

Because of the ongoing pandemic, law enforcement agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year.

Police and sheriff departments across North America will be promoting 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 websites. Participating police departments will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.

For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, go to www.oli.org.