It’s important everyday for motorists and pedestrians alike to be mindful around railroad tracks and obey the clearance laws. On Tuesday, failure to do so might just come with a hefty fine.

The Turlock Police Department, the Amtrak Police Department and Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit rail safety education organization, will participate in “Operation Clear Track” on Tuesday. They will be joining more than 600 law enforcement agencies nationwide in a concerted effort to raise awareness and enforce state railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws. The 3rd annual rail safety detail, carried out in 48 states, is the single largest rail safety law enforcement initiative in the United Sates.

During “Operation Clear Track,” Turlock Police personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing locations to issue citations or warnings to violators. Officials will also disseminate railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians. 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.

Turlock Police Officers will be at the Monte Vista Ave crossing arms and the Fulkerth Road crossing arms from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information visit www.oli.org.