The author made a point to mention the 300+ at-grade crossings as a contributor to the deaths, but didn't compare it to the previously mentioned Long Island Railroad that also has nearly 300 at-grade crossings and only single-digit deaths per year.
As much sympathy as the author has for Floridians, I don't see this problem being more than a "florida man" issue.
I have lived on Long Island my whole life near an intersection of 3 separate railways and have never had a problem walking farther in order to cross traintracks at a designated intersection. Neither have I been inclined to drive around the gates when there is a train approaching.