CDL General Knowledge TestDriving SafelyHard
You are driving a commercial vehicle and must cross a set of railroad tracks that appear to be abandoned, with weeds growing over them and no warning lights or gates. What is the correct procedure for crossing these tracks?
- AStop before the tracks, look and listen carefully in both directions, and proceed only when absolutely certain no train is approaching.
- BProceed across the tracks without stopping, as there are no active warnings.
- CSlow down, look in both directions for trains, and if clear, proceed without stopping.
- DStop, get out of the vehicle and walk to the tracks to check for trains, then return and drive across.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Stop before the tracks, look and listen carefully in both directions, and proceed only when absolutely certain no train is approaching.
Even if tracks appear abandoned, they must always be treated as active. Commercial vehicles are legally required to stop before railroad crossings, look and listen for trains, and only proceed when it is safe to do so. This applies regardless of warning devices or apparent condition of the tracks.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Never proceed without stopping at railroad tracks, regardless of their apparent condition or lack of warnings.
- C. Slowing down is insufficient; a full stop is legally required for most commercial vehicles.
- D. While getting out and looking (GOAL) is good for backing, it's not the primary or required procedure for abandoned tracks; stopping, looking, and listening from the cab is the standard.
Abandoned Railroad Crossing Safety
The protocol for commercial vehicles when encountering railroad tracks that appear unused or unmaintained, requiring them to be treated as active and dangerous.
- All tracks must be treated as active.
- Requires a full stop before crossing.
- Look and listen in both directions before proceeding.
Memory trick: Abandoned tracks, still a threat, stop, look, listen, no regret!