Agents approached many drivers near railroad crossings with the message of look, listen and live. MoDOT, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Operation Lifesaver are coming together to make motorists aware of railroad crossing safety and trespass prevention throughout the state.

The agencies made their mark in Cole County with a new exhibit.

"It's kind of exciting this year because we're showcasing a new exhibit at the Highway Patrol Museum. And what it is, is Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has donated an old rail simulation simulator, and Linn State Technical College has taken the simulator and refurbished it," said Brian Weiler of MoDOT.

Burlington Northern Railway hopes the simulator will change the hearts of present and future motorists.

"Kids can go in there and get a realistic view of what it's like running a train, and how trains can't stop quickly for vehicles at railroad crossings, and how the drivers have to stay out of the way of the train and yield to the train," explained Burlington Northern Railway worker Jeff Schmidt.

There were seven collisions and 46 fatalities at railroad crossings in Missouri last year. So far this year there have been 12 collisions and four fatalities.

MoDOT is seeing a slight decline statewide, but officials say the statistics enforce the purpose of the rail safety campaign.

"We have positive enforcement campaigns where we stand at rail crossings and handout educational materials, and sonic coupons if they're buckled up," Matthew Cowell said.

The agencies involved in the campaign will continue to use education, engineering and enforcement to get their message across. They're continuing their campaign at railroad crossings throughout Missouri. Their next stop is in Kirkwood on Thursday.