Safety at level crossings
March 29, 2016Level crossings can be a very dangerous place for drivers so here are our some top tips on how to stay safe around them.
- As you approach the crossing, be ready to stop behind the white line if the lights begin to flash.
- Only cross when the barriers are fully raised and the lights go off, or when you are granted permission by an operator.
- If the red lights keep flashing after a train has passed, wait – another train is coming.
- If the amber light comes on while you are on the crossing then you must keep going.
- Never reverse onto or over the level crossing
Level Crossing Signs:
GATED or BARRIER LEVEL CROSSING SIGN
These signs indicate a level crossing ahead that uses either automatic barriers or gates operated manually by railway staff.
LEVEL CROSSING WITHOUT A GATE OR BARRIER
Level crossing without a gate or barrier can be seen on quiet roads where motorists must give way to trains similar to a road junction
STOP WHEN LIGHTS SHOW SIGN
The stop when lights show sign provides motorists with advanced warning of light signals at a level crossing. These signs can be used at gated, barriers or open level crossings.
LEVEL CROSSING SAFE HEIGHT SIGN
Safe height signs at level crossing for high sided vehicles warning of overhead electrical cables. On the approach to a junction, the plate may include an arrow to indicate the direction of the level crossing
AUTOMATIC LEVEL CROSSING LIGHTS
Amber lights will initially be seen along with audible warning sound, followed by flashing red lights. These are to warn a train is approaching and that the level crossing barriers will come down. Upon seeing either the amber or red flashing lights you must stop.
If another train is approaching, the barriers will remain down and the red lights will continue to flash. If there is an audible warning, the sound will change.
OPEN LEVEL CROSSING LIGHTS
Open level crossings use the St Andrew’s cross. Open level crossings have no gates or barriers. As with automatic crossings, you must always stop when the traffic light signals show and only proceed when the lights are extinguished.
OPEN LEVEL CROSSING SIGNS
These signs are used to mark open level crossings without barriers or gates and do not have warning light signals. A give way sign is placed over the symbol of a locomotive.
Always be extra cautious at level crossing with give way signs and be prepared to stop at the give way line marking if a train is coming.
Motorists disregarding the rules face a minimum of a fixed penalty fine of £60 along with three penalty points on their licence.
If you are unfortunate that your vehicle should break down on a level crossing, get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle as soon as possible. Locate the signal operator telephone number displayed on a sign at the level crossing and phone them. If you are unable to locate a telephone number, call the emergency services.
Source: ( http://www.drivingtesttips.biz/level-crossing-lights-signals-signs.html )
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