CSX Urges Caution Near Tracks During Memorial Day Weekend
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JACKSONVILLE, FL--May 24, 2013: Did you know that an average train can take more than a mile to stop? CSX and its employees remind motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution near railroad tracks as the busy Memorial Day weekend approaches, marking the unofficial start of the summer season. To ensure safety, CSX urges all travelers to obey warning signs and devices at grade crossings and to stay off railroad property.
"Trains cannot stop quickly," said Terry Ludban, director - community affairs and safety. "To remain safe this summer and all year round, everyone should use good judgment, obey the law and stay away from train tracks."
CSX offers these important reminders:
- Obey posted signs at railroad crossings. Last year, 270 people died at crossings nationwide. To protect yourself and others, carefully observe all posted signs and warnings at crossings and always expect a train.
- Do not walk or ride ATVs or other recreational vehicles on train tracks. People struck by trains while illegally on railroad property is the leading cause of rail-related deaths, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Train tracks are private property and trespassing on railroad property is against the law.
- Do not trespass on bridges or in tunnels. Trains overhang tracks for three feet or more, and do not always operate on predictable schedules. Being on bridges or in tunnels makes an already dangerous situation even more hazardous.
CSX actively promotes safety around railroad tracks. The company's "Play it Safe" campaign encourages people to stay away from tracks and use caution at crossings. Supporting the campaign is NASCAR driver David Ragan, who drives the #34 car for Front Row Motorsports. He will be racing at Charlotte this weekend with a Play it Safe bumper sticker on his car.
For more information about safe rail practices and CSX's commitment to serving the communities in which it operates, please visit Beyond Our Rails .