CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) is supporting Gov. Jeb Bush's proclamation of Rail Safety Awareness Week with educational outreach and the grim reminder that rail-highway grade crossings can be deadly.

Although rail-highway crossing collisions continue to trend down nationally, the incidence of those collisions in Florida is not improving at the same rate.

CSXT, the largest railroad in Florida, works side by side with law enforcement officials and Operation Lifesaver to educate both drivers and pedestrians to make safe decisions at crossings and around railroad tracks.

"CSXT employees, retirees and other volunteers carry the message to 'Stop, Look and Listen' as a part of our overall safety awareness program," said Cliff Stayton, CSXT director-public safety awareness. "CSX Transportation applauds Gov. Bush's commitment to rail safety and continues to work to raise awareness."

As part of its safety activities, CSXT is conducting classes in Tampa to train new volunteers who will present programs at schools, businesses and civic clubs. The company also is conducting a billboard and radio campaign in areas where grade-crossing collisions have occurred frequently.

In addition to its on-going public awareness campaigns, the company promotes enforcement of crossing laws and constantly evaluates its own actions in order to improve safety, Stayton said.

Operation Lifesaver is a national, non-profit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights-of-way. Operation Lifesaver offers the following tips to promote crossing safety:

1) Always expect a train! Never drive around lowered gates -- it's illegal and deadly.

2) Only cross train tracks at designated crossings. Look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping.

3) Do not be fooled -- the train you see is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.