Railroad crossings require complete driver vigilance and adherence to specific traffic laws. Trains always have the right-of-way, and their inability to stop quickly makes any vehicle-train encounter extremely dangerous. A freight train traveling at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop. Following crossing procedures is a legal requirement designed to prevent fatal accidents, as the consequences of a collision are almost always severe.
Preparing to Stop and Observe Signage
The approach to a railroad crossing is marked by standardized visual cues designed to increase driver awareness. The first signal is the round, yellow advance warning sign, featuring a large black ‘X’ and the letters ‘RXR’. This sign is posted far enough away to allow a driver to slow down and prepare to stop safely. Pavement markings often reinforce this warning, consisting of a large ‘RXR’ painted on the road surface, sometimes followed by a solid white stop line. This stop line indicates the safe minimum distance a vehicle should stop from the nearest rail. Immediately at the tracks, the white, X-shaped sign known as a crossbuck is always present at public crossings and legally requires drivers to yield to a train.
Procedures for Active Warning Systems
Active crossings are equipped with dynamic warnings, such as flashing red lights, audible bells, and automatic gates, to signal the immediate approach of a train. When these signals activate, a mandatory stop is required, regardless of whether a train is immediately visible. Drivers must bring their vehicle to a complete stop at a distance between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, or behind the designated stop line. The stop remains absolute until all warning signals have completely ceased operation. If the crossing includes gates, the driver must wait until the gates are fully raised and the lights have stopped flashing before proceeding. Never assume that a train has passed completely, as a second train may be approaching on an adjacent track.
Procedures for Passive Crossings
Passive crossings lack mechanical or electrical warning systems, featuring only the crossbuck sign and possibly a stop or yield sign. At these locations, the entire responsibility for safety rests with the driver, who must treat the crossbuck as a yield sign and be prepared to stop. The procedure requires a significant reduction in speed to allow time to look and listen carefully for any approaching train. Drivers should roll down windows and turn off interior distractions, like the radio, to maximize their ability to hear the train’s horn or track sounds. Before beginning to cross, the driver must confirm there is enough clear space on the opposite side of the tracks to accommodate the entire length of the vehicle. Under no circumstances should a driver stop their vehicle on the tracks due to traffic congestion.
High-Risk and Prohibited Actions
Several actions at a railroad crossing are highly dangerous and illegal, carrying severe safety consequences. A driver must never attempt to drive around a lowered gate or ignore flashing warning signals, which is a leading cause of fatal incidents. Crossing gates are designed to break upon impact, and attempting to maneuver around them violates traffic law and puts lives at risk. Stopping a vehicle on the tracks, even briefly, is strictly prohibited because trains are wider than the rails and cannot stop quickly. Attempting to race a train to the crossing is also a dangerous gamble, as it is difficult to accurately judge a train’s speed. Violations of these laws can result in steep fines, license penalties, and an increased risk of collision.