Framingham Police & Operation Clear Track Seek To Prevent Train Track Deaths

In full transparency, the following is a press release submitted to SOURCE media from the Framingham Police Department.

FRAMINGHAM – The Framingham Police Department will be at the MBTA Commuter rail station this morning, September 21, as part of its efforts with “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail safety initiative in the U.S.

The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of making safe choices near railroad tracks, and trains.

Coordinated by Amtrak Police and Operation Lifesaver Inc (OLI), Operation Clear Track aims to
reduce the approximately 2,000 serious injuries and deaths each year in the U.S. around
railroad tracks and trains. The event is held during the annual observance of Rail Safety Week,
which this year is September 20-26 in North America.

“The Framingham Police Department realizes the importance of partnering with Amtrak on this
program. We have multiple railroad crossings in our city and this is a great way to highlight safe practices.” said Framingham Police Lieutenant Rachel Mickens.

“Operation Clear Track is an important annual initiative to help save lives and keep our
communities safe,” said Amtrak Chief of Police D. Samuel Dotson.

In the U.S., every 3 hours a vehicle or person is struck by a train,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Together we can help stop track tragedies.”

During “Operation Clear Track,” law enforcement representatives report to high-incident railroad grade crossings in Framingham.

Once onsite, law enforcement officials share safety tips and enforce crossing and trespassing laws as well as write citations and warnings to violators.

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.