CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyHard
You are driving a combination vehicle and are approaching a railroad crossing that does not have gates or signals. What is the correct procedure for safely crossing this type of track?
- AMaintain speed and cross quickly to minimize time on the tracks.
- BSlow down, look both ways, and proceed if no train is visible.
- CHonk your horn continuously while crossing to warn any approaching train.
- DStop at least 15 feet from the tracks, look and listen, and proceed only when safe.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stop at least 15 feet from the tracks, look and listen, and proceed only when safe.
For unsupervised railroad crossings (no gates or signals), combination vehicle drivers are required to stop, look, and listen for trains. The stop must be a safe distance from the tracks (typically 15 to 50 feet) to ensure the vehicle can clear the tracks if it stalls.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintaining speed is extremely dangerous as trains cannot stop quickly, and the vehicle could stall on the tracks.
- B. This is insufficient for combination vehicles; a full stop is required by law for many types of commercial vehicles.
- C. Honking does not warn a train driver effectively and is not a substitute for stopping, looking, and listening.
Unsupervised Railroad Crossings
Procedure for safely navigating railroad tracks without active warning systems (gates, signals) in a combination vehicle.
- Required to stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail.
- Look both ways and listen carefully for trains.
- Ensure enough space to clear the tracks on the other side.
- Never shift gears while crossing the tracks.
Memory trick: Stop, look, listen; don't be a riskin'.