September 21, 2021 – MERCED, CA – Merced Police Department 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.

“Operation Clear Track is an important annual initiative to help save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Merced Policer Department Lieutenant Emily Foster.

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,” law enforcement representatives report to high-incident railroad grade crossings in Merced. Once onsite, law enforcement officials share safety tips and enforce crossing and trespassing laws as well as write citations and warnings to violators.

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