A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A train can't swerve or stop quickly, and it may be moving faster than it looks. At every crossing, slow down, look and listen, and never start across unless there's room for your whole car on the far side.
Know the rule
Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Never start to cross if there isn't room for your vehicle on the far side or you'd have to stop on the tracks — wait until there is room.
A white X-shaped 'crossbuck' reading 'Railroad Crossing' is at the crossing itself. It means the same as a Yield sign: you must yield to crossing trains.
Where gates are used with flashing lights, stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers. Stay stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Never drive around a lowered gate.
The lights at a crossing start flashing but the gate hasn't moved yet. Stop now — don't try to slip through before the gate lowers. Wait until the gate is fully up and the lights stop.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What shape and color is a railroad crossbuck sign?
A round yellow sign
A yellow diamond
A white, X-shaped sign
A red octagon
Answer: A white, X-shaped sign
A railroad crossbuck is a white, X-shaped sign that reads 'Railroad Crossing.'
