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According to the Amtrack Police Department, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States every three hours.

To bring awareness to the potential dangers surrounding railroad tracks and trains, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining law enforcement agencies and first responders across the nation to participate in “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America.

The annual safety campaign, coordinated by the Amtrack Police Department and Operation Lifesaver, aims to reduce serious injuries and deaths each year in the U.S.

This collaborative railroad safety initiative is one of several events scheduled during Rail Safety Week, Monday Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 25. ALEA Troopers will be stationed at railroad crossings and other various locations across the state to distribute educational materials to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

“Many first responders who are passionate about this initiative are the same men and women who have responded to railroad incidents and experienced first-hand the tragedy when a life is lost in-conjunction with the devastating consequences experienced by that individual’s family as well as their community,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.

Join ALEA in making safe choices around tracks and trains by taking the rail safety pledge at alea.gov.