Brockville Police Service joins North American rail safety operation aimed at reducing preventable deaths and injuries on rail lines

Brockville – On September 24, 2024, the Brockville Police Service is proud to be joining forces with agencies across Canada and North America today for “Operation Clear Track”— the continent’s single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative.

Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada and the U.S.
— incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held annually during Rail Safety Week (September 23-29, 2024).

“The Brockville Police Service would like to bring awareness to the potential risk and promote the safety of everyone, when in any area involving railway tracks. These areas pose a danger to anyone who does not follow simple guidelines. Stay clear of tracks and only cross them when railway crossing signals indicate safe passage,” said Darryl Boyd, Inspector, Brockville Police Service.

“Ignoring railway signs and signals, being distracted at rail stations or crossings, or using tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path can lead to track tragedies that are entirely preventable,”
said Chris Day, Interim National Director, of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Operation Clear Track’s goal is to encourage people to avoid risky behaviours around tracks and trains so they stay safe
and stay alive.”

More than 600 detachments across Canada are participating in Operation Clear Track this year. Each will promote rail safety by having conversations and sharing tips with drivers, pedestrians,
and cyclists. They will share rail safety resources and content, and – as ever – they will enforce rail crossing and trespassing laws.

Day adds: “Track tragedies affect not only the individual but their loved ones and entire communities. Railroaders and first responders, too. Rail safety is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play.”

For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit: operationlifesaver.ca