Rohnert Park DPS Participating In 'Operation Clear Track'

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Personnel with the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will be stationed at two rail crossings as part of "Operation Clear Track," a nationwide law enforcement effort taking place during Rail Safety Week, Sept. 22-28.

In Rohnert Park, public safety personnel will be stationed Tuesday, Sept. 24, Wednesday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 27 at the Golf Course Drive and Rohnert Park Expressway rail crossings to issue citations or warnings to violators.

"Officials will also disseminate railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians," said Rohnert Park DPS Deputy Chief Mike Bates. "The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness and enforcement."

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Rohnert Park is not immune; the city has had multiple deaths occur along the SMART train tracks.

"Operation Clear Track" is an effort by law enforcement, Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak and rail safety partner organizations to raise awareness of the dangers around railroad tracks. For the third year, the effort is being carried out — this year in 48 U.S. states — at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents or near misses.