Is it illegal to drive around a lowered railroad gate?
Driving around a lowered gate is dangerous and illegal. Stop before the crossing if there is not enough room on the other side. To avoid stalling, never shift gears on the railroad crossing, downshift before you reach it. If you must stop, keep a distance of 15 to 50 feet from the tracks.
Why are safe driving practices at railroad crossings matters?
Let’s start with some background information, or why safe driving practices at railroad crossings matters: If you are involved in a train/motor vehicle collision, you are 40 times more likely to die than in a collision with two motor vehicles. Every second hour a train hits someone in America, often with fatal results.
When do you have to stop at a railroad crossing?
Stop before the crossing if there is not enough room on the other side. To avoid stalling, never shift gears on the railroad crossing, downshift before you reach it. If you must stop, keep a distance of 15 to 50 feet from the tracks. Some vehicles, like school buses or trucks carrying hazardous materials, must stop at crossings.
How to wait for a train to cross the tracks?
Wait for the approaching train to cross the tracks you are waiting at. Continue waiting until the train is out of sight. Make sure the train has passed. Although the train has passed, there might be another train approaching. Wait until the lights have stopped flashing and the crossing gate has gone up. You may begin driving again at this point.
What do you need to know about crossing railroad tracks?
You should see signs, like a sign with an X and RR written on it. Check for flashing lights, a person signaling a train, and a horn or bell from an approaching train. Even if there are no signs of a train, slow your bike. Crossing tracks at full speed on a bike can be dangerous. Make sure you are in the appropriate spot for a bike.
Is it illegal to walk across railroad tracks?
If you are not at a pedestrian crossing, walk at a safe distance away from the tracks until you locate one. There should be a sign and/or a ramp for pedestrians to safely cross. Crossing at an illegal location risks your safety, as well as a ticket or fine that can range from $500 or $6000.
Can a train hit you if you are standing on the tracks?
Even when you are not standing directly on the tracks, you risk being hit by a train by being on railroad property. Despite their size, trains are relatively quiet and do not always sound warning horns when approaching a crossing.