What if warning lights are not flashing at a railroad crossing?
What if warning lights are not flashing at a railroad crossing? If there are no signals at the railroad crossing, you should slow down and prepare to stop if you see or hear a train approaching. Proceed with caution only after all signals are completed and then only when there is evidence no trains are approaching the crossing.
What should you not be doing when you are approaching a railroad crossing?
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.
What are the two types of warning devices for a railroad track?
Active Grade Crossings have active warning and control devices such as bells, flashing lights, and gates, in addition to passive warning devices such as crossbucks (the familiar x-shaped signs that mean yield to the train), yield or stop signs and pavement markings.
What is the speed limit when approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices?
Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may drive faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.
When you approach a railroad crossing without flashing signals or crossing gates you should?
Some grade crossings do not have gates or flashing lights. When approaching unmarked, or passive, grade crossings, slow down and be prepared to stop. Before you cross, be sure that a train is not coming. If you see a train coming, wait until it passes, and then cross the tracks when it is safe to do so.
What happens when railroad crossing gate malfunction?
In most cases, a rail crossing failure results in the gates being down with no train in sight. Gates failing in the down position is actually a safety design. Other types of crossing issues, such as the failure of a gate to activate for a train, are rare but should definitely be reported to 911 immediately.
What should you do if the railroad track gates are open but the red warning lights are still flashing?
Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks Flashing red warning lights indicate you must stop and wait. Do not proceed over the railroad tracks until the red lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises.
Do railroad crossings have sensors?
At most crossings, the signals will activate about 30 seconds before the train arrives but there are sensors measuring speed so that the crossing knows when to activate; so, the slower the train is, the longer the delay and the faster the train is, the earlier the crossing activates.
What should you do when you approach a railroad crossing that has no lights or warning gates?
Flashing red lights warn of an approaching train and must be treated like a stop sign. 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.
What should you never do at a railroad crossing?
Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first.
Are legally required to stop at all railroad crossings even when no train is visible or warning signals engaged?
Summary. 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.
What is the first warning of an approaching train at a crossing?
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.