Railroads play a crucial role in our transportation system, but they can also pose dangers if we aren’t familiar with the signs, signals, and laws that are designed to keep us safe. Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, understanding railroad safety is essential to prevent tragic incidents and save lives. In this post, we will outline the key signs and signals you need to know, as well as the laws that help ensure safe crossings for everyone.
Passive vs Active Signs
Passive and active signs and traffic control devices are installed along roads that cross railroad tracks before and at highway-rail grade crossings. Their purpose is to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. These signs and signals alert drivers to the presence of railroad tracks and to the possibility of an approaching train. They also provide a safety message and remind the driver of the laws regarding highway-rail grade crossings.
Below is a list of signs and devices you will see at highway-rail grade crossings.
Passive Signs: Signs that alert motorists that they are approaching a highway-rail grade crossing.
Active Signs: Electronic devices that warn the motorist of the approach, or presence, of rail traffic at grade crossings
Signs Before the Crossing
ADVANCE WARNING Sign
Warns drivers that the road crosses railroad tracks ahead. Reminds the driver to slow down, look, and listen for a train.
NO TRAIN HORN Sign
A Quiet Zone has been established, and normally, the train will not sound the horn. The locomotive engineer can still sound the horn in emergency situations or if workers are near the tracks.
LOW GROUND CLEARANCE Grade Crossing Sign
Alerts drivers of long wheelbase vehicles or trailers of a potential hang-up situation at the crossing. All drivers need to make sure that their vehicle has cleared the tracks once they cross over.
If your vehicle wont fit, don’t commit.
Do not enter a crossing unless you can drive completely through without stopping!
ADVANCE WARNING Signs for side streets
Warns that a highway-rail intersection will appear immediately after making either a right or left turn. Reminds the driver to be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.
Markings On The Road
PAVEMENT MARKINGS and STOP BARS
On paved roads, these markings alert drivers that the road crosses railroad tracks ahead and identify the safe place to stop and look for an approaching train. On gravel roads, there are no Pavement Markings or Stop Lines, and the driver must stop no closer than 15 feet.
Signs At the Crossing
CROSSBUCK Sign
Marks the crossing and should be considered the same as a YIELD. Most common sign at public highway-rail intersections.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM Sign
Shows the railroad’s emergency phone number and USDOT Crossing Number. This is the first phone number to call if a car is stuck on the tracks; if it is missing, call 911.
MULTIPLE TRACK Sign
Indicates the number of tracks present. After one train has passed, look and listen for another train coming from either direction.
STOP Sign
A driver must always stop at the STOP sign in advance of the railroad tracks. The STOP signs mean the same as they do at highway intersections.
YIELD Sign
Every driver must YIELD the right of way to a train. YIELD signs mean the same as they do at highway intersections.
Flashing Red Lights - with or without bells
Warns of an approaching train. When the red lights are flashing, a train is approaching. Stop and wait for the train to pass, then proceed when it is clearly safe to do so.
Flashing Red Lights and Gates
It is illegal to go around the gates.
Warns of an approaching train and closes the road when a train approaches. It is only legal to drive around the lowered gates if the crossing is flagged by a law officer or railroad employee.
Cantilever Flashing Lights
Warns of an approaching train. Designed to cover all the traffic lanes so the crossing warning is visible to all drivers on multi-lane roads.
Signs Along Railroad Property
If you attempt to ride an ATV or a snowmobile, hike on the tracks, a bridge, or a trestle, or even walk near the tracks, you can be arrested or fined.
Most of all, it is dangerous because you never know when a train may be approaching.
STAY OFF! STAY AWAY! STAY SAFE!
No Trespassing!
Remember, tracks and railroad rights-of-way are private property and should only be crossed at authorized crossings. You may see signs similar to this one reminding you to stay off the tracks.
Even if present, you should stay off the tracks and right-of-way and cross only at approved crossings.
Stay Alert Driving Near Light Rail and Safety Alert Inside Transit Stations
