When at a railroad or train crossing What should you do first?
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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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.
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.
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.
Advance warning signsThe 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.
Steps for Navigating CrossingsStop, 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.
Safety Tips for DriversTurn on your four-way flashers to warn other drivers that you are slowing down. Then, turn off any fans and music, and roll down your windows as you come to the track. Try to come to a complete stop between 15 and 50 feet away. Cross tracks only at designated crossings.
A stop line may be painted on paved roads in advance of the intersection and identifies the safe place to stop, if a train is approaching. If there isn't a stop line the driver must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the closest rail.
The bottom line is that vehicles with passengers or flammable materials, as well as school buses must stop at all railroad crossings. If any of them don't, the driver could face a penalty of up to $1,000 and a few months in jail. So, if you operate such a vehicle, stop when you see flashing lights and crossing signs.