Google Maps has been one of the best GPS navigation systems on the market since its inception, but according to The New York Times, it’s about to get even better. A recent report states that Google is partnering with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in order to provide the location of every rail crossing in the country on its popular app.
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There are over 200,000 public and private rail crossings in the United States, and although accidents have declined more than 80% over the past four decades, there was a sudden 9% jump in 2014. Federal safety statistics show that there were 270 deaths and 843 injuries from rail collisions last year.
“The vast majority of these accidents and deaths are preventable,” FRA administrator Sarah Feinberg told the Times. “In some cases, maybe a driver intends to beat the train, thinks they are familiar with the route or still have time to cross. But there are many cases where drivers lack situational awareness, because it may be dark or the route is unfamiliar.”
Google and the FRA have yet to announce a date for the addition of railroad crossings in Google Maps, but the project is reportedly a priority.
