Police in Clayton educate drivers on railroad crossing safety

CLAYTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Police in Clayton took part in a national initiative Tuesday to educate drivers about railroad crossing safety.

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As part of Operation Clear Track, according to Town of Clayton officials, officers with the Clayton Police Department and safety partners were stationed near the railroad crossings at Central Avenue near Main Street, North Church Street near East First Street, and North O’Neil Street near West First Street from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The officers thanked drivers for following the crossing laws and provided them educational materials, according to town officials.

Officials made note of a blue and white emergency notification system sign at each crossing. The signs have an emergency phone number and an identification number that can help railroads in identifying where a problem is.

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If the sign cannot be found, officials said to call 911 in case of an emergency, such as if a vehicle becomes stuck or stalls on the tracks.

The Clayton Police Department participated in the operation alongside the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s BeRailSafe, North Carolina Operation Lifesaver, and the Amtrak Police Department, according to town officials.

“Someone may go home and share what they learned with a family member or friend,” Clayton Police Chief Greg Tart said in a statement. “That is what we hope continues after our officers’ leave. One conversation can reach someone we may never have the chance to speak with ourselves.”

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