What should you do if signals or barriers require stopping at a railroad crossing?

What should you do if signals or barriers require stopping at a railroad crossing?

• A. Stop if required by signals or barriers
• B. Do not stop
• C. Stop only if a train is approaching
• D. Turn around and back up

Answer: (A)

When you approach a railroad crossing, signals or barriers are there to protect you from a train that can come quickly and unexpectedly. If the signals are flashing, the gates are lowering, or there’s a stop sign or barrier, you must come to a complete stop before the crossing. Stop behind the stop line if there is one, and wait until the signals indicate it’s safe to proceed. After stopping, look both ways, listen for an approaching train, and only cross when the lights stop flashing, the gates are fully up, and you have enough room to clear the tracks. This isn’t just about a train you can see. A train can be close even if you don’t see it yet, and you’re required to stop whenever the crossing demands it to avoid a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. Other choices would put you at risk or aren’t the proper procedure: you don’t ignore the signals, you don’t stop only when you think a train is near, and turning around or backing up is not an appropriate or safe way to handle a crossing.

When you approach a railroad crossing, signals or barriers are there to protect you from a train that can come quickly and unexpectedly. If the signals are flashing, the gates are lowering, or there’s a stop sign or barrier, you must come to a complete stop before the crossing. Stop behind the stop line if there is one, and wait until the signals indicate it’s safe to proceed. After stopping, look both ways, listen for an approaching train, and only cross when the lights stop flashing, the gates are fully up, and you have enough room to clear the tracks.

This isn’t just about a train you can see. A train can be close even if you don’t see it yet, and you’re required to stop whenever the crossing demands it to avoid a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. Other choices would put you at risk or aren’t the proper procedure: you don’t ignore the signals, you don’t stop only when you think a train is near, and turning around or backing up is not an appropriate or safe way to handle a crossing.