MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop D Headquarters - 3131 East Kearney Street - Springfield, MO 65803

News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jason M. Pace
(417) 895-6868
D212018
September 19, 2018

EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol To Participate In "Operation Clear Track"

Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D troopers will participate in “Operation Clear Track” during Rail Safety Week September 23-29, 2018. “Operation Clear Track” occurs that week on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. The troopers join representatives from Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver, and more than 460 local, state, federal, and railroad law enforcement departments for the event to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S.

“Operation Clear Track” will be the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted in the U.S. During this operation, Missouri law enforcement personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing incident locations to hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians, and 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.

WHAT: “Operation Clear Track” ─ Police enforcement/education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents.

WHERE/WHEN: Sept. 25, 2018 ─ Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D troopers will be stationed at various railroad crossings within Greene and Jasper counties.

WHY: 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 the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D, Missouri Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak, and rail safety partner organizations to raise awareness of the need for caution near train tracks. The event occurs during Rail Safety Week, which is being observed in the U.S. and Canada on September 23-29, 2018.

MORE INFO: Visit Operation Lifesaver’s national website for safety tips and statistics: www.oli.org; visit the Rail Safety Week landing page for infographics, safety tips, and more; or contact Kimberly Woods via email at Kimberly.Woods@amtrak.com or by phone at 202-906-3860 for more information on “Operation Clear Track.”

CONTACT: Executive Director Tim Hull, Missouri Operation Lifesaver, may be reached via email at thull.MOOL21@gmail.com or by calling 573-694-6412. Sgt. Jason Pace, Troop D, may be reached by calling 417-895-6868.
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