Railroad crossing approach — Iowa Permit Test

Never stop your vehicle on railroad tracks, because trains cannot stop quickly.

A train can take a long way to stop. If your car sits on the tracks, the train cannot stop in time to miss it.

Use extra caution at railroad crossings and never stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks.

As you approach railroad tracks, get rid of distractions: put your windows down and turn off your music.

A train horn and bells warn you before you see the train. Loud music and closed windows can hide those sounds.

As you’re approaching tracks, eliminate distractions, put your windows down, and turn off your music.

At a crossing with lights or gates, flashing lights or lowered gates mean a train is coming; do not cross or go around the gate.

Gates come down because a train is near, even if you cannot see it yet. Driving around them puts you right in its path.

If the lights are flashing or gates are down, it means a train is approaching.

A passively protected crossing has no lights or gates; slow down and look for an oncoming train.

With no lights or gates, nothing will warn you that a train is coming. You have to slow down and look for yourself.

At this type of crossing, slow down and look for an oncoming train.

When stopped at a railroad crossing, leave at least 15 feet between your vehicle and the nearest rail.

A train is wider than the tracks it runs on. Stopping too close lets the side of the train hit your car.

When stopped, leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail.

Before you cross, be sure you can completely clear the tracks, since trains are wider than the tracks.

If traffic ahead stops while your back end is still over the rails, you are trapped. Wait until there is room on the far side.

Before crossing, be sure you can completely clear the tracks.

Avoid shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks.

Changing gears on the tracks can make the car stall right where a train will pass. Pick your gear before you get there.

Avoid shifting gears while crossing.

Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains; make sure you can see clearly down the tracks in both directions before going.

After one train passes, a second one may be coming on the next track, hidden behind the first.

Ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding.

Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear.

A train is so big that it looks slow and far off. People who try to beat it often guess wrong.

Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear and can run on any track at any time.

Rail cars have reflective stripes to help you see them at night and in rain, snow or fog.

A dark train car is hard to see at night. Watching for the shiny stripes helps you spot one blocking the road.

Rail cars have reflective stripes to enhance their visibility at night and in other low visibility environments, such as rain, snow, or fog.

Why must you never stop your car on railroad tracks?

Trains cannot stop quickly. A train can take a long way to stop. If your car sits on the tracks, the train cannot stop in time to miss it. Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.12: “Use extra caution at railroad crossings and never stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks.”