If a railroad crossing requires you to stop, where should you stop?

• A. Before the tracks.
• B. On the tracks.
• C. After the tracks.
• D. In the middle of the crossing.

Answer: (A)

When you must stop at a railroad crossing, you stop before the tracks. Trains are long and can take a lot more distance to stop than cars, and you need to stay out of the train’s path. Stopping before the tracks gives you a safe space to wait and to observe for any approaching trains, plus it keeps you from being trapped on the crossing if a train arrives unexpectedly or signals change.

Stopping on the tracks, after the tracks, or in the middle of the crossing puts you at serious risk of being struck or blocked in by a train. If there’s a stop line, place your vehicle there; if there isn’t, stop at a point where you can clearly see the tracks in both directions and you’re fully clear of the crossing before proceeding when it’s safe.