Key Safety Tips

Advance Warning Signs

The Advanced Warning sign is usually the first sign you see when approaching a highway-rail intersection. It is located a sufficient distance ahead to allow a driver to stop before reaching the crossing.

The Advance Warning sign advises you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.

Pavement Markings

Pavement Markings, consisting of an R X R followed by a Stop Line closer to the tracks, may be painted on the paved approach to a crossing. Stay behind the Stop Line while waiting for a train to pass.

Crossbuck Signs

Crossbuck signs are found at highway-rail intersections. They are yield signs. You are legally required to yield the right of way to trains. Slow down, look and listen for the train, and stop if a train approaches.

When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the Crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

Flashing Red Light Signals

At many highway-rail grade crossings, the Crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, stop! A train is approaching. You are legally required to yield the right of way to the train. If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.

Gates

Many crossings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across your road lane. Remain stopped until the gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed when it is safe.

Driver Awareness

Watch For Vehicles That Must Stop!

Be prepared to stop when following buses or driving behind trucks with hazardous materials placards. Federal regulations and the laws of most states require them to stop at every highway-rail intersection, unless advised by appropriate signs.

Beware The Optical Illusion

You cannot accurately judge a train's speed or distance. Do not take chances. An optical illusion makes a train seem farther away and moving more slowly than it is. Do not take chances.

Trains Can't Stop Quickly . . . You Can

After fully applying the brakes, a loaded freight train traveling 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop. A light rail train can take 600 feet to stop, and an 8-car passenger train traveling 80 mph requires about a mile to stop.

Be Especially Alert At Night

At night, judging speed and distance is particularly difficult. Be very cautious.