Macomb County Promoting Train, Railroad Safety

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Macomb County is raising awareness about railroad safety.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. According to the Federal Railroad Association (FRA) statistics, 2,105 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2017. Michigan accounted for 54 of those collisions which included 18 injuries and 5 deaths.

On Tuesday the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office will join with Amtrak and more than 460 local, state, federal and railroad law enforcement departments for “Operation Clear Track” to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 state across the U.S.

“Operation Clear Track” will be the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation ever attempted in the U.S.

During “Operation Clear Track”, Macomb County Sheriff deputies will be stationed at two separate railroad grade crossings; Hall Road. near Vic Wertz on both the Macomb and Clinton Township sides and Elizabeth Road and Madison Avenue in Mt. Clemens.

Deputies will hand out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians, and issue warning and citations to violators. Some of the most common violations are failure to stop at railroad crossings and trespassing. The goal of Rail Safety Week, is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness.

Rail Safety Week is being observed in the U.S. and Canada from September 23- 29. For more information, visit http://www.oli.org/RSWeek.

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