Wednesday, September 19, 2018

News release - Idaho State Police participating in "Operation Clear Track" Tuesday, September 25 during Rail Safety Week

Idaho State Police participating in "Operation Clear Track" Tuesday, September 25 During Rail Safety Week

On Tuesday, September 25 during the Rail Safety Week, September 23-29, Idaho State Police troopers in many parts of Idaho will participate in "Operation Clear Track" to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws. "Operation Clear Track" will be the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted throughout the U.S.

During "Operation Clear Track," ISP troopers will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing incident locations to hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians and issue warnings and citations to violators. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness.

WHAT: "Operation Clear Track" - Police enforcement/education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents.

For ISP:

District 1 - Coeur d'Alene Area - Contact: Lt. Chris Schenck 208-772-6055

District 3 - Meridian/Boise Area - Contact: Lt. Matt Smith 208-884-7360

District 4 - Jerome/Twin Falls Area - Contact: Lt. Robert Rausch 208-324-6000

District 5 - Pocatello Area - Contact: Lt. Mike Winans - 208-239-9810

District 6 - Idaho Falls Area - Contact: Lt. Chris Weadick 208-525-7377


WHY: Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. "Operation Clear Track" is an effort by Idaho's Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak and rail safety partner organizations to raise awareness of the need for caution near train tracks during Rail Safety Week, which is being observed in the U.S. and Canada September 23-29, 2018.

Media reps should coordinate with the ISP contacts listed above if you'd like to come and observe ISP's role in this event.

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