When approaching a railroad track, what angle should you take?

When approaching a railroad track, what angle should you take?

• A. Keep a straight path on the road regardless of the angle
• B. Turn to cross the tracks at an angle
• C. Drive diagonally across the tracks
• D. Slow to a stop before the tracks

Answer: (A)

Cross the tracks in a straight line, staying in your driving lane as you pass over them. Crossing at an angle can cause your tires to lose traction or ride up on the rails, which can make you difficult to control or even get stuck. A diagonal or angled crossing isn’t safer and can put you off balance or into the path of an approaching train if the angle isn’t aligned with the road on the other side. You only stop before the crossing if signals or a trained dispatcher require you to stop; otherwise, proceed smoothly across in one steady motion.

Cross the tracks in a straight line, staying in your driving lane as you pass over them. Crossing at an angle can cause your tires to lose traction or ride up on the rails, which can make you difficult to control or even get stuck. A diagonal or angled crossing isn’t safer and can put you off balance or into the path of an approaching train if the angle isn’t aligned with the road on the other side. You only stop before the crossing if signals or a trained dispatcher require you to stop; otherwise, proceed smoothly across in one steady motion.