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Because trespassing and grade-crossing incident fatalities account for more than 95 percent of all rail-related deaths, U.S. railroads continue to promote trespasser prevention programs. Last year, roads decreased trespassing fatalities 6.11 percent compared with 2002 data, according to Federal Railroad Administration statistics.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe played a role in the year-over-year decline by stressing a "trespasser abatement" program designed to raise awareness among the public, employees and law enforcement officials through presentations, signage and the media. BNSF operates in California, Texas and Illinois — three of seven states that accounted for about half of all trespassing deaths and injuries during the past five years.

Employees are encouraged to call a Resource Protection Solution Team agent at 1-800-832-5452 if they spot a trespasser.

Last year, BNSF police officers interviewed and removed more than 13,700 people from railroad property, and arrested more than 9,500 people for trespassing and other criminal offenses.