Railroad Crossings
This domain tests crossing procedure, clearance judgment, and the special stop rule for buses and hazardous materials vehicles. The exam emphasizes never stopping on the tracks and never trying to beat a train.
General crossing rules
Slow down, look and listen, and cross only when you can clear the tracks completely. Never stop on the tracks or start across if traffic may stop you on them. Do not shift gears while crossing. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get out and move away immediately, then call for help. Active signals and gates must be obeyed even if a train is not visible.
Bus and hazmat rule
A bus carrying passengers, a school bus, or a vehicle carrying certain hazardous materials must stop between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail. Open the door, look and listen, close the door, and cross without shifting.
Worked example
A passenger bus approaches a crossing with flashing lights and no visible train. The driver stops 20 feet before the rail, opens the door, looks and listens, closes the door, and crosses in a gear low enough to avoid shifting. The flashing lights alone require the stop. Stopping 10 feet away is too close to the rail, and proceeding because no train is visible defeats the purpose of the rule.
Traps that cost marks
Stopping on the tracks because traffic ahead is backed up; stopping closer than 15 feet; shifting gears while crossing; and assuming a gate that is up means the crossing is safe. Also do not walk along the tracks after a stall-move away.