A new report shows Mississippi tops the list of states showing a reduction in deaths at highway-railroad grade crossings.

The Federal Railroad Administration says there were three highway-rail crossing deaths in 2007, down sharply from the 13 fatalities reported a year earlier.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation said the decrease shows public awareness programs are making a difference.

MDOT’s Rail Division and Operation Lifesaver continue to urge the public to exercise extreme caution when approaching highway-rail grade crossings and to avoid walking on or near rail rights of way. Operation Lifesaver is sponsored by major railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration.