What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have?

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Last Update: May 30, 2022

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

When approaching an unmarked railroad crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop. Before you cross, be sure that no trains are approaching from either direction on any track. If you see or hear a train coming, stop at a safe distance from the nearest track and wait to proceed until after the train passes.

What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have signal signals?

When approaching a railroad crossing that has no warning signals (such as electric flashing lights or gates), a driver should slow down, look, and listen.

What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have signals quizlet?

Do nothing; all railroad crossings have signals. Increase speed to get across the tracks quickly. Slow down and be prepared to stop. An approaching train is not moving fast enough to be a danger.

What should you do when approaching railroad tracks?

When approaching railroad tracks, you should look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop for trains or other vehicles that may be using the rails.

When you approach a railroad crossing you should?

When you see any signs indicating a nearby railroad crossing, you should slow down, look for a train, and be ready to stop. If the red warning lights are flashing or the gate is down, you must stop 15 to 50 feet before the railroad tracks. Do not try to go around the gate.

34 related questions found

Which vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings? School buses (with or without passengers), transit buses with passengers onboard, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable cargo must stop at all railroad crossings.

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 shouldn't you go across the tracks as soon as the train is gone? Another train could be coming that you didn't see. ... If you can't cross the tracks completely because of traffic stopped ahead of you... wait on your side until traffic clears up ahead.

Never stop on railroad tracks. Usually by the time a train conductor sees you, it is too late for the train to stop. When traffic is heavy, wait off the tracks until you are sure you can drive over them without stopping. A stop line, an X and the letters RR may be painted on the pavement in front of railroad crossings.

Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals.

What vehicles MUST stop at railroad crossings? All school buses and some school activity vehicles. If you're behind one of these vehicles, be prepared to stop. Other vehicles and large trucks may also be required to stop.

HOW TO DRIVE IN WINTER. Winter is the most difficult season in which to drive. In addition to snow and ice on the roads, there are fewer hours of daylight. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good condition.

It is against the law to drive around or under a crossing gate – while down or while being raised or lowered – and it is extremely dangerous. After stopping, do not start across the tracks until you are sure you can do so safely.

You should look and listen for trains before crossing any railroad tracks. If an approaching train is near enough or going fast enough to be a danger, you cannot go across the tracks. This is true even if they have no signals or the signals are not working.

Close to the left side of the street. Close to the right side of the street. Past the center of the intersection when you begin to turn. As you prepare to make a right turn, you should get as far to the right side of the road as possible.

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.

Share: While collisions and deadly crashes at railroad crossings have dropped significantly over the decades, the number of drivers going around lowered gates is up. ... In every state, it's illegal for you to go around a lowered crossing gate or to ignore signs or flashing lights posted at a railroad crossing.

Don't begin to cross until the gates are completely raised and the lights have stopped flashing. Always check both directions of the railroad before driving past. Stop at least 15 feet away from the crossing if there's an approaching train, flashing red lights, a stop sign or lowered crossing gates.

The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where 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. At railroad or train crossings: Look in both directions and listen for trains.

The reason trains stop, according to Bellamy, is because of a switch adjustment. “They have to pass the switch and then a carman or a switch man has to hop off and physically throw the switch (Bellamy described this as a lever on the ground) so that it changes the direction of the track.

“Trains may need to stop while waiting for other trains to pass, to cross over another railroad's track or to enter a rail yard. Dropping off or picking up train cars from rail yards or industrial plants is another reason why trains may be stopped on the tracks.

The following safety tips can help save a life.

• Trains do not run on set schedules. ...
• Always yield the right of way to the train. ...
• Never ignore active warnings at crossings. ...
• Trains will arrive at a crossing faster than you anticipate. ...
• Look and listen when you see advance warning signs indicating a rail-highway crossing.

Did you know you can report a malfunctioning railroad gate — and potentially save a life or lives? Reporting it will cause the dispatcher to alert nearby train crews that motorists might be driving around the gates. The dispatcher will also have signal crews sent to repair it.

Exempt signs are intended to inform drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting passengers or hazardous materials that a stop is not required at certain designated railroad crossings, except when rail traffic is approaching or occupying the crossing or the driver's view is blocked.

