New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsHard
You are approaching a railroad crossing that has a crossbuck sign, but no flashing lights or gates. Before crossing, what is the safest and most appropriate action to take?
- AStop completely, look and listen, and then proceed only if no train is visible or audible.
- BSpeed up to clear the tracks as quickly as possible.
- CSlow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
- DProceed across the tracks at your normal speed, as there are no active warnings.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
At railroad crossings with only a crossbuck sign (passive warning), you must always slow down, look both ways, and listen for a train. Be prepared to stop if a train is approaching or the view is obstructed. A full stop is only legally required if a train is visible or audible, or if required by law for specific vehicles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While stopping completely is very safe, it's not legally mandated for all vehicles at a passive crossing unless a train is present. However, it's a good practice, but 'slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop' is the minimum required action.
- B. Speeding up is extremely dangerous and illegal at a railroad crossing.
- D. Proceeding at normal speed is dangerous and irresponsible at any railroad crossing.
Passive Railroad Crossings
At railroad crossings marked only with a crossbuck sign, drivers must slow down, look and listen for trains, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.
- Crossbuck sign = passive warning.
- Slow down, look, listen.
- Be prepared to stop.
- A full stop is required if a train is present.
Memory trick: Crossbuck there? Slow, look, listen, beware!