The Glendale Police Department is participating with other first responder agencies in the United States in Canada in “Operation Clear Track,” a rail-safety educational initiative, authorities said Tuesday.

The operation is being coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc., and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Glendale Police Sgt. Christian Hauptmann said.

“Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in the U.S. and Canada — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year,” Hauptmann said.

The program is conducted during the annual observance of Rail Safety Week, Sept. 21-27.

“The goal of Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week is to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior near tracks and trains, in support of Operation Life Saver’s mission to save lives,” Operation Lifesaver Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh said.

Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, first responder agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. The participating agencies 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.

For more information about Rail Safety Week, Operation Clear Track, and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, visit www.oli.org.

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