Railroads

Chapter 4: Traffic Laws Pt. 6

What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing?

Slow down and look both ways

Where is the only place you should cross a railroad at?

Designated crossings

How far should you stop when a train is coming?

15 to 50 feet

What should you do when you see devices warning of possible oncoming trains?

Slow down and prepare to stop

What do you do if there is no stop sign at crossing?

Stop whether there’s a train or not

What are the passive railroad crossing control systems?

• Advance warning signs

• Pavement warnings

• Crossbuck signs

• Yield or stop signs

What are active railroad crossing control systems?

• Gates

• Flashing-light signals

• Message signs

• Bells

• Other audible warnings

What should you do when there are active crossing control systems?

• Stop

• Wait until the gates raise and the warning systems stop

What should you never do on railroad tracks?

Stop

What should you always expect at any crossing?

Trains

When crossing railroad tracks, what should you never do?

Change gears

What should you do when there is snow on the road?

Proceed with enough speed over the tracks to avoid becoming stuck

What should you do when a crossing has traffic signals that caused vehicles to back up?

Never cross unless there’s enough space to clear, at least 6 ft

What should you do if the crossing gates raise and a train is approaching while you’re stuck on the tracks?

• Leave the vehicle

• Get away from the tracks

• Call 911

What should you do if you’re stuck on the tracks, but there’s no warnings or train approaching?

• Leave the vehicle

• Get away from the tracks

• Call the railroad emergency number

• Call 911

What is an Emergency Notification System sign? 

A list of numbers with the crossing’s number, used to notify the railroad of an emergency or device malfunction