Online Driver Manual - Railroad Crossings, Light Rail and Street Cars

Railroad Crossings

Signs and signals are used to mark railroad crossings. When you see them, look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop.

A railroad advance sign warns you that a railroad crossing is ahead.

A railroad crossbuck assembly will include a yield or stop sign. Obey the posted sign. If there is more than one track, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

A crossing signal system includes flashing red lights and may have a gate with red flashing lights that are activated when a train is nearby. Railroad crossings have pavement markings that include a large “X” with the letters “RR.” Only cross the tracks if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing.

Remember:

Never stop on the tracks.
Never try to beat a train at a crossing.
The train you see is closer than it seems.
Trains cannot stop quickly.
All school buses, hazmat vehicles and some school activity vehicles must stop at railroad tracks. Be prepared to stop when following these vehicles.
One train may be blocking the view of another one.

When required to stop, do so at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

Stop before railroad tracks when:

Flashing red lights are activated.
An approaching train is clearly visible or is so close to the crossing that it would be hazardous for you to try to cross.
A stop sign is posted, even if you do not see a train coming.
A flagger signals you to stop.

It is against the law to drive around or under a crossing gate – while down or while being raised or lowered – and it is extremely dangerous. After stopping, do not start across the tracks until you are sure you can do so safely. At crossings with multiple tracks, look carefully to see if a second train is coming on another track from either direction.

If a vehicle, person or object is stuck on the railroad tracks:

Get out of the vehicle!
Get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train.
If it’s safe, look for an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign located on a post at the crossing near the tracks to notify the railroads of the obstruction in the tracks so they can alert incoming trains.
If a train approaches, move at a 45 degree angle from the tracks in the direction of the train so you are not hit with debris.

Travelling Around Streetcars & Light Rail Trains

Streetcars and light rail trains are electric transit vehicles that run on tracks embedded in the streets. They sometimes travel in the same lanes as cars and make frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers, much like buses. These streetcars and trains are a key part of a city's public transportation system, helping people travel easily through downtown. Because

they share the road with cars, drivers need to be extra careful around them. Here are some simple rules to help you stay safe.

Let Streetcars and Trains Go First:

Always let streetcars and trains go first. Do not try to pass a streetcar or train, unless it is safe to do so.
If a streetcar or train stops to pick up or drop off people, stay behind it until it moves again or the people are safely away.

Do Not Block Tracks:

When approaching tracks at an intersection, stay behind any stop line before crossing tracks.
Never park on streetcar or train tracks. Park behind the solid white line separating the parking area from the track. If there is no white line, park as close to the curb as possible away from the rails.
Always check for approaching streetcars or trains before opening vehicle doors.
Always make sure your parked car is clear of the tracks so a streetcar or train can pass.

Be Careful at Intersections and Making Turns:

Never turn in front of a streetcar or train traveling in the same direction as you from an adjacent lane, even if the streetcar or train is stopped.
Never turn in front of an approaching light rail train or streetcar, unless safe to do.
Slow down and look both ways before crossing tracks at an intersection.
When turning where there are tracks, look both ways for streetcars or trains. Signal your turn and make sure it is safe. If there is a left turn signal wait for a proper signal before you make a left turn over the tracks.

Watch for Pedestrians:

Be careful where streetcars and trains stop. Look out for people getting on or off the streetcar. Passengers will run across lanes to catch the streetcar or train.
Follow pedestrian signals and let people cross the street safely.

Check Before Changing Lanes:

Check for streetcars and trains before changing lanes, you may not be aware they are close behind you.
Streetcars and trains cannot stop quickly. Avoid braking suddenly or performing unpredictable moves in front of or around them.

Following these rules will help keep everyone safe. Always be alert and drive carefully. If you do make contact with a streetcar or train, wait for the operator or police to give you direction on what to do.