Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hundreds of law enforcement agencies and first responders across the U.S. are joining forces with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a national rail safety education nonprofit, and the Amtrak Police Department for Operation Clear Track. Taking place Tuesday, Sept. 22 during the 10th annual See Tracks? Think Train® Week, this outreach event helps community members understand the importance of making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains.
During Operation Clear Track, first responders will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossings and other locations nationwide, sharing the rail safety education message with their communities, distributing rail safety materials and enforcing crossing and trespassing laws. State Operation Lifesaver programs work closely with law enforcement during Operation Clear Track to educate the public about crossing laws and the dangers of trespassing on or near railroad tracks.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were approximately 2,273 collisions at public and private rail crossings in 2025 that resulted in 286 fatalities and 766 injuries. By raising a collective voice and engaging individuals where they encounter tracks and trains, Operation Clear Track participants hope to increase rail safety awareness and prevent track tragedies.
“Operation Clear Track reminds drivers and pedestrians that the safe choice is the best choice,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “We are proud to partner with Amtrak to support law enforcement and first responders in this powerful effort to raise awareness about rail safety and to help stop track tragedies before they happen.”
Amtrak Interim Chief of Police James Cook said, "Amtrak Police Department looks forward to Operation Clear Track and to the opportunity to share lifesaving information in our communities. Last year we distributed over 70,000 rail safety education cards across the country, and we’re pleased to continue and expand upon that effort this year.”
Go to OLI’s See Tracks? Think Train® webpage to learn more about the week and access free resources. For rail safety tips and educational materials or to request a free presentation, visit oli.org.
Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.
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About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X and YouTube.
About Amtrak®
Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards for free to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, lounge access and more.
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Katherine Connolly Operation Lifesaver news@oli.org
