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CHAPTER 2
2.9 RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Use extra caution at railroad crossings and never stop
your vehicle on the railroad tracks. Trains cannot stop
quickly.
Advance warning signs and pavement markings
indicate railroad tracks cross the road ahead. As you’re
approaching tracks, eliminate distractions, put your
windows down, and turn off your music. See gure 2.1
for common railroad crossing signs and signals.
Highway-railroad crossings have the name of
the railroad and a number to call posted in case
of emergency. If you become aware of a signal
malfunction or other dangerous situation (such as a
stalled vehicle, other obstruction, or track damage),
call the number posted to notify the appropriate
railroad (see bottom right image of ENS sign).
ACTIVELY PROTECTED
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Actively protected railroad crossings are equipped
with lights and/or gates. If the lights are ashing
or gates are down, it means a train is approaching.
Always obey these warning signals. Do not cross
when lights are ashing or try to go around the gate.
PASSIVELY PROTECTED
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Passively protected railroad crossings
do not have lights or gates. They will
only be marked with a crossbuck and
a stop or yield sign. At this type of
crossing, slow down and look for an
oncoming train. Do not rely on any
lights or gates, and always expect
a train.
REQUIRED TO STOP
All school buses, charter buses, drivers carrying
passengers for hire (such as Uber or Lyft), and all
vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous
materials, must stop within 15 to 50 feet of railroad
tracks before crossing. If a police ofcer or highway
trafc signal directs highway trafc to proceed, you do
not have to stop. You also do not have to stop if the
crossing is marked with an “EXEMPT” sign.
MAKE SAFE CHOICES
Source: Operation Lifesaver
Cross Legally & Safely
•
The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross
railroad tracks is at designated crossings.
• Obey warning signs and signals.
•
Not all train tracks have gates. Watch for
advance warning signs and pavement markings
indicating railroad tracks cross the road ahead.
•
Rail cars have reective stripes to enhance their
visibility at night and in other low visibility
environments, such as rain, snow, or fog. Be on
the lookout for these when conditions might
make it difcult to spot a train.
• Look for a train before proceeding.
Wait, Look Both Ways
• Always expect a train.
•
Trains may be closer and traveling faster than
they appear and can run on any track at any time.
•
Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains. Ensure
you can clearly see down the tracks in both
directions before proceeding.
• Avoid crossing while lights are ashing or gates
are down. Never try to beat a train
Avoid Getting Stuck
•
Before crossing, be sure you can completely clear
the tracks. Keep in mind that trains are wider
than the tracks.
•
When stopped, leave at least 15 feet between
the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest
rail.
• Avoid shifting gears while crossing.
Get Out, Get Away, Find the Blue & White Sign
•
If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing,
get everyone out and far away immediately, even
if you do not see a train.
•
Call the number on the
blue and white Emergency
Notication System (ENS)
sign. Share the crossing ID
number with the dispatcher.
• If there is no sign, call 911.
ENS sign
Passive Crossing Markings