Railroad Crossings and Special Situations
Expecting the Unexpected
Railroad crossing questions test caution and patience. A round yellow sign with an X and RR marks a crossing ahead; a crossbuck (X-shaped sign) marks the crossing itself. Flashing red lights and a lowering gate mean stop and stay stopped until the gate rises and the lights stop. Never drive around a lowered gate - trains can arrive faster than they appear and cannot stop quickly. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and move away from the tracks before calling for help.
Special situations include fog, rain, snow, ice, and night driving. In fog, use low-beam headlights - high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Slow down and increase following distance. On ice, brake gently and steer smoothly; avoid sudden movements. At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate.
Skids happen when tires lose traction. If your rear wheels skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and do not slam on the brakes. If your brakes fail, pump them and use the parking brake gradually.
Trap: the question that asks whether you should stop on the tracks if the gate is down but no train is visible. The answer is no - never enter a crossing unless you can clear it completely.
Rule of thumb: at any crossing, stop, look both ways, listen, and only proceed when you can clear the tracks entirely.