Railroad Crossings, School Zones, and Work Zone Signing
Special zones need extra caution
Railroad crossings use a crossbuck, a round advance warning sign, pavement markings, and often flashing lights or gates. A crossbuck means yield to trains. You must stop if a train is approaching, if lights are flashing, if a gate is lowered, or if a flagger signals. Do not stop on the tracks. Arkansas law requires commercial vehicles and some other vehicles to stop at certain crossings, but every driver must use caution.
School zones use a pentagon-shaped sign in fluorescent yellow-green. The posted school speed limit, often 25 mph in Arkansas unless otherwise posted, applies when the zone is active, usually when lights flash or when children are present. Watch for crossing guards and stopped school buses.
Work zones use orange signs. A flagger, temporary barrier, or reduced speed sign must be obeyed. Fines and penalties are commonly enhanced when workers are present. Work zone signs can remain in place when no workers are visible, so continue to follow them.
Traps: a crossbuck alone does not always require a full stop, but you must yield and stop if a train is near. School zone speed is not automatic all day. Orange signs are not merely advice.
Worked example: At a crossing with flashing red lights and a lowered gate, stop behind the gate or stop line. Never drive around a gate, even if you think the train has passed.
Rule of thumb: in rail, school, and work zones, slow down, read all signs, and expect the unexpected.