Daytona Beach Police Department Joins North American Rail-safety Operation Aimed at Reducing Preventable Deaths and Injuries on Rail Lines

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Daytona Beach Police Depart is proud to be joining forces with first responder agencies in the U.S and Canada for “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest Rail Safety Initiative in North America. 

According to a release from DBPD, coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), 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 21-27. 

“Florida had the 3rd highest number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the country last year,” said DBPD Chief Craig Capri. “Only Texas and California had more. We hope that bringing attention to this will make Floridians think twice while approaching railroad crossings.” 

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 Operat6ion Lifesaver, Inc.'s mission to save lives

First responder agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year due to the pandemic. These agencies 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. 

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, please visit www.oli.org.