Railroad crossings and mountain driving
Questions and answers
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How should you approach every railroad-highway crossing?
Expecting that a train is coming
Crossings are always dangerous, so approach each one as if a train is on the way.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is hard to judge about a train approaching a crossing?
Both its distance from the crossing and its speed
It is extremely difficult to judge how far away a train is and how fast it is going.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is a passive railroad crossing?
A crossing with no traffic control device
At a passive crossing nothing controls traffic, so the decision to stop or go is entirely yours.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a passive crossing, who decides whether to stop or proceed?
The driver alone
With no control device, you must recognize the crossing, look for trains and decide if there is room to cross.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is an active railroad crossing?
A crossing with a traffic control device such as flashing lights or gates
Active crossings have devices such as flashing red lights, bells or gates to control traffic.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What shape and colors is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing?
Round, black on yellow
The round black-on-yellow sign is placed ahead of a public railroad crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does this sign mean?
Railroad crossing ahead: slow down, look and listen for a train
This round advance warning sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which vehicles are required to stop at railroad crossings, according to the advance warning sign text?
All passenger and hazmat carrying vehicles
All vehicles carrying passengers or hazardous materials must stop.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What do the pavement markings before a railroad crossing consist of?
An X with the letters RR and a no-passing marking on two-lane roads
The markings mean the same as the advance warning sign.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does the cross-buck sign require you to do?
Yield the right-of-way to the train
The cross-buck marks the grade crossing and requires you to yield to the train.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
With no white stop line, how close to the nearest rail may a vehicle that must stop come?
No closer than 15 feet and no more than 50 feet
Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail of the nearest track.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does a sign below the cross-buck show?
The number of tracks
When the road crosses more than one track, a sign below the cross-buck tells how many.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
The red lights at a crossing begin to flash. What does it mean?
Stop, a train is approaching
Flashing red lights mean a train is coming and you must stop and yield.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a crossing with more than one track and flashing lights, what must you be sure of before crossing?
That all tracks are clear
Make sure every track is clear before you cross.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
At a crossing with gates, when may you proceed?
When the gates go up, the lights stop flashing, and it is safe
Remain stopped until the gates are up and the lights have stopped flashing.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Where must the front of a school bus be while stopped at a crossing with a white stop line?
Behind the stop line
The front of the bus must stay behind the white stop line.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Should you ever race a train to a crossing?
Never
It is extremely difficult to judge a train's speed, so never race it.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How slow should you go when approaching a railroad crossing?
Slow enough to stop short of the tracks if needed
Speed must fit your view of approaching trains and let you stop short of the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When is a full stop required at a grade crossing?
When the cargo or the law makes a stop mandatory
A full stop is required when cargo rules or other laws require it.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When stopping at a railroad crossing, what should you turn on?
Your four-way emergency flashers
Turn on the four-way flashers and check for traffic behind as you stop gradually.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should you check for while stopping gradually at a crossing?
Traffic behind you
Check behind while stopping gradually, and use a pullout lane if there is one.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What can crossings with steep approaches cause?
Your unit to hang up on the tracks
A steep approach can leave your vehicle stuck on the rails.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What must you be sure of before you start across railroad tracks?
That you can get all the way across
Never let traffic trap you so that you must stop on the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single track?
At least 14 seconds
A typical tractor-trailer needs at least 14 seconds to clear a single track.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double track?
More than 15 seconds
A double track takes more than 15 seconds to clear.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Should you shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?
No
Do not shift gears while on the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why should you not expect to hear a train at a crossing?
Trains may not sound horns, and cab noise can hide the horn
Some crossings have no horn, and noise in your vehicle may mask it until the train is close.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How should public crossings where trains do not sound horns be marked?
By signs
Crossings where trains do not sound horns should be identified by signs.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Should you rely only on signals, gates or flagmen to warn of trains?
No, be alert even at crossings with warning devices
Do not rely solely on warning devices, and be especially alert where there are none.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why do double tracks need a double check?
