Operation Lifesaver Launches New Public Awareness Campaign to Reduce Train-Related...

Operation Lifesaver Launches New Public Awareness Campaign to Reduce
Train-Related Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries

WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
(www.oli.org), the U.S. Department of Transportation and major railroad
companies today announced the launch of the Common Sense campaign to reduce
the number of pedestrians who are killed and injured when trespassing around
tracks and trains. The campaign is focused on 18 to 34-year-olds, who make up
the largest percentage of railroad-related pedestrian casualties.

The Common Sense campaign is designed to educate the public about the risks of
trespassing on railroad property. The campaign includes an interactive Web
site, internet ads, videos, and local events. It will be test-marketed in
areas where pedestrian rail trespass incidents frequently occur, including
targeted local markets. The internet ads, videos, safety tips, and other
information are online at www.CommonSenseUseIt.com.

Injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property are a
significant -- and growing -- problem. According to Federal Railroad
Administration statistics, the casualty rate for all rail trespassers rose in
2008. More than 870 people died or were injured in railroad-related
trespassing incidents in 2008, and the numbers have topped 9,000 in the last
ten years.

"Many Americans have no idea that walking or playing around train tracks,
fishing from a railroad bridge, or riding their all-terrain vehicle on
railroad tracks is potentially deadly, and always illegal," said Helen M.
Sramek, president of Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

"Young adults also may be distracted by cell phones, texting, or listening to
MP3 players if they're near the tracks. This new public awareness campaign has
a simple message: staying away from the tracks is common sense, and it can
save your life," said Cliff Stayton, a former locomotive engineer.

The Common Sense campaign kicks off with a news conference at the National
Press Club, with remarks by Helen M. Sramek, president of Operation Lifesaver,
Inc.; Michael Ward, chairman, president and CEO, CSX Corporation
(www.csx.com); Joseph Szabo, administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
(www.fra.dot.gov); Cliff Stayton, former railroad engineer and director,
community affairs and safety, CSX; and Jack C. Hanagriff, senior police
officer, Houston Police Department and Federal Railroad Administration law
enforcement liaison.

States with the highest number of pedestrian rail trespass deaths in 2008
include: California, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts and Georgia.

Federal Railroad Administrator Szabo notes that 18 to 34-year-olds represent
nearly 36 percent of all the rail-related pedestrian casualties that occurred
last year. "Unfortunately, railroad trespass fatalities continue to occur far
too often. Through this public-private safety partnership, the Common Sense
initiative will raise public awareness and understanding about the inherent
risks of trespassing."

"Pedestrian injuries and fatalities on railroad tracks are preventable," said
CSX Corporation's Ward. "People don't often understand the impact of these
incidents on train crews. We are pleased to work with Operation Lifesaver, the
FRA and our industry colleagues in this important effort."

Hanagriff gave a police officer's perspective on the issue. "A legitimate goal
of law enforcement should be to keep trains moving through their
jurisdictions; public education and enforcement strategies assist in achieving
this goal while keeping the community safe," he said.

Sramek noted the significance of the major railroads joining together to
sponsor a new campaign targeted to a specific demographic. "This united
effort on the part of our industry partners, coupled with support from FRA,
allows us to disseminate important safety messages using media that will reach
this age group," she said.

"Operation Lifesaver's proven safety education programs, along with the
efforts of the rail industry and public transportation agencies, have saved
lives at highway-rail intersections over the past 20 years," Sramek continued.
"Now we'll be applying that focus to reducing rail trespassers, using new
media to help get people's attention."

Railroad companies partnering with Operation Lifesaver's Common Sense campaign
include CSX, Union Pacific, Amtrak, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Kansas City
Southern.

About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a national, non-profit safety education group
whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along
railroad rights of way. Operation Lifesaver has programs in all 50 states and
the District of Columbia, with trained and certified presenters who give free
safety talks to community groups, schools, school bus drivers, truck drivers
and community organizations to raise awareness of the need for caution around
railroad tracks and trains. More information, including safety tips and how to
schedule a free safety presentation in your community, can be found at
www.oli.org.

Common Sense Safety Tips around Tracks and Trains

1. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing --
designated by the crossbuck.
2. Turn your cell phone and MP3 players off when you're near train
tracks. Forget texting, as it could be a deadly distraction near the
tracks. Trains are quieter than you think, go faster than they appear,
and do not run on set schedules.
3. Look both ways and listen before crossing train tracks. Expect a train
at any time.
4. Anywhere other than a public crossing, stay off and away from the
tracks.
5. Tracks, trestles, rail yards and equipment are private property. If
you
hunt, fish or ride your ATV on the tracks, you are trespassing.

SOURCE Operation Lifesaver

Marmie T. Edwards of Operation Lifesaver, +1-703-739-0284, medwards@oli.org