Rail Safety Program Underway In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa Sheriff's Office is participating with other first responder agencies in the United States and Canada in "Operation Clear Track," a rail-safety educational initiative conducted during the annual Rail Safety Week, authorities said.

The operation is coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada.

The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week, which runs through Sept. 27, is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks, trains and to reduce violations and trespassing — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year, deputies said.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, first responder agencies this year will promote 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 emphasize the importance of obeying railcrossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.

Follow this link for more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track and other rail-safety initiatives and tips.

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--City News Service contributed to this post