Rail Safety Week is Sept. 23-29, and on Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Newark Police Department and University of Delaware Police will join with Amtrak and other local, state, federal and railroad law enforcement departments for "Operation Clear Track," the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted in the U.S.

From noon-3 p.m., Sept. 25, Newark Police officers will be stationed at the West Main Street/New London Road crossing and the North College Avenue/East Cleveland Avenue crossing, and UD Police officers will be at the train station on the STAR Campus. Officers will hand out railroad safety cards to pedestrians and motorists and will also 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. “Operation Clear Track” is designed to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S.

Railroad grade crossings with a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents were selected for the “Operation Clear Track” enforcement and education event.  

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 Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak, rail safety partner organizations and local law enforcement agencies to raise awareness of the need for caution near train tracks.

Tips on safety around railroad tracks are available online.