Public grade crossings should completely BLOCK the entire road with a dropping gate. This way, there isn't a path around the gate at all.
Bill
Or another option, those solid steel cylinders that rise out of the ground they use for secure parking lots. The type that obliterate a car if one hits it at top speed (the speed associated with trying to get around a train i.e.).
IMO, there should be a nationwide law that requires public grade crossings that has gates or lights or both to have at least 1 or 2 surveillance cameras that are also equipped where it can read and capture the License Tag number on the car that crosses the tracks with the signals activated and the gates fully lowered.
Consequences:
First Time - A $500 fine
2nd time - A $1000 fine
3rd time - License Revoked for a month
4th time - license revoked forever
Personally the idea is great, except that....well as seen above the odds of surviving a hit from a train are slim, so there's no one left to pay the fine, or have their license revoked. Unless of course you charge it to the deceased parents (assuming they're underage). That'll teach parents to parent their child properly as well! (i.e. as in the consequences of drinking and driving)
macca45: Yup drivers licenses are very easy to get in the United States, while it does differ from state to state, here in Michigan one can get a level 1 drivers permit (aka mom/dad/guardian MUST be in the car with them when driving) at 14yrs 9mon. A level 2 requires 30hrs of road time after taking a level 1 test (so simple a baby could pass it). Once a level 2 permit is obtained you can drive without a parent between a specific time (unless prof of going/coming from work). Level 3 (standard permit) can be gotten at 18yrs old (mailed to driver). Full license (aka the age to legally buy alcohol) is gotten at age 21.
Great system we have!