3.3 Railroad Crossings & Special Right-of-Way Situations

3.3 Railroad Crossings & Special Right-of-Way Situations

Railroad crossings and special pedestrian situations represent unique right-of-way scenarios governed by strict North Carolina statutes. Misunderstanding warning signals at railroad tracks or failing to yield to vulnerable road users can lead to catastrophic consequences. This section details essential warning devices, emergency protocols, and special right-of-way laws required for safe driving and tested on the North Carolina DMV Driver Knowledge Test.

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Railroad Crossing Warning Signs and Signals

Railroad crossings are intersections where highway traffic crosses railroad tracks at grade level. North Carolina uses standardized advance warning signs, pavement markings, and active warning signals to alert drivers to approaching trains.

1. Advance Warning Sign

• A round yellow sign featuring a black "X" and the letters "RR" is posted several hundred feet ahead of a railroad crossing.
• When you see this sign, slow down, look, listen, and prepare to stop if a train is approaching.

2. Pavement Markings

• On paved roads approaching railroad tracks, white pavement markings consisting of a large "X", the letters "RR", and a solid white stop line indicate where vehicles must stop when required.

3. Crossbuck Sign

• An X-shaped white sign with black lettering reading "RAILROAD CROSSING" is posted directly at the crossing.
• Legally, a crossbuck sign MUST BE TREATED AS A YIELD SIGN. You must yield the right-of-way to any approaching train.
• If there is a small rectangular sign mounted below the crossbuck displaying a number, it indicates the number of tracks at that crossing. Always verify that all tracks are clear before proceeding.

4. Flashing Red Signals and Lowering Gate Arms

• Active railroad crossings feature red flashing lights, warning bells, and lowering gate arms.
• When red lights flash or gate arms begin to lower, a train is approaching.
• Mandatory Stopping Distance: Under North Carolina law, drivers MUST STOP between 15 feet and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
• Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing, warning bells cease, gate arms are fully raised, and you have confirmed that no other train is approaching on adjacent tracks.

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Hazards of Racing Trains and Lowered Gates

• Never Drive Around Lowered Gates: It is strictly illegal and extremely dangerous to drive around or under a lowered gate arm or past active flashing signals. Gate arms are lowered only when a train is dangerously close.
• Train Speed Illusion: Due to their massive size, approaching trains often appear to be traveling much slower than they actually are. Never attempt to race a train to a crossing.
• Stopping Distance of Trains: A typical freight train traveling at 55 mph requires a mile or more (over 18 football fields) to stop after emergency brakes are applied. Trains cannot swerve or stop quickly for vehicles on the track.
• Do Not Shift Gears on Tracks: Drivers of manual transmission vehicles should select a gear before crossing and avoid shifting gears while on the tracks to prevent engine stalling.

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Vehicles Required to Stop at ALL Railroad Crossings in NC

Under North Carolina General Statutes, certain vehicles are legally mandated to come to a full stop at ALL railroad crossings, regardless of whether signals are flashing or a train is visible:

1. School buses carrying passengers.
2. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials (flammable liquids, explosives, or toxic chemicals requiring placards).
3. Passenger-carrying commercial buses.

Rules for Following Drivers

If you are driving behind any of these vehicles as you approach a railroad crossing, prepare for them to stop. Maintain a safe following distance and never attempt to pass a vehicle that has stopped at a railroad crossing.

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Emergency Protocol: Stalled or Trapped on Railroad Tracks

If your vehicle stalls, gets hung up on a high-centered crossing, or becomes trapped on railroad tracks, follow these lifesaving steps immediately:

1. Evacuate All Occupants Immediately

Get everyone out of the vehicle at once. Do not attempt to retrieve personal belongings or restart the vehicle if a train is approaching.

2. Run at a 45-Degree Angle Toward the Approaching Train

If a train is approaching, evacuate the tracks and run away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle IN THE DIRECTION OF THE APPROACHING TRAIN.

• Why this direction? When a train strikes a vehicle, heavy debris is thrown forward in the direction the train is traveling. Running toward the train (at an angle away from the tracks) ensures you stay clear of flying debris upon impact.

3. Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS (emergency notification sign details vary by crossing; focus on handbook stop/yield rules for the exam)) Sign

If no train is immediately approaching, locate the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign mounted on the crossbuck post or signal equipment box at the crossing.

• The blue ENS sign displays a toll-free emergency telephone number and a unique 6-digit DOT crossing identification number (plus one letter).
• Call the emergency number immediately to report the stalled vehicle directly to railroad dispatchers, who can stop incoming train traffic on that line.

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Special Right-of-Way: Visually Impaired Pedestrians

North Carolina law provides strict, explicit protection for visually impaired pedestrians to ensure their safety on public roadways.

Absolute Right-of-Way Law

• Visually impaired pedestrians ALWAYS have absolute right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks in North Carolina.
• A visually impaired pedestrian can be identified by:
  • Carrying a metallic or white cane (with or without a red tip) extended in front of them.
  • Being accompanied by a trained guide dog.

Driver Duties Near Blind Pedestrians

• When approaching an intersection or crosswalk where a blind pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross, drivers MUST come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way.
• Stay stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed the entire street, regardless of traffic lights or signal indications.
• Do Not Honk or Rev Engine: Never sound your horn or rev your engine near a blind pedestrian or guide dog. Audible noises can disorient the pedestrian or startle the guide dog, creating a dangerous situation.