Unit 05 Lesson 07 - Railroad Crossing
As the number of drivers increases, more and more people die at railroad crossings. In a car-train collision, the odds that those in the car will live are not very good. Learn what to do at railroad crossings so that you do not have a collision. Use extreme caution at all railroad crossings and remember:
- Always slow down when you come to a railroad crossing.
- Never pass a car that is going your direction at a railroad crossing.
- Do not park closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing unless signs indicate that you may or it is allowed by local law.
- When you stop at a crossing, you must be between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
- Trains sound their horns as they approach a crossing; therefore, turning down the car radio is a good safety measure.
- Every railroad crossing should be taken seriously.
- At night, do not assume that a train is not coming just because you do not see any light. Slow down or stop and look before crossing the tracks.
- If lights are flashing, you must come to a complete stop. You may not proceed while the lights are flashing. After coming to a complete stop, if you suspect the flashing lights are not working properly, you may drive through the railroad crossing only if you have a clear line of sight of at least one mile down the tracks in both directions, there is not evidence of an approaching train, and you can cross the tracks safely.
- You may not drive through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while they are down or being opened or closed.
Typical Union Pacific yard operation, Ogden, Utah: By N2xjk, CC-BY-SA-3.0, from Wikimedia Commons
Warning Devices
Public railroad crossings have been marked with warning devices for your safety by highway departments and the railroad companies. Learn what the warning devices are and watch for them. With these warning devices and caution on your part, you can avoid a railroad-crossing crash.
Advance Warning Signs
Advance warning signs are posted before you reach the crossing and tell you to slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop at the crossing ahead.
Pavement Markings
A stop line, an “X” and the letters “RR” may be painted on the pavement in front of railroad crossings. These markings warn you to be aware of the crossing ahead and to pay particular attention to the possible approach of a train.
Railroad Crossbuck Signs
Crossbuck signs are found at all public crossings. If there are more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. Be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. You must yield to train traffic.
Flashing Lights
Flashing lights and bells are used with crossbuck signs at many railroad crossings. Always STOP when lights begin to flash or bells begin to ring, which means a train is coming. If there are more than one set of tracks, make sure all tracks are clear before starting to cross.
Gates
Gates are used with flashing light signals at some railroad crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gates begin to lower across your lane of traffic. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. DO NOT DRIVE AROUND THE GATES.
Special Vehicles
- Motorcycles and Bicycles - Riders should approach a railroad crossing with caution. Do not swerve to get a better angle for crossing.
- School Buses - Drivers are required to stop at all railroad crossings. The driver must check both directions and listen for approaching trains, proceed only when it is clearly safe to do so and never shift gears on the crossing.
- Trucks Carrying Hazardous Materials - Drivers are required to stop at all railroad crossings. Drivers should make a safe, gradual stop to minimize the possibility of causing a crash. Do not shift gears when crossing the tracks. When possible, reroute away from railroad crossings or use a crossing which utilizes flashing red lights and/or gates.
SAFETY TIPS FOR USING RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Expect a Train on Any Track at Any Time
Most trains do not run on a fixed schedule. Be cautious at a railroad crossing any time of the day or night.
Most trains do not run on a fixed schedule. Be cautious at a railroad crossing any time of the day or night.
Don’t Get Trapped on a Railroad Crossing
Don’t drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure you can clear all the tracks safely. Once you have started across the tracks, keep going, even if you see a train coming. Do not shift gears while crossing tracks--your car could stall.
Don’t drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure you can clear all the tracks safely. Once you have started across the tracks, keep going, even if you see a train coming. Do not shift gears while crossing tracks--your car could stall.
Get Out of Your Vehicle if it Stalls
If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out of the car and off the tracks. Notify local authorities immediately. If a train is coming, stay clear of the tracks and RUN TOWARD THE APPROACHING TRAIN at an angle away from the train. By moving in the direction of the approaching train, you will be less likely to be hit by flying debris. If no train is in sight, post lookouts and try to start or move the vehicle.
If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out of the car and off the tracks. Notify local authorities immediately. If a train is coming, stay clear of the tracks and RUN TOWARD THE APPROACHING TRAIN at an angle away from the train. By moving in the direction of the approaching train, you will be less likely to be hit by flying debris. If no train is in sight, post lookouts and try to start or move the vehicle.
Watch Out for Second Trains
When the last car of a train passes the crossing, do not proceed until you are sure no train is coming on another track, especially from the other direction
When the last car of a train passes the crossing, do not proceed until you are sure no train is coming on another track, especially from the other direction
Never Drive Around Gates
If the gates are down, stay in place and do not cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. It is against the law to drive around gates.
If the gates are down, stay in place and do not cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. It is against the law to drive around gates.
Never Race a Train
Racing a train to the crossing is foolish. You will never have another chance if you lose.
Racing a train to the crossing is foolish. You will never have another chance if you lose.
Watch for Vehicles That Must Stop at Railroad Crossings
Be prepared to stop when you are following buses or trucks which are required to stop at railroad crossings.
Be prepared to stop when you are following buses or trucks which are required to stop at railroad crossings.
Don’t Misjudge the Speed and Distance of the Train
The large size of engines and trains make them appear to be moving much slower than they really are. If there is any doubt, stop and wait for the train to pass.
The large size of engines and trains make them appear to be moving much slower than they really are. If there is any doubt, stop and wait for the train to pass.
At Night Be Especially Alert at Railroad Crossings
Be sure you can stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights. Also be aware that lights on trains can malfunction and you might not see an approaching train until it is too late.
Be Especially Careful and Reduce Speed for Obstructions Use common sense. If your view of the tracks is blocked, slow down and proceed with more caution than normal.
LIGHT RAIL
A light rail system is currently operating in Salt Lake City and is being expanded. Light rail cars receive power from overhead electric lines. Each car is approximately 88 feet long and weighs more than 88,000 pounds. Trains may be from one to four cars long.
Light Rail cars accelerate very quickly. A light rail car can accelerate to 55 miles per hour in just 19 seconds. Most light rail trains will operate at 55 miles per hour within the railroad corridor. Trains will operate at 25 miles per hour on the streets in Salt Lake City. Do not pull in front of light rail trains or drive on the tracks in the Central Business District. Once the flashing lights and crossing arms are activated at grade crossings, the trains will pass through intersections in just a matter of seconds. Crossing arms will be down for only 30 to 40 seconds as the light rail passes.
Rail vehicles may use white lights in their traffic control signals.
DO NOT TRY TO BEAT THE LIGHT RAIL TRAIN THROUGH A RAILROAD CROSSING.
(For More Information Select on the link below)
05.07 Railroad Crossing Videos
You need to watch the video below. You will be required to submit an essay on railroad crossing and dangerous conditions with light rail trains. This information will help you in writing the essay.
Utah Transit Authority Operation Lifesaver
05.07 Railroad Crossing Essay
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