What are railroad crossing warning signs?

The advance warning sign is a round, yellow sign bearing the lettering RXR. The X is very large, covering the full diameter of the sign. It is usually the first warning you will see that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look and listen for an approaching train.



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A low-voltage electric current is sent between the two rails via a series of relays like the ones in this photo. When a train approaches, the current runs through the train's metal wheels and axles instead of the relays. This short circuit activates the crossing signal.

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Reading Color Light Signals Green indicates clear, the train can proceed. Yellow indicates approach, but at a restricted speed. Be prepared to stop at the next signal. Red indicates stop, the block is currently occupied.

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Warning. Warning signs typically use a yellow background with black letters or symbols to convey their purpose. Most warning signs are diamond-shaped and use symbols to indicate the nature of the potential hazard.

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It helps to improve safety by warning drivers of the potential hazards associated with crossing railroad tracks at an angle.

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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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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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Railroad signals are categorized into two levels: Permissive and Absolute. Both serve a specific function of either protection or control.

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Those with a square end are absolute signals and generally force trains to stop when in their most restrictive position. Those with a pointed end are permissive signals and permit a train to continue at a significantly lower speed rather than having to come to a complete stop.

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Rule 11 is an accounting rule published by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Under a Rule 11 arrangement, Class I (connecting carrier) and the shortline separately set and publish their own shipping rates and the separately bill the customer for that rate.

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At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives but there are sensors measuring speed so that the crossing knows when to activate; so, the slower the train is, the longer the delay and the faster the train is, the earlier the crossing activates.

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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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Steps for Navigating Crossings Don't stop on the tracks. Make sure you have room to get across. Once you enter the crossing, keep moving. Stop 15 feet away from flashing red lights, lowered gates, a signaling flagman or a stop sign.

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Figures from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) state that approximately 60% of all railroad crossing fatalities occur at unprotected or passive crossings.

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