GAINESVILLE, Tex. -- Trains carry tons of materials all across the country, but as Emi FitzGerald tells us, the crossing arms that stand as protection are often ignored by the public.

Gainesville police, along with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Patrol the crossing gates.

Rail officials say the trains’ speeds can be deceiving. They are often traveling much faster than they seem.

Trains run through Gainesville several times day. And authorities say minding the crossing gates could potentially save your life.

Once the red lights start flashing, drivers are supposed to stop even if the arms have not come down.

Train crews say they see people ignore the crossings everyday and have seen too many tragic accidents.

"The crews see people driving around the gates, and there's a feeling of helplessness because there's nothing they can do," Overholt says.

Authorities say even if there aren't gates at an intersection, a person is supposed to stop, look, and listen, because there could still be a train coming.