What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing?

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.



People Also Ask

As you approach a railroad crossing, you must:
  1. Slow your speed.
  2. Look both ways.
  3. Listen for the train.
  4. Keep alert.
  5. Watch for the railroad crossing signal.


MORE DETAILS

If there are no gates, drivers are required to stop and may proceed only when it is safe to do so. Remember, trains always have the right-of-way. Some roads will have lights and a crossbuck above the road on a cantilever. Flashing red lights with gates are used to temporarily close the road when a train is approaching.

MORE DETAILS

Steps for Navigating Crossings 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

At railroad crossings that do not have limit lines, you must stop at the entrance to the crossing. Many grade crossings have flashing red light signals combined with crossbuck signs. Some also have bells which ring to warn of approaching trains. You must treat these devices the same way you would a red traffic light.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS