Low - Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - - ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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A.15  RAILWAY CROSSINGS - your life on the line

There are two types of railway crossings:

Controlled Crossings:  >>>

These are safer, because they have flashing lights, bells and/or boom gates. Stop on red signal means, stop when the red lights are flashing. 

Un-controlled Crossings

These have only 'silent warnings, like stop signs, give way signs or simply a railway crossing sign.

Like all signs, to overlook a railway crossing warning sign can become a fatal error!

Two main mishaps occur at railway crossings. 

1. The worst one is to miss the signs or flashing lights through neglect or the sun blinding you temporarily. You must not allow this to happen when driving anytime, but certainly not approaching a railway crossing.    

Listen for trains and turn off the music, when near a crossing. Even a controlled crossing could malfunction. Slowing down will give you extra time to check for trains. It also saves wear and tear on your vehicle as you cross the rails.

2. The other mishap - queuing across a railway crossing! 

In busy urban centres, where trains and motor cars are constantly intersecting at railway crossings this is a common mistake. Don't rush into a crossing. Hold back, if traffic is heavy and check if the exit is clear.

A bus has stopped beyond the railway line. Obey the sign:

Do not queue across the railway line, until clear on the other side.

A blocked exit, such as this, may turn into death-trap.
Do not enter the railway crossing, unless you are sure the exit is clear. Your life would literally be ‘on the line’, if you were stuck on the rails and a train were rolling towards you.

After a train has passed do not hurry across a railway line. If there are two or more railway lines, a second train could be approaching from the opposite direction! This also applies to pedestrian, who are in a hurry to cross, after one train has passed. Without thinking, they cross, only to be hit by a train from the other direction!

 

Stalling on a railway line:

In the rare event of your engine stalling right on the railway line and not re-starting, here is a way to get out of trouble, (Manual transmission only), unless rolling away in neutral is possible.  

1. Engage first gear, handbrake must be released!

2. Disengage the clutch (pedal off the floor)

3. Turn the ignition key, over and over!

Unless you have a flat battery, the car will move forward, as the engine turns over. Keep turning the key, until clear of the railway line. If unsuccessful, leave the vehicle!

 An error at a railway crossing puts your life on the line ! 

 

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. 

Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001 / Revised 2010

 Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!

 T>  W

 Not all railway crossings have bells and flashing lights.   F>    O
 T>  F   All railway crossings have gates.   F>    A
 T>  I Before entering a railway crossing I must check if the exit is clear.   F>    G
 T>  T Slow down and turn loud music off approaching a railway crossing.   F>    O

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