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A flashing red light at a railroad crossing means
A Railroad Crossing: A Flashing Red Light
Traveling the country for my job, I sometimes spend twelve to fourteen hours a day on the road. In that amount of time, I am bound to run into some kind of traffic delay. A few months ago, I came across a railroad crossing that had a flashing red light. Since there were no cars ahead of me, I stopped a safe distance from the tracks. A short while later, I wondered why the light was still flashing and the crossing arms had not come down. Looking to my left, I saw a car stopped a safe distance from the tracks on the other side of the crossing. Deciding that maybe the crossing arms were broken, I went cautiously ahead. The light was still flashing, but the crossing arms were still up. As I passed over the tracks, they suddenly came down!
Had I crossed a second or two earlier, I would have been hit by the train that had just rounded the bend. I shudder to think of what might have happened. I was fortunate not only that I stopped when I saw the flashing red light, but also that I waited until the light stopped flashing and the crossing arms had come down before proceeding.
Why is it Important to Stop at a Flashing Red Light?
A flashing red light at a railroad crossing means that a train is approaching and you must stop. It is extremely important to stop at a flashing red light because a train could be coming from either direction. Trains cannot stop as quickly as cars, so it is important to give them plenty of time to pass.
In addition to the flashing red light, there may also be crossing arms that come down when a train is approaching. The crossing arms are there to block traffic and prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks. It is important to obey the crossing arms and stop when they are down.
What Should You Do When You See a Flashing Red Light?
When you see a flashing red light at a railroad crossing, you should:
- Stop your vehicle a safe distance from the tracks.
- Turn off your engine.
- Wait for the train to pass.
- Once the train has passed, wait for the flashing red light to stop flashing and the crossing arms to come up before proceeding.
Penalties for Failing to Obey a Flashing Red Light
In most states, it is illegal to fail to obey a flashing red light at a railroad crossing. The penalties for violating this law can vary depending on the state, but they typically include fines and/or imprisonment.
Tips for Staying Safe at Railroad Crossings
Here are some tips for staying safe at railroad crossings:
- Never try to beat a train. If you see a train approaching, always stop.
- Obey all railroad crossing signs and signals.
- Be aware of your surroundings and look for trains before crossing the tracks.
- If you are stopped at a railroad crossing and the crossing arms start to come down, do not try to go around them. Wait for the train to pass and the crossing arms to come up before proceeding.
- If you see a train approaching, do not stop your vehicle on the tracks. Get out of your vehicle and move to a safe location.
Conclusion
Railroad crossings can be dangerous, but by following these tips, you can help to stay safe. Remember, a flashing red light at a railroad crossing means that a train is approaching and you must stop. Never try to beat a train.
Are you interested in learning more about railroad safety? Visit the website of the Federal Railroad Administration at https://www.fra.dot.gov/.
