When motorists disregard signs, lights bells and gates at highway-rail grade crossing, the consequences are often deadly.   A collision involving a vehicle and train is forty times more likely to result in a fatality than a crash involving motor vehicles. The approach of a train triggers "active warning devices"  (flashing red lights, bell and gates.)  They begin operating at least 20 seconds before the arrival of the fastest train on that line. In case of electrical or mechanical failure, active warning devices are designed to default to the fail-safe or "active" mode. With the BOLO 911 you will have ample warning when a train is approaching the crossing giving you added time to react. Highway-Rail Incidents at Public and Private Crossings, 1998-2005 Source: Federal Railroad Administration Year Collisions Fatalities Injuries 1981 9,295 728 3,293 1982 7,748 607 2,637 1983 7,161 575 2,623 1984 7,281 649 2,910 1985 6,919 582 2,687 1986 6,396 616 2,458 1987 6,391 624 2,429 1988 6,615 689 2,589 1989 6,525 801 2,868 1990 5,713 698 2,407 1991 5,386 608 2,094 1992 4,910 579 1,969 1993 4,892 626 1,837 1994 4,979 615 1,961 1995 4,633 579 1,894 1996 4,257 488 1,610 1997 3,865 461 1,540 1998 3,508 431 1,303 1999 3,489 402 1,396 2000 3,502 425 1,219 2001 3,237 421 1,157 2002 3,072 356 998 2003 2,962 332 1,022 2004 3,067 368 1,085 2005 3,010 355 970   The numbers remain troublesome because most accidents are largely avoidable and preventable.   Rail Crossings Deaths Called 'Preventable' By Heather Collura, USA Today Posted: 2007-07-30 15:56:32 > Full Coverage