Underestimating a train can have deadly consequences. According to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 798 fatalities involving motor vehicles at
railroad crossings from 2014 to 2018. Someone is struck at a highway rail grade crossing in
the U.S. every four hours.

On July 11, a unique rail safety feature was tested in the downtown area of Lakeland,
Florida. Originally requested as part of the 2014 Polk Rail Study, the Intelligent Rail Bypass
System alerts drivers of alternate available routes when a train is approaching a crossing. It
notifies drivers at the same time as railroad crossing warning devices are activated, lighting
up signs that point to alternate routes that avoid the train tracks.

Right now, the primary purpose of the Intelligent Rail Bypass System is to reduce
congestion and limit the number of drivers getting trapped behind passing trains. By giving
drivers the choice to wait for the train or take a detour, it could also come with the added
safety benefit of reducing the number of individuals who try to beat an approaching train.

Attempting to “beat the train” is the cause behind far too many rail crossing accidents.
Motorists do this for a number of reasons, such as trying to make it to work on time or
simply overestimating how long it will take for the train to reach the crossing. While rail
companies have repeatedly blamed these accidents on the passenger vehicle drivers
involved, that is not enough. These companies must be held accountable for doing
whatever it takes to maximize public safety around dangerous rail crossings.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FDA) has found that engineering improvements, such
as flashing lights and gates, greatly reduce or prevent the potential for train-vehicle collision.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see whether the Intelligent Rail Bypass System can
also be used as another safety tool to reduce future collisions.