NBC Augusta has learned a deadly train crash could bring big changes for McDuffie County.

A county commissioner says he wants to see a safety gate at the railroad crossing where an 87-year-old was hit and killed by a train over the weekend.

NBC Augusta discovered many of the railroad crossings in McDuffie County have one thing in common... no safety gates.

Federal Railroad Administration documents show that out of 21 railroad crossings in McDuffie County, about 50 percent have no safety gates.

Ethel Roberson, an elder in the neighborhood church, was killed at a Thomson railroad crossing.

Some drivers say the intersection needs safety changes.

"Something that's telling us that can stop us from coming through. 'Cause it's really hard to see these lights," said Mickel Pearson.

That intersection isn't the only one lacking. Data from the Federal Railroad Administration shows that out of 21 railroad crossings in McDuffie County, only about half have crossing gates, only five have railroad crossing signs, and only three have flashing lights to warn people a train is coming.

McDuffie County Commissioner Sammie Wilson was a church member and friend of Roberson. He's encouraging the city of Thomson to petition the state for a safety gate at that intersection.

But if they don't act soon, he vows to act for the safety of others and in honor of his friend.

"It's not just a city problem, it's a community problem," said Sammie Wilson.