what should you do when you come to an unmarked railroad crossing?

Question

a freind of mine contends that you must always stop if there are no lights or gates or signs. i never heard this, have you.
please site a source if possible

Answer 1

Use common sense.

If unprotected, LOOK and LISTEN. If view is obstructed, STOP, LOOK and LISTEN.

Keep in mind crossing protective devices ARE NOT FAIL SAFE. That is a popular misconception. There is usually battery back up for power failure, but there are other causes of protection failure. Twice in my own career I have operated trains, moving at track speed (40 MPH for one, 60 MPH for the other) and crossed highways with crossing protection that was INOPERATIVE.

You'll never have a freight train come looking for you, but they'll be quite indifferent about killing you, unless YOU stay out of THEIR way. What this means is, even with crossing protection in place, you still take life (or death) into your own hands when you cross.

Isn't a second or two spent in caution worth a life?

How about 100's of lives? A car and its occupants are usually immediately turned into graphite when hit by a train moving at speed, but the train can be derailed during the process. This can get others at the crossing dead as well when the train scatters all over hell and back. Of course, toxic and or explosive freight is nearly always present as well. Any lack of caution can have terrible consequence.

Answer 2

From the california handbook:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs19thru22.htm#speedrrx

Near railroad tracks:
The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may drive faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.

At railroad or train crossings:

Look in both directions and listen for trains. Many crossings have multiple tracks so be ready to stop before crossing, if necessary. Cross railroad tracks only at designated
crossings and only when it is safe to do so.
Expect a train on any track at any time traveling in either direction. If you need to stop after crossing the tracks, make sure your vehicle clears the tracks before you stop.
Never stop on the railroad tracks. Remember that a train cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way. If you are on the tracks, you risk injury or death.
Watch for vehicles that must stop before crossing train tracks. These vehicles include buses, school buses, and trucks transporting hazardous loads.
Remember that flashing red lights mean STOP! Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track when the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming. Stop if you see a train coming or you hear the whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train.
Do not go around or under lowered crossing gates, even if you do not see a train. Wait for the gates to rise. If the gates are not working correctly, call the railroad emergency number posted near the crossing or notify the local police or California Highway Patrol.

Answer 3

i drive over a railroad track that is almost never used and I slow down a little but then go over it. You're only supposed to stop if the bar comes down and there are lights. Otherwise just go slow across

Answer 4

You need to stop, or slow down enough to check both ways fully. If this is a very unused railway, with rust on the tops of the rails, it "may" be safe to assume you can cross without stopping, but it is VERY unwise to do so. It only takes meeting a train once to give you a chance to meet God early. If it's a well-traveled route for trains, with shiny rail tops, you should always stop, and make SURE nothing's coming. It may inconvenience you, but so does sudden death. Filled out a will lately? Might wanna consider it, my name is Jerry, just make it out to me now, save your heirs the trouble. :)

The Gremlin Guy

Answer 5

General logic dictates one should always treat all unmarked railroad crossings as you would any other railroad crossing. Always slow down, look both ways, then proceed with caution.

Answer 6

It is a good idea to stop before the crossing and look both sides at least twice. If you hear a train horn in the distance do not cross it. Trains go fast and can't stop like a car.

Answer 7

What?? You would blast through without stopping and looking?? That is suicide--what will you do when that big coupling on the front of the engine comes through your side window and crushes your skull??

Answer 8

At least slow down, and look real good.
A train can be on any track, anywhere, at any time. Why take a chance??

Answer 9

Indeed, as others above have said you should always stop at grade crossings whether they are marked or not (at least slow down and carefully look in both directions). For more information on this please visit Operation Lifesaver's website.

Answer 10

Well, to be honest fires come into my mind. It's wierd but for some reason when I think "Stop! Look Listen!" It reminds me of "Stop! Drop! Roll!"