Railroad crossings — South Dakota Permit Test

At crossings with more than one track, the number of tracks may be posted, but not every such crossing has this sign, so check for more than one track and train at every crossing.

A driver who waits for one train to pass and then goes can be hit by a second train on the next track.

Not all highway-railroad grade crossings with more than one train track will have these signs though, so it is important to check for more than one track, train, or railroad vehicle at each highway-railroad grade crossing.

Some crossings have side-by-side lights that flash alternately when a train is approaching; when the lights are flashing, you must stop.

Going on flashing lights because you do not see a train yet puts you in front of a fast train.

When the lights are flashing, you must stop.

At a crossing with a gate that lowers when a train is coming, do not drive around the gate.

Drivers who weave around a lowered gate are among those struck by trains they thought were far off.

Do not drive around the gate.

Some crossings have a bell or horn; do not cross until the bell or horn has stopped.

A bell still ringing means a train is still coming, even if you cannot yet see it.

Do not cross until the bell or horn has stopped.

Not all highway-railroad grade crossings have lights.

A driver who waits for flashing lights at a crossing that has none can roll right into a train.

Not all highway-railroad grade crossings have lights.

Why check for more than one train at every railroad crossing?

Not every multi-track crossing posts a tracks sign. A driver who waits for one train to pass and then goes can be hit by a second train on the next track. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.34: “Not all highway-railroad grade crossings with more than one train track will have these signs though, so it is important to check for more than one track, train, or railroad vehicle at each highway-railroad grade crossing.”