What should you do if a train is approaching?

If the lights begin to flash or the bells begin to ring, STOP! A train is coming. You must yield to the train and remain stopped until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates have lifted. If there are multiple tracks, make sure the train you see isn't hiding another one you don't see.



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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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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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Stop at least 15 feet, but not more than 50 feet, from nearest rail. Look both ways and listen carefully. Bend forward to see around mirrors and A-pillars.

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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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Flashing Red Lights — with or without bells When the red lights are flashing, a train is approaching. Stop and wait for the train to pass, then proceed when it is clearly safe to do so.

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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.

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By the time a train operator sees you, it is too late to stop the train in time. An oncoming train is moving faster and is closer to you than it appears. Similar to an airplane traveling at 150 mph that appears to float onto the runway, it's hard to determine a train's speed and distance from you.

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The middle of the train is by far the safest for persons. The National Transportation Safety Board does not release comprehensive data on where victims were sitting during fatal train accidents, though some details are available in individual investigative reports.

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Railroad tracks are private property, not public trails. It's illegal and dangerous to walk on or near tracks unless you're using a designated crossing.

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Why do trains sound their horn? Federal law requires the train crew when approaching a road crossing to sound the horn at all public crossings for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians regardless of whether crossings with gates and lights are present.

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Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may drive faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.

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