Railroad crossings without a gate or lights are a menace and can prove to be fatal. This is what happened with Jeff Nye, 46 on Monday night at one mile south of Roff on county road 1660. He was an offensive coordinator football coach and also taught science to eighth graders. He was in a 2005 jeep. He failed to see the railroad crossing, as it had no gate or lights. The jeep came on without a stop and collided into the oncoming train. He was thrown out off the jeep with the force of the collision and died on the spot. The accident proved to be fatal. Justice railroad crossing news reporters say that this is not rare. It is very common to see fatal accidents where appropriate lights and gates are not installed at the railroad crossings. Vehicles fail to see the approaching train.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/ are trying to prevent the mishaps at unmanned an unlit gates. They suggest the infallible LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE formula
LOOK means that when one comes to a railroad crossing one must look both ways. Trains are liable to come in from any direction.
LISTEN refers to the fact that sometimes sound can be an indicator of an approaching train. So one must roll down the windows and listen for the horn of a train or the engine. The golden rule is to NEVER stop or backs up on the rails. Cross them as fast as possible.
If you have been involved in a railroad accident it is best to consult a railroad accident attorney to help you get your claims and the best legal help.