Rail Safety Week takes place between September 22 – 28th. The Wilmington Police Department Department, the Amtrak Police Department and Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit rail safety education organization, will participate in “Operation Clear Track,” along with more than 600 law enforcement agencies nationwide. The goal is to raise awareness and enforce state railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws.

The 3rd annual rail safety detail, carried out in 48 states, is the single largest rail safety law enforcement initiative in the U.S.

During “Operation Clear Track,” Wilmington Police will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing locations to issue citations or warnings to violators. Officials will also hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness and enforcement.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train.

Wilmington Police will be out at several railroad crossings including, New River Rd., Kankakee River Dr., Kankakee St. Widow’s Rd., and Stripmine Rd.