Railroad crossings

There is an old proverb in baseball which says that if the ball and the runner reach first base at the same time, then it is a tie and the tie goes to the runner. In traffic, if a train and a car get to a crossing at the same time, then it is also a tie and the tie goes to the train. With this understanding, let's look at some ways to keep from having a fatal tie at a railway crossing.

Railroad crossings are just another type of an intersection, and like highway intersections, they can become very dangerous. Railroad crossings have their own unique markings, which you will find at the end of this section.

There are two types of crossings, controlled and uncontrolled. Controlled crossings usually have both red lights and crossing gates. You must make a complete stop when the lights are flashing and or the gates are down. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the gates are raised. F.S.316.1575(2) states that it is illegal to drive through around or under any crossing gate that is closed or is being opened or closed.

An uncontrolled crossing is one that does not have red lights or a crossing gate. However like a controlled crossing, they are marked with a round yellow advance warning sign and are placed ahead of the crossing. This side advance warning sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for a train. Be prepared to stop at the tracks in the event that a train is approaching. A crossbuck sign marks the railroad crossing. Some of the more dangerous crossings may even have a stop sign. If this is the case, then the same laws apply as they do at the highway intersection.

When you approach a crossing, slow down and be sure to check traffic in the rear. Be aware of other cars approaching you at an unsafe speed.

Reduce the noise level in your car to listen for the train sounds by turning your radio down or preferably off. If necessary, lower your window.

Stop at a safe distance before the tracks if a train is approaching, not less than fifteen feet or more than fifty feet. When the train has passed, make sure the intersection is clear and that another train is not approaching on another track before you attempt to cross. A sign below the crossbuck will indicate how many sets of tracks you will be crossing.

When crossing the railroad tracks reduce your speed to handle a potential rough ride. Check both ways on the track for a short sight distance. Drive onto the tracks only after you have enough space and speed to clear the tracks. Make sure any vehicles ahead of you have cleared the tracks before you start to cross. Never stop on railroad tracks waiting for traffic ahead to move.

Remember to be prepared to stop behind busses or trucks that are hauling flammable contents. The laws require such vehicles to stop at all railroad crossings. If the gates start to come down as you begin to cross, keep going even if it means that you will break through.