Florida Drivers Handbook |
4.5. Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals
Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals
There are several signs, signals and pavement
markings that indicate highway-railroad crossings. When
you see one of them, slow down and be ready to stop.
REMEMBER:
Trains cannot stop quickly. An average freight train traveling
at 30 MPH needs a stopping distance of more than half a
mile. Longer trains moving at faster speeds can take one
and a half miles or more to stop.
Any pedestrian or person driving a vehicle and approaching
a railroad-highway grade crossing must stop 50 feet, but
not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad
when: the electrical or mechanical warning devices are flashing,
the crossing gate is lowered, a human flagger is warning
of an approaching train, or an approaching train is clearly
visible and is in close proximity to the railroad-highway
grade crossing. Do not proceed until you can do
so safely.
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PAVEMENT
MARKING
Pavement markings, consisting of an RXR followed by
a stop line closer to the tracks, may be painted on
the paved approach to a crossing. |
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ADVANCE WARNING SIGN
The advance warning sign is usually the first sign you
see when approaching a highway-rail intersection. The
advance warning sign advises you to slow down, look
and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop if a
train is approaching. |
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CROSSBUCK SIGN
Crossbuck signs are found at highway-rail intersections.
They are yield signs. You are legally required to yield
the right of way to trains. Slow down, look and listen
for a train, and stop if a train approaches. Railroad
crossbuck signs are found at most crossings. If there
is more than one track, the sign below the crossbuck
will show the number of tracks at the crossing. |
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FLASHING RED LIGHT SIGNALS
At many highway-rail crossings, the crossbuck sign has
flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin
to flash, stop! A train is approaching. DO NOT
STOP ON THE TRACKS OR WITHIN 15 FEET OF THE CROSSING.
If there is more than one track, make sure
all tracks are clear before crossing. Do not move forward
until you can do so safely. In heavy traffic make sure
there is room for your vehicle on the other side before
starting to cross. |
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GATES
Many crossings have gates with flashing red lights and
bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before
the gate lowers across your road lane. If the gates
are down, the road is closed. It is against the law
to drive around or under a crossing gate, either down
or being opened or closed. Do not move forward
until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
as there may be a train approaching on an adjacent track. |
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