A train on one track may hide a train on the other
After one train clears, make sure no other train is near before you cross.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How dangerous are yard areas and grade crossings in cities and towns?
Just as dangerous as rural grade crossings
Approach city and yard crossings with as much caution as rural ones.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which trailers can get stuck on raised crossings?
Low slung units such as lowboys and car carriers
Low slung units like lowboys, car carriers, moving vans and possum-belly trailers can hang up.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, what should you do first?
Get out of the vehicle and away from the tracks
Get out and away from the tracks, then call for help.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When reporting a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what number is especially useful?
The DOT number of the crossing, if posted
Give the crossing location with all landmarks, especially the posted DOT number.
Section 2 · 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway Crossings ↗PDF, 41 MB -
On a long, steep downgrade, what does gravity do to your vehicle?
It causes your speed to increase
Going down, gravity speeds you up, so you need a safe speed, a low gear and proper braking.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What does brake fade mean?
You must apply the brakes harder to get the same stopping power
Hot brakes fade, and if you keep using them hard they can fade until you cannot stop.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Which factor is listed for selecting a safe speed on a downgrade?
The total weight of the vehicle and cargo
Weight, grade length, steepness, road conditions and weather all set your safe speed.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a "Safe" Speed ↗PDF, 41 MB -
If a sign shows a "Maximum Safe Speed" on a grade, what should you do?
Never exceed the speed shown
Never go faster than a posted limit or a maximum safe speed sign.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a "Safe" Speed ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What should be the principal way of controlling your speed on a downgrade?
The braking effect of the engine
Use engine braking as the main control and save the brakes for road and traffic needs.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a "Safe" Speed ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When is the braking effect of the engine greatest?
Near the governed rpms with the transmission in a lower gear
Engine braking is strongest near governed rpm in the lower gears.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a "Safe" Speed ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When should you shift to a low gear for a downgrade?
Before starting down the grade
Once speed has built up you may not be able to downshift, or even get back into any gear.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What can happen if you force an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed?
It can damage the transmission and you can lose all engine braking
Forcing a downshift at speed can damage the transmission and leave you with no engine braking.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Compared with going up a hill, what gear might a modern truck need going down it?
A lower gear than needed to go up
Modern trucks have less friction and air drag, so they may need lower gears downhill than uphill.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What is the gear rule for older trucks on a downgrade?
Use the same gear you would need to climb the hill
For older trucks, the gear you would climb in is the gear to descend in.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade ↗PDF, 41 MB -
What happens to the other brakes when some brakes are out of adjustment?
They can overheat and fade
Brakes out of adjustment stop doing their share, so the others overheat and fade.
Section 2 · 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Why must brake adjustment be checked frequently?
Brakes get out of adjustment quickly, especially with heavy use
Brakes go out of adjustment fast when used a lot, and linings wear faster when hot.
Section 2 · 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure ↗PDF, 41 MB -
On a long downgrade, what role do the service brakes play?
A supplement to the braking effect of the engine
Once in the proper low gear, brakes only supplement engine braking.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
With the proper braking technique on a downgrade, how hard do you apply the brakes?
Just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown
Apply the brakes just enough for a definite slowdown, then release.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
When do you release the brakes in the proper downgrade braking technique?
When speed is about 5 mph below your safe speed
Brake until you are about 5 mph under your safe speed, then let up.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
About how long should each brake application last on a downgrade?
About three seconds
Each application should last about three seconds.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
Your safe speed on a downgrade is 40 mph. When do you apply the brakes and when do you release?
Apply at 40 mph and release at 35 mph
You wait until you reach the safe speed, then slow 5 mph and release.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How do escape ramps stop runaway vehicles?
With a long bed of loose, soft material, sometimes with an upgrade
Escape ramps use loose, soft material, sometimes combined with an uphill slope.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB -
How can you find escape ramps on your route?
Signs show where ramps are located
Know the ramp locations on your route, and watch for signs that show them.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗PDF, 41 MB
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