What should you do when approaching a train crossing?

When approaching a train crossing, it is essential to slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop. This is because train crossings can be dangerous, and visibility can be obstructed by trees, buildings, or other vehicles. Slowing down allows you to carefully assess the crossing for any approaching trains.

Looking both ways ensures that you check for not only the immediate track but also for potential oncoming trains from either direction. Train travel can be deceptively fast, and if you do not take the time to look, you might not see a train until it is too late. Additionally, being prepared to stop is crucial because trains do not have the ability to stop quickly like vehicles do. Some crossings may have no signals or signs, so being ready to stop helps ensure your safety regardless of the visibility of a train.

Other choices might lead to unsafe practices. Speeding up to cross quickly increases the risk of a collision if a train is approaching. Stopping only if the lights are flashing might cause you to miss the cue for an approaching train, and ignoring the crossing could lead to dangerous encounters if a train suddenly appears. Therefore, the safest course of action is to slow down, observe, and be ready to stop at all train crossings