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HCSO to Mobilize for “Operation Clear Track,” the Largest Rail Safety Law Enforcement Initiative during Rail Safety Week

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 21-177

Date

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HCSO to Mobilize for “Operation Clear Track,” the Largest Rail Safety Law Enforcement Initiative during Rail Safety Week

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, during Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 20-26The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will join with Amtrak Police and more than 600 local, state, federal, and railroad law enforcement departments for "Operation Clear Track" to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S. “Operation Clear Track” is the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation in the U.S.

During “Operation Clear Track,” agency law enforcement personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossings and other locations handing out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians and issuing warnings and citations to violators. The goal of Rail Safety Week’s Operation Clear Track is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness. 

WHAT:  “Operation Clear Track” Enforcement/Education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings and other locations.

WHEN:  Tuesday, September 21

WHERE: 
District I:  
Fletcher/Nebraska and Bearss/Nebraska
District II: Kingsway Rd. S. / Dr. King Blvd. W. and Valrico Rd. N. / Dr. King Blvd. E.
District III: Waters Av/Sunstate St
District IV: Gibsonton Dr. / U.S. Hw 41 in the Gibsonton area and Paseo Al Mar Bl. / U.S. Hw 41
District V:  Broadway Av E / Tampa East Bl

WHY: Federal statistics show that every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. “Operation Clear Track” is an effort by Operation Lifesaver Inc., Amtrak Police and law enforcement partners across the nation to raise awareness of the need for caution near railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, held September 20-26, 2021, in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

About the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Established in 1845, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is the 10th largest county law enforcement agency in the United States and serves the second-largest service population in Florida. The agency provides comprehensive law enforcement, detention, court security, child protective investigations, and warrant services for approximately 1.44 million residents. Distributed among five districts, the Sheriff’s Office has approximately 4,000 employees, including sworn and civilian personnel. From land, water, and air, in the event of an emergency, HCSO has several highly specialized units that can respond at a moment’s notice. Committed to protecting and serving Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office strives for excellence, and under Sheriff Chad Chronister’s leadership, the agency continues to reach milestones and serve as a positive example in the law enforcement community.

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket, and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on TwitterInstagramFacebookand LinkedIn.

 

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. OLI leads an international observance of Rail Safety Week each September. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter and Pinterest
 

MORE INFO: Visit the Rail Safety Week landing page and Operation Lifesaver, Inc.’s website for safety tips and statistics Contact news@oli.org or MediaRelations@amtrak.com for more information on “Operation Clear Track.”