How to Safely Drive Through a Railroad Crossing?

[MacFaith]

Vehicles are permitted to pass, but turning vehicles must not impede the passage of through vehicles and pedestrians. Right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not hinder the movement of through vehicles and pedestrians. Turn signals are the primary devices for indicating a vehicle's dynamic information.

[VonTheo]

I've been driving trucks for decades and always take extra caution at railroad crossings. I slow down to around 10-15 mph, carefully checking both sides for approaching trains. When the signal lights flash or the barrier comes down, I obediently stop and wait until it rises before proceeding. Never try to beat a train at the crossing - that's extremely dangerous. Even if the barrier isn't down but I hear warning whistles, I'll stop to verify. I maintain steady speed when crossing, avoiding gear shifts to prevent stalling midway. I remember one rainy night when speeding nearly caused disaster - since then I've made it a habit to check navigation beforehand to avoid unguarded crossings. Bottom line: safety first. Trains outweigh vehicles by far, and any accident would mean serious trouble.

[BrodyLee]

I just started learning to drive half a year ago, and my instructor always emphasizes that railway crossing safety is a big deal. Before crossing the tracks, I first slow down to a very low speed to observe the situation. I watch for signal light changes, listen for warning whistles, and stop completely if the barriers are moving. If there are no guards on duty, I simply get out of the car and walk a few steps to check both sides of the tracks to ensure there are no surprises. When crossing, I maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to avoid getting blocked. I remember being too nervous during my first crossing and stopping on the line, which earned me a scolding from my family. Now I've learned to control my speed in advance. New drivers especially need to focus and avoid distractions like playing with phones or chatting. Safely navigating a crossing is like overcoming an obstacle—it must be done step by step.

[DaisyDella]

Safety is the most important driving principle, and crossing railroad tracks should never be taken lightly. First, slow down and observe the signal devices. If the barrier is lowered, stop immediately and wait for it to fully rise. At unmanned crossings, exercise extra caution by slowing down to almost a stop and ensuring an unobstructed view. Avoid shifting gears while crossing to prevent stalling, and maintain a steady speed below 20 km/h. Also, pay attention to vehicles in front and behind you, and don't let impatience from the car behind push you into rushing. Consider the accident statistics—collisions at railroad crossings have a fatality rate as high as 80%, often caused by overconfidence. Regular vehicle maintenance, including brake system checks, can help prevent accidents. In short, be patient—trains are much faster than you.