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[quote user="schlimm"] <a href="http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/warning.htm">http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/warning.htm</a> In Wisconsin they are adding Yield signs to the crossbucks to emphasize that you must yield to the train. <div style="clear:both;"></div> [/quote] Yes, I understand that this will be done nationwide.  The reason is that driver surveys have shown that most drivers understand that a crossbuck marks the existence of a railroad grade crossing, but most drivers do not know that the crossbuck means the same thing as a yield sign.   <o:p></o:p> However, I believe that adding yield signs to the crossbucks at passive crossings is