What do flashing lights at a railroad crossing mean?
Warning Sign with Yellow Flashing Lights Warns drivers that they are approaching a highway-railway crossing. When the yellow lights are flashing it indicates that the crossing signals are, or are about to become, active.
How far do you stop from a railroad that has flashing lights?
Remember that flashing red traffic signal lights mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet, but no more than 50 feet, from the nearest track when the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming. Stop if you see a train coming or you hear the whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train.
What should you do if you are at a railroad crossing when the gate is down?
When approaching a railroad crossing, slow down, look both ways, and listen for a train on the tracks. Do not rely on past experiences to guess when a train is coming. Trains can come from either direction at any time. Never stop on the railroad tracks.
Can you cross train tracks when lights are flashing?
A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device warns of the immediate approach of a train. If the red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing all vehicles are required to stop even if a train is not in sight. After stopping, drivers should not proceed across the railroad tracks until it’s safe to do so.
What triggers railroad crossing gates?
The basic signal consists of flashing red lights, a crossbuck and a bell, attached to a mast. At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives. The gates will rise and the signals will shut off once the end of the train clears the island circuit.
Why can’t trains stop immediately?
1 Answer. Inertia. A multiple ton train cannot brake on a dime. So the train has to travel about 1 entire train length or more to stop, without causing a catastrophic derailing.
Where should you stop at a railroad crossing when a train is approaching?
What should you always do when approaching a railroad crossing? When required to stop, you should do so within 50 feet, but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the crossing.
What warning signs have red lights and gates?
If there is a crossing signal, complete your turn only if the signal indicates that you may proceed. Railroads that have warning signs, red lights, and gates are called controlled railroad crossings. Be extra alert when crossing an uncontrolled railway crossing. Remember that the train always has the right-of-way.
Where are the lights at a railroad crossing?
Railroad crossing gates and lights Horizontal red traffic lights are often installed on or near to the crossbuck sign marking the crossing. The lights are usually accompanied by a bell signal. Safety gates may or may not be present at the crossing.
What does it mean when a safety gate is lowered at a railroad crossing?
A lowered safety gate or barrier also indicates that a train is about to move through the crossing. Like warning lights, the safety gate may be activated a considerable amount of time before the train passes through. NEVER attempt to drive around a closed safety gate – even if you suspect it might be malfunctioning.
What should you do if you approach a railroad crossing?
You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is: Trains take at least __________ to stop. D.) One mile If a train is approaching or traveling through, you should position your vehicle at least __________ feet away from the tracks.
When to stop at a railroad crossing in Florida?
You must stop your vehicle within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. So always remember, stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the rail tracks. True or False: It is legal to pass in Florida when approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any railroad grade crossing.