28 - Driving across railway level crossings

Aim

• To legally and safely approach and cross different kinds of railway level crossings.

Situation

• On a road with a railway level crossing that is:

Α.  controlled by a Stop sign or a Give Way sign

B.  controlled by barrier arms or signals

C.  uncontrolled (does not have barrier arms, signals or a Stop or Give Way sign).

The driver should

Α.  When at a railway level crossing controlled by a Stop or Give Way sign:

• • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
  • Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
  • If there is a Give Way sign, slow down and be ready to stop.
  • Stop if there is a Stop sign.
  • If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.
  • When it’s safe to go, drive over the railway lines.

B.  When at a railway level crossing controlled by signals or barrier arms:

• • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
  • If signals are flashing or barrier arms are down, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line. Stay stopped until the signals stop flashing and the barrier arms have completely lifted.
  • When it’s safe to go, drive over the railway lines.

C.  When at a railway level crossing that is uncontrolled:

• • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
  • Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
  • Slow down and be ready to stop.
  • If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.
  • When it’s safe to go, drive over the railway lines.
  • Perform the tasks at least three times.