JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) announced today its support of Gov. Jeb Bush’s “Train Safety Awareness Week” proclamation. During the week of April 15-22, the governor is calling on Floridians to be focused on safety at highway-rail intersections. The proclamation states that this observance is a state priority and will lead to greater safety awareness and a reduction in highway-rail intersection collisions and trespassing incidents.
“Keep in mind that any time is train time,” urged Don Lubinsky, CSXT’s director public safety & quality. “Remember, you can stop and the train cannot. Make safety a priority as you approach crossings this week and every week,” added Lubinsky.
In Florida, 479 highway-rail intersection collisions have resulted in 193 personal injuries and 59 fatalities during the past five years. In addition, 115 pedestrians were killed and another 103 injured while trespassing on railroad property during that same period. More than 50 percent of collisions at crossing intersections occur where active warning devices exist.
Operation Lifesaver, a nationwide public education program, is dedicated to reducing crashes at highway-rail intersections. To arrange for a presentation, contact Don Lubinsky at (904) 359-3949. CSXT and its 35,000 employees provide rail transportation and distribution services over a 23,000 route-mile network in 23 states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSXT is a business unit of CSX Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Va.