RAILROAD CROSSINGS RAILROAD CROSSINGS Always stop when a train is close to a crossing.  Be  prepared to stop if a train is within 1500 feet of the  crossing. You must stop even if the crossing is unmarked. Do not take a chance. Trains cannot  stop easily  nor within a short distance.  Never shift gears on the crossing.  If your vehicle  has a manual transmission  shift down and do not  change gears while crossing the tracks. Watch for  vehicles that must stop at crossings. Be prepared to  stop when you are following buses or trucks which are  required to stop at railroad crossings. Do not pass  them when prohibited by law. If legal to pass  make  sure there are no unsafe conditions and that you have  a clear view of the tracks.  Never get trapped on a crossing.  When traffic is heavy  wait on the approach to a crossing  until you are sure you can clear the crossing. Watch out for the second train. When the last  car of a train passes the crossing do not start up until you are sure no train is coming on  another track  especially from the other direction.  Railroad crossbuck and warning sign. Be prepared to stop for trains.  R  R Flashing Lights  Never drive around gates.  If the gates are down  stay in place and do not cross the tracks  until the gates are raised. It is against the law to go around crossing gates. Never race a  train. Racing a train to the crossing is foolhardy. You may never have another chance if you  lose. 