How to cross level crossings safely?
A grade crossing is the intersection on the same level between a railway and a road. At this point, the highway code gives absolute priority to the train. Moreover, road signs and equipment prescribed by the regulations near these roads remind road users of this requirement. And for good reason, trains are heavy and they need a much longer stopping distance than cars. Despite all precautions taken through the lights and barriers, however, the risk of collision with a vehicle is not excluded. Therefore, to avoid being involved in an accident at these intersections with the railways, car drivers must make every effort to ensure that, even unexpectedly, arriving trains can pass without causing any damage to others. These include: Slow down as you approach grade crossings Pay attention to and comply with signals indicating the presence of a level crossing Avoid stopping on the railway track under any circumstances of traffic In a traffic jam, mark the stop at least three (03) metres before the track and only engage if there is sufficient space on the other side to accommodate the vehicle without its rear encroaching on the rails, Thus, if the vehicle in front were to stop for any reason, the driver would have already completely crossed the rails, Avoid putting pressure (horn or headlight sets) on motorists who are trying to keep safety spaces as described above Avoid forcing passage when the train is approaching because a vehicle malfunction could block it on the rails Do not sneak between the barriers Do not rush to leave as soon as the train has passed because it may hide another one. Remember that a collision with a train on a railway track is rarely to the advantage of a car. Be especially careful and patient when crossing railway crossings.
