When crossing a railway line where must you walk?

Safety tips: Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal. The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.



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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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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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Look both ways, lean forward to see around mirrors to get the best view of the tracks in both directions. Using the highest gear allowed, cross with care and without shifting gears. Time your crossing safely and account for the extra length of your vehicle to cross all of the tracks safely.

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Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.

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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.

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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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If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. Do not continue through the railroad crossing until it is clear, and the lights stop flashing. Remember that flashing red lights at a railroad crossing always mean to stop completely and immediately at least 15 feet before the tracks.

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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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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.

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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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Never Try to Beat a Train 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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When approaching a railroad crossing, you should:
  • Increase your speed to get across the tracks as quickly as possible.
  • Roll your window down to listen for a train.
  • Rely on traffic control signals.
  • Never try to outdrive an approaching train.


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