Michigan driving lesson · Railroad Crossings and Parking
Crossing safety and if you're stuck on the tracks
A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Most crossing tragedies can be prevented. Never stop on the tracks — and if you ever do get stuck, getting everyone out comes first, then the right phone call.
Grade crossing safety tips:
Never stop on railroad tracks
Always expect a train at any crossing
Always look both ways down the tracks
Avoid changing gears while crossing
In snow, keep enough speed so you don't get stuck on the crossing
If traffic is backed up, don't cross unless you can fully clear the far side by 6 feet
When calling the railroad, give the crossing identification number on the Emergency Notification Sign (six digits and one letter). Railroad officials may be able to slow, stop or divert a train.
A blue sign at or near a crossing listing a phone number and the crossing's US DOT number, used to report an emergency or a warning-device malfunction to the railroad.
Your car stalls on the tracks. No lights are flashing and no train is in sight. Get everyone out and away from the tracks, call the number on the blue ENS sign with the crossing ID, then call 911.
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.
About how many seconds do you typically have from gate activation or train horn to a train's arrival?
10 seconds
60 seconds
5 seconds
20 seconds
Answer: 20 seconds
Once the crossing is activated or you hear the horn, you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.