CSX, DelDOT Promote Railroad Crossing Safety in Delaware

NEWARK, Del., Oct. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- CSX, the Delaware Department of Transportation and Operation Lifesaver, a national non-profit educational organization, are working together this weekend to improve public safety at railroad crossings and around railroad tracks in Delaware through education and awareness.

Every day trains travel through more than 212,000 highway-rail grade crossings in the U.S., including 405 crossings in Delaware, and there are about 270 deaths per year at public and private grade crossings. CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration, Operation Lifesaver and state-level authorities such as DelDOT are committed to reducing that number through outreach efforts like those occurring in Newark.

Activities include visits by the CSX "Play It Safe" NASCAR driving simulator vehicle to the Cabela's store at the Christiana Mall today, October 2, and outreach efforts to patrons at the Deer Park Tavern in Newark with safety outreach partner, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE), on Friday evening.  On Saturday, CSX is a sponsor of the 9th Annual Main Street Mile Race to benefit the Newark Police Dept.'s K-9 unit. Later that day, the "Play It Safe" NASCAR simulator car will be in the University of Delaware stadium's Fan Zone during Saturday's UDel vs. William & Mary football game, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan said, "Railway incidents are easily preventable, and our department is proud to partner with CSX and Delaware Operation Lifesaver's efforts to educate and inform drivers and pedestrians about rail crossing safety in Newark this weekend.  Even one injury is one too many! DelDOT supports Operation Lifesaver's efforts through trained personnel who help disseminate the important message on rail safety, particularly at railroad crossings."

"We are firmly committed to continue building strong partnerships with all railroad companies within Delaware to improve railroad crossing safety for all users of the roadway system," Cohan said.

"Safety is CSX's highest priority, and we are pleased to work with DelDOT and Operation Lifesaver to increase awareness about this important issue in Delaware," said Quintin Kendall, vice president of state government and community affairs for CSX. "Through programs like these, the number of fatalities at crossings has gone down by 54 percent over the last two decades, and CSX is committed to doing our part to continue reducing that tragic toll."

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 2

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Public outreach with "Play It Safe" NASCAR simulator car by CSX, DelDOT and Operation Lifesaver at Cabela's, 1100 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE 

5 p.m. – 11 p.m.:  Public outreach by CSX, DelDOT, DATE and Operation Lifesaver at Deer Park Tavern, 108 West Main Street, Newark, DE

Saturday, October 3

9 a.m. – 12 noon -- Public outreach with "Play It Safe" NASCAR simulator car by CSX at 9th Annual Main Street Mile running race, Deer Park Tavern, 108 West Main Street, Newark, DE

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. -- Public outreach with "Play It Safe" NASCAR simulator car by CSX at Delaware Stadium Fan Zone, 625 Marvin Drive, Newark, DE

About CSX
CSX (NYSE: CSX), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

SOURCE CSX