How can you determine if a railroad crossing is safe to travel over?

In order to determine if it safe to travel over a railroad crossing, you must first look to see if there is any gate, flashing lights, horns or sirens that are going off, if not then it should be safe to travel over the tracks as long as you check all of those things off and do not see a train actively coming your way.



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What if You Get Stuck? If your vehicle stalls or gets stuck on the tracks, do the following: Get yourself and any other passengers out of the vehicle immediately. If a train is coming, get out immediately and move quickly toward the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle.

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Although clear, simple signage may be sufficient for railroad crossings in sparsely inhabited regions, high-traffic intersections today often feature active warning systems, which include electrical boom gates, flashing lights, and warning bells that are triggered when an approaching train trips a nearby track circuit.

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Look and listen for trains even if the red lights and crossing arms aren't active. Reduce speed when approaching crossings and look both ways. Be sure all tracks are clear before crossing — there may be more than one set. If red lights are flashing or if crossing arms have been lowered, stop: DO NOT CROSS!

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Bike smart, ride safe Always pay attention when cycling or scootering around train tracks. When riding across tracks, get to a legal crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks carefully. Also, always cross tracks at a right angle to avoid getting your tires stuck in the track.

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The important point is to have your front wheel cross the tracks at a right angle to avoid it becoming caught in the space between the rail and the pavement. The link below is to a good example showing safe procedure for crossing tracks.

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Never drive straight across speed bumps or railroad tracks. Cross slowly at a 45 degree angle. Maintain steering control by keeping contact with the ground at all times. If an area is cluttered, walk the route first to spot problems.

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Look both ways TWICE before crossing a railroad track. Never engage in a race with a train to cross the tracks. Keep a minimum distance of 15 feet from the tracks when stopped.

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A crossing signal system includes flashing red lights and may have a gate with red flashing lights that are activated when a train is nearby. Railroad crossings have pavement markings that include a large X with the letters RR. Only cross the tracks if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing.

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Railroad Crossing Sign The sign is characterized by a large, yellow, circular emblem featuring a black 'X' and the letters 'RR', symbolizing a railroad crossing.

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If your car stalls on a track, quickly get everyone out — even if you don't see a train coming. Run away from the tracks and your car to avoid being hit by flying debris. Call the number on the blue emergency notification system sign. If the sign is not visible to you, call 911.

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If your vehicle stalls or gets stuck on the tracks, do the following: Get yourself and any other passengers out of the vehicle immediately. If a train is coming, get out immediately and move quickly toward the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle.

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Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first.

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Never try to make it across a railroad crossing if you see a train coming. The main reason is that it can take a train moving 55 mph over a mile to come to a complete stop if they pull the emergency brake. So there's no chance they can stop if you hit some bad luck and break down on the tracks.

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Railroad Crossing Signals Flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.

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Be especially alert at crossings that do not have gates or flashing red light signals. train on the other track. Look both ways before crossing. After one train has cleared a crossing, be sure no other trains are near before starting across the tracks.

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If you are caught between adjacent lines and you are unable to reach a position of safety when trains are approaching in both directions, what must you do? Lay down in the 6 foot with arms by your side and all loose clothing tucked in.

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