CSXT Cautions Safety First and Thinking F.A.S.T. -- Fishing, Fireworks, ATV, Safety and Trespassing

Released: Jul 2, 2009

Jacksonville, FL - July 1, 2009 - With the July 4th holiday weekend and summer recreation approaching, CSX Transportation (CSXT) is urging people to play it safe around railroad tracks and property by using common sense safety to avoid injuries and fatalities.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property are a significant and growing problem. More than 870 people died or were injured in railroad-related trespassing incidents in 2008 and the total number of accidents and fatalities has surpassed 9,000 in the last ten years. As people turn to traditional summer and holiday activities such as fishing and swimming, fireworks and increased all-terrain vehicle (ATV) usage, accidents can happen.

CSXT developed "F.A.S.T." as part of its ongoing safety commitments, urging public awareness of basic guidelines when it comes to Fishing, Fireworks, ATV, Safety and Trespassing near rails and tracks:

1. Trains cannot stop quickly; in fact, a train takes more than a mile to come to a complete stop.
2. Always expect a train; they do not operate on a predictable schedule, and can move in either direction at any time.
3. Trains overhang tracks by at least three feet on either side, and often even farther.

"The summer weather brings people outdoors for fun like fishing, fireworks and riding ATVs," said Cliff Stayton, director of community affairs and safety for CSXT as well as a former locomotive engineer. "These activities lead to many more safety and trespassing issues on our railroad, which covers 21,000 miles of track in 23 states. We want to prevent injuries and save lives by making sure that people don't use railroad tracks or property for these activities."

Last week, CSXT joined Operation Lifesaver and the Federal Railroad Administration to announce an industry safety campaign called "Common Sense" (www.commonsenseuseit.com) to raise awareness about the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks. The campaign is aimed at 18 to 34 year-olds, the age demographic comprising the largest percentage of railroad-related pedestrian casualties.

"Young adults can be distracted by cell phones, texting or listening to MP3 players if they're near the tracks. Staying away from tracks when you are enjoying holiday and summer activities is common sense and can save your life," said Stayton.

States with the highest number of pedestrian rail trespass deaths include California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts and Georgia - encompassing 9 of the 23 states in the CSXT rail network.

"Our commitment to safety extends far beyond our own employees and facilities into the communities through which we operate," Stayton said. "Raising awareness about railroad safety is imperative, as most pedestrian injuries and fatalities that occur on or near railroad tracks are preventable."

CSX Transportation Inc. is a principal operating company of CSX Corporation. CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company's web site, www.csx.com.

Contact:

CSX Transportation
Garrick Francis
1-877-835-5279