What are the tips for railroad crossing?

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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When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail. ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.

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Stop, look both ways, and listen. Know that trains always have the right of way. Don't stop on the tracks. Make sure you have room to get across.

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A stop line, an X and the letters RR may be painted on the pavement in front of railroad crossings. These markings warn you to be aware of the crossing ahead and to pay particular attention to the possible approach of a train.

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Railroad crossing signs are designed to alert drivers of railroad tracks ahead. Drivers must be aware of any approaching trains from both directions and be prepared to stop, if necessary. This sign is a passive sign, compared to an active sign, such as the traffic control devices or lights at the train crossing.

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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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The FRA offers the following additional tips for motorists when approaching a crossing: Never ignore flashing lights, whistles, closing gates or stop signs. Slow down, look in both directions, and test your brakes. Be certain you don't see a train.

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7 Steps for Safety - Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (Visor Card)
  1. Approach with care. Warn others that you are slowing down. ...
  2. Prepare to stop. ...
  3. Look both ways and listen carefully. ...
  4. If it won't fit, don't commit. ...
  5. Look again. ...
  6. Cross tracks with care. ...
  7. Keep going once you start, even if lights start to flash or gates come down.


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Always be super-cautious when approaching a railway crossing. Even if the lights aren't flashing, look both ways before proceeding. Don't try to beat a train to a crossing - the train is moving faster than it appears. Trains can't stop rapidly because of their extreme weight.

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Expert-Verified Answer. The appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have signals to direct traffic is Slow down and be prepared to stop.

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Advance 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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Railroad tracks are private property, not public trails. It's illegal to walk on the tracks unless you're at a designated crossing. It's extremely dangerous to walk, run, or drive down the railroad tracks or even alongside them.

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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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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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The rearlights on locomotives, multiple units and railcars. To ensure that the rear of the failed train is always visible, all trains are required to display three red lights at their rear: two tail lamps plus the red portion of the destination roller blind.

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