Does it take the same technology to activate crossing arms as it would for just the lights at the crossing?

Question

I am wondering, why would they go through the trouble of installing a signal system at a crossing if they are just going to put the flashing lights if it was the same system where they could put the arms as well.

Answer 1

Wolf has hit the nail right on the head.  Well done and ten on the way.

Signaling, or the lack there of, doesn't save or kill anyone.  This is one that people must do for themselves or do to themselves.  Life or death is their choice.

There are traffic pattern studies done relative to the necessary protection at grade crossings, and this too plays into the decision as to whether there will be gates used in conjunction with the lights and bells.

Addendum:  Two crossing questions regarding grade crossing safety were asked today.  If you go to my profile page and follow the link to my 360, my blog post of June 25 covers an important grade crossing safety issue that most don't think of.  Please read it.

Answer 2

Yep, same technology, sensors located in the track. The state of federal highway funds pay for most highway crossing installation, mostly $$$. dont trust lights OR gates, look for yourself, and stay alive.

Answer 3

Wolf got it...

Although I WILL take exception with his claim that the lights are enough... California had MANY problems with stupid or unaware drivers zipping through crossings and ending up as hamburger !!

CalTrain took the MAJOR step in San Mateo County to ELEVATE about 12 miles of track above the road grade to avoid just that problem.

Answer 4

Yes it's the same technology.  

Crossing arms are expensive, mechanical and a big maintenance headache.  Most of the maintenance is repairing broken arms that have been hit by cars and trucks.  They can't be hit when they're up, so unless the gates catch a truck on the way down, the damage is because of gross negligence by motorists.  It's not fair that the railroad should have to eat the cost of that.

The flashers alone are absolutely sufficient.  They mean the same as a red traffic signal: STOP, and STAY, no matter what, no excuses.  Yet people who would never run a red light, will run flashers, as if it wasn't JUST as illegal and dangerous.  Apparently, they think flashers are advisory. They are not.

That bad behavior is the only reason gates exist.  It's to protect the motorist because he is too reckless to protect his own safety.

The city of Newark NJ owns both the roads and a light rail.  They tried an experiment at their highway crossings, replaced the gates/flashers with a regular traffic light.  People sit, and stay. Weird, huh?