You May Drive Around The Gates At A Railroad Crossing

You May Drive Around the Gates at a Railroad Crossing: When and Why (And When You Absolutely Shouldn't)

Navigating railroad crossings can be tricky. While the general rule is clear – stop, look, and listen – the situation becomes more complex when gates are malfunctioning or seemingly unnecessary. The question, "Can I drive around the gates at a railroad crossing?" is one that demands careful consideration and a deep understanding of the law and the potential dangers involved. The short answer is: almost never. Let's delve into the specifics.

Understanding the Dangers of Railroad Crossings

Before we discuss circumventing gates, it's crucial to understand the inherent risks involved in crossing railroad tracks. Trains are massive, powerful machines with limited braking capacity. Even at slower speeds, a collision with a train is almost always catastrophic. Consider these factors:

Speed and Mass: Trains travel at significantly higher speeds than most vehicles, and their immense weight makes stopping incredibly difficult.

Braking Distance: The braking distance for a train is considerably longer than for a car, meaning a train may not be able to stop in time, even if the engineer sees you.

Blind Spots: The engineer's view may be obstructed, making it difficult to see vehicles approaching the tracks.

Visibility Issues: Poor weather conditions like fog, snow, or rain can drastically reduce visibility for both drivers and train engineers.

These factors combined make driving around railroad crossing gates an incredibly dangerous gamble with potentially fatal consequences.

Legal Ramifications of Ignoring Railroad Crossing Signals

Ignoring railroad crossing signals, including lowered gates, is not just dangerous; it's illegal. Penalties for doing so can vary by location but typically include:

Fines: Significant fines are usually imposed for violating railroad crossing laws.

License Suspension or Revocation: In some cases, your driver's license may be suspended or even revoked.

Points on Your Driving Record: Points added to your driving record can lead to increased insurance premiums.

Criminal Charges: In more severe cases, particularly if an accident occurs, criminal charges might be filed.

These consequences highlight the serious nature of disobeying railroad crossing regulations. It's crucial to prioritize safety and follow the rules.

When You Might Consider (But Still Shouldn't Necessarily) Driving Around the Gates

While generally discouraged, there are extremely rare and specific circumstances where you might consider driving around lowered gates. However, it’s imperative to understand that even in these scenarios, proceeding with extreme caution is paramount and the decision should be made only after careful assessment of the situation:

Malfunctioning Gates: If the gates are down but a train is not visibly approaching and you've taken every other precaution (waiting, observing, etc.), it might seem like a reasonable approach to proceed cautiously. However, this is incredibly risky and still not legally advisable unless you are absolutely sure that the signals are malfunctioning and there is no immediate danger. Contacting emergency services to report a malfunctioning crossing is always the safer and more responsible course of action.

Emergency Situations: In a true emergency – for instance, if you're transporting someone critically ill or injured to a hospital and believe waiting would significantly jeopardize their health – you might have to make a difficult decision. But remember, this is an exception, not a rule. Always weigh the risks carefully against the potential benefits, and document the emergency situation thoroughly if possible.

What to Do When You Encounter Problems at a Railroad Crossing

Instead of taking the risk of driving around gates, follow these steps if you encounter difficulties at a railroad crossing:

Wait: The most important thing to do is wait. Be patient and give the train plenty of time to pass before proceeding.

Assess the Situation: Look both ways along the tracks before proceeding and listen for an approaching train. If you are unsure, waiting is always the safest option.

Report Malfunctions: Report malfunctioning gates, signals, or other problems immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as your local police department or the railroad company.

Use Caution: Even if the crossing appears clear, always proceed cautiously and be prepared to stop.

The Importance of Following Traffic Laws at Railroad Crossings

The laws and regulations surrounding railroad crossings are in place to protect drivers and pedestrians from the dangers associated with these intersections. Following these rules is not simply about avoiding a ticket; it's about preserving life and limb.

Stop Completely: Stop before the white line at the crossing, not just near it.

Look Both Ways: Don’t just rely on your sight; look in both directions along the track for approaching trains.

Listen Carefully: Listen attentively for an approaching train's horn or whistle.

Obey Signals: Obey all signals at the crossing, including flashing lights, bells, and lowered gates. Never drive around them unless absolutely certain of the safety of doing so and only in the most exceptional circumstances, as detailed above.

Check for Additional Trains: Even if you've cleared one train, be mindful that additional trains may be approaching on other tracks.

Avoid Distractions: Avoid using your mobile phone or engaging in other distracting behaviors when approaching a railroad crossing.

Understand Your Surroundings: Be aware of the specific conditions at the railroad crossing, such as visibility issues or increased traffic.

Myths and Misconceptions About Driving Around Railroad Gates

Several myths surrounding railroad crossing gates and signals need to be dispelled:

Myth 1: If the gates are malfunctioning, it’s safe to drive around them. Reality: Even if the gates are malfunctioning, it doesn’t guarantee that a train isn't approaching. Always prioritize safety and report the malfunction immediately.

Myth 2: If I'm in a hurry, it’s okay to quickly drive around the gates. Reality: Time saved is never worth the risk of a deadly collision.

Myth 3: If I see no train, it's safe to cross. Reality: Trains can appear suddenly and without warning. Always proceed cautiously and be prepared to stop.

Myth 4: The lights and bells are sometimes just a false alarm. Reality: Railroad signals are there for a reason – to warn of an approaching train. Never ignore them.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Driving around railroad crossing gates is incredibly risky and almost always illegal. The potential consequences – from fines and license suspension to serious injury or death – far outweigh any perceived benefit of circumventing the safety measures in place. Prioritizing safety should always be the primary concern when approaching a railroad crossing. Remember to stop, look, and listen, and always obey all signals. If you encounter a malfunctioning crossing, report it immediately and wait for it to be resolved before attempting to cross. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a tragic accident at a railroad crossing.