A passive crossing is one that does not have flashing lights or automatic gates. The crossbuck sign, the white X sign, is a regulatory sign that means Yield. Crossbuck signs are required at all public railroad crossings. The railroad companies install and maintain crossbuck signs.

Car and pedestrian accidents at railroad crossings are more common than you might realize. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States every three hours. In 2020 alone, there were 1,377 motor vehicle collisions at public rail grade crossings that resulted in 494 people being injured and 94 fatalities. 

Trains are such powerful vehicles that it’s very easy for accidents at railroad crossings to be fatal or result in very serious injuries. Between their size and weight and the speeds they travel at, they simply aren’t able to stop quickly if they see signs that a collision might occur. So what can drivers do to stay safe when approaching and crossing a railroad crossing?

Michigan Law & Railroad Crossings

In the state of Michigan, rules for what cars need to do when approaching railroad crossings are covered by MCL 257.667: 

(1) When a person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the following circumstances, the driver shall stop the vehicle not more than 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely: 

• (a) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train. 
• (b) A crossing gate is lowered or a flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train. 
• (c) A railroad train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing gives a signal audible from that distance, and the train by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing is an immediate hazard. 
• (d) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing. 

(2) A person shall not drive a vehicle through, around, or under a crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed or against the direction of a police officer

Failure to follow these rules is considered a civil infraction. Waiting until you can proceed safely means waiting until lights have stopped flashing, warning bells stop ringing, crossing gates have risen, and you are sure that all tracks are clear. 

When you see a sign indicating that a railroad crossing is ahead, slow down and prepare to stop. If a railroad crossing has things like a stop or yield sign instead of a motorized crossing gate and flashing lights, slow down or stop and make sure it is safe before proceeding, even if you initially don’t see a train coming.

With the requirement about how far away you must stop from railroad tracks, this is to protect drivers from being hit by the train even if they stop. Keep in mind that trains overhang the width of train tracks by about three feet on both sides and there’s a chance that they could be transporting cargo that overhangs even further. 

It’s also important to note that certain types of vehicles are required to stop at all railroad crossings, regardless if there isn’t a stop sign or other railroad crossing signal. These vehicles include buses, other types of vehicles that carry passengers for hire, gasoline trucks, and other vehicles carrying hazardous materials, unless otherwise clearly marked. 

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips

In addition to following Michigan’s rules for approaching railroad tracks, there are some other good general safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always approach a railroad crossing like a train could be there. Be sure to check in both directions before proceeding across.
• Never stop your car while on a railroad track and avoid changing gears while your car is over a railroad track.
• Never try to race a train. Waiting for a train to pass may be inconvenient, but trying to beat a train across the tracks can be deadly.
• When roads are snowy, make sure you cross railroad tracks with enough speed to help you get across safely without getting stuck.
• If you’re in a situation where traffic has gotten backed up around a railroad crossing, make sure there is enough room for you to have a safe distance between your car and the other side of the tracks before proceeding to cross. 
• For pedestrians, avoid walking or jogging routes that run close to railroad tracks, even if you think the tracks are inactive. 

What to Do if You Get Stuck on Railroad Tracks

If you try crossing a railroad track and your car gets stuck on the tracks, the first thing you need to do is get yourself and your passengers out of the car and as far away from the tracks as possible. 

If you do not see a train coming and crossing gates/lights/alarms are not activated, keep your distance from the tracks and call the railroad’s emergency contact number, which will be posted on the blue emergency notification sign near the crossing so that you can report the problem. You’ll be asked to provide the crossing identification number from the emergency notification sign so that the railroad can take actions to prevent an accident. After you’ve notified the railroad, call 911. 

If your car is stuck on the tracks and there are signs of a train nearby, call 911 as soon as you and all of your passengers are safely out of the car. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s extremely important to make sure that you have a car accident lawyer on your side who can fight for you to get the justice you deserve. At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to get help from a lawyer highly experienced in handling Michigan auto accident cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Contact us to find out how we can help you.