North Dakota driving lesson · Signs, Signals & Markings
Railroad crossings
A 3-minute lesson from the North Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Approach every railroad crossing as if a train is coming. A crossing may have advance warning signs, pavement markings, crossbucks and signal lights. Some have all four, others only one.
Know the rule
When you see railroad warning devices, look, listen and slow down. You may have to stop.
Never cross while the red lights are flashing, and never drive around lowered gates. Never stop or park on the tracks for any reason. If you must stop, stop before the crossing.
School buses, vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids (such as gasoline trucks), and buses carrying passengers must stop within 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the tracks. Don't pass them while they're stopped.
If your vehicle is stuck on the tracks, get out. Walk toward the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, because debris spreads in the direction the train is moving. Call the ENS number, then 911.
Emergency phone numbers posted on crossing posts or metal control boxes. Call to report something blocking the tracks, or lights or gates that aren't working.
ENS sign with the emergency number and crossing ID
Put it into practice
Your car stalls on the tracks and you see a train coming from your left. Get everyone out and walk quickly toward the train's side, away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle. Then call the ENS number on the crossing sign, and 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.
How far before a railroad crossing must certain vehicles, such as school buses, stop?
Within 25 feet of the tracks
Within 100 feet and not less than 50 feet
Right at the tracks, no set distance
Within 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the tracks
Answer: Within 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the tracks
School buses and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop within 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the tracks.
If your vehicle becomes stuck on railroad tracks with a train approaching, what should you do?
Run in the same direction the train is traveling, right next to the tracks
Push the vehicle off the tracks yourself before leaving
Evacuate, walking toward the train, away from the tracks
Stay in the vehicle and try to restart it
Answer: Evacuate, walking toward the train, away from the tracks
You should evacuate and walk in the direction of the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, since debris spreads in the train's direction of travel.
