Indiana is marking the 15th annual Rail Safety Week with a statewide push for education and enforcement aimed at preventing crashes and injuries around railroad tracks. Governor Mike Braun officially proclaimed the week, which runs Sept. 21‑27, as a public‑safety priority for Hoosiers.
Coordinated effort across the state
Indiana Operation Lifesaver, the Indiana State Police, local law‑enforcement agencies, rail carriers and other safety partners have scheduled a series of educational events and outreach activities throughout the week. The program focuses on four key areas: railroad‑crossing safety, preventing trespassing on railroad property, professional driver education, and safe behavior around trains and tracks.
Operation Clear Track adds law‑enforcement focus
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Operation Clear Track initiative will bring additional police presence to high‑risk crossings. Officers will enforce trespassing laws and remind motorists and pedestrians to obey warning signals, lights and gates.
Why the emphasis now?
Operation Lifesaver reports that a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours in the United States. More than 60% of those vehicle‑train crashes occur at crossings equipped with active warning devices such as flashing lights or gates, underscoring the need for heightened public awareness.
Volunteer‑led education
Indiana Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization, provides free rail‑safety presentations delivered by trained volunteers. These sessions are offered to schools, community groups, churches and businesses across the state, reinforcing the message that vigilance at crossings saves lives.
Celebrating a decade of national outreach
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Lifesaver’s national “See Tracks? Think Train!” week, a campaign that has reached millions of Americans with safety messaging. The Indiana chapter’s expanded activities reflect the organization’s growth and the state’s commitment to protecting families and communities.
What residents can do
Officials urge drivers to slow down, look both ways, and obey all crossing signals. Pedestrians should use designated crossing points and never walk between train cars. Parents are encouraged to teach children the dangers of trespassing on railroad property.
Looking ahead
The collaborative effort between government, law‑enforcement and nonprofit partners demonstrates Indiana’s proactive stance on public safety. By combining education with targeted enforcement, the state hopes to reduce the frequency of train‑related incidents and keep Hoosier families safe on the roads and rails.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
