Why is U-turn prohibited at railway crossings?
2 Answers
The reason U-turns are prohibited at railway crossings is to prevent traffic accidents. Here are the specific details: Prohibited U-turns: Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other hazardous road sections. Permitted U-turns: Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. At permitted U-turn locations with dedicated U-turn traffic lights, U-turns should be made during the green light phase. If there is no U-turn signal but corresponding markings indicate U-turns are allowed during red or green lights, drivers should follow the marking instructions.
I pay extra attention to safety at railway crossings while driving because making a U-turn there is absolutely forbidden. Trains are too fast, and visibility is often obstructed by obstacles like trees or buildings. A U-turn takes too much time, and if you get stuck on the tracks when a train comes, there’s no way to escape. I’ve heard accident statistics show that most crossing incidents are caused by such maneuvers, with reaction times possibly less than 10 seconds before disaster strikes. The signal system also relies on smooth traffic flow, and a U-turn can easily trigger false alarms. For everyone’s safety, I always plan my route in advance to avoid turning near crossings, even if it means driving a bit farther. Safe driving is a lifeline—don’t let a moment of laziness ruin a lifetime.
