Railroad crossing safety — Tennessee Permit Test

A train traveling at 55 mph takes a full mile to stop.

By the time a train crew sees your car on the tracks, it is far too late to stop. Only you can avoid the crash.

A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes a full mile to stop.

If you approach a railroad crossing with a stop sign, come to a complete stop and cross only after looking both ways for a train.

A track can look unused and still carry a fast train. Stopping and looking is the only way to be sure.

If you approach a railroad crossing at which a stop sign is posted, you must come to a complete stop and proceed across the tracks only after looking both ways to make sure a train is not approaching.

If the warning lights begin flashing or the gates start coming down while you are crossing the tracks, keep moving; never back up.

The signals give you enough time to finish crossing. Stopping or backing up leaves you on the tracks when the train arrives.

If you are crossing the tracks and the warning lights begin flashing or the gates start coming down, don’t stop.

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, everyone should get out immediately and away from the tracks, even if no train is in sight.

A train can arrive in seconds and cannot stop. Trying to restart the car wastes the time you need to get clear.

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, all occupants should exit the vehicle immediately and get away from the tracks even if you do not see a train.

If a train is approaching your stalled vehicle, run toward the train at a 45-degree angle, away from the tracks.

Running the same way the train goes keeps you in the path of flying wreckage. Angling toward it puts you behind the impact.

If a train is approaching, run toward the train at a 45 degree angle.

After a stall on the tracks, call the number on the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and give the DOT crossing number; if you cannot find it, call 911.

The railroad can stop trains only if it knows which crossing is blocked. The crossing number tells it exactly where.

Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and call the emergency number provided telling them about the stalled vehicle and give them the DOT crossing number found on the sign.

About how far does a train traveling at 55 mph need to stop?

About a full mile. By the time a train crew sees your car on the tracks, it is far too late to stop. Only you can avoid the crash. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.113: “A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes a full mile to stop.”