HUDSON – The Hudson City Police Department is joining forces with first responder agencies in the U.S. and Canada for “Operation Clear Track” — the largest rail-safety initiative in North America.
Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track 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, September 21 to 27.
“In light of the recent tragedy just north of our city, this awareness program is particularly relevant,” said Hudson Police Chief L. Edward Moore in a press release.
On September 11 of this year, a woman was killed when she was struck by an Amtrak train as she walked on the tracks about a mile or mile and a half north of the Hudson station.
“The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks and trains, in support of OLI’s mission to save lives,” Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh said in the release.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, first responder agencies will participate in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. These agencies across North America will 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. Participants 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 visit www.oli.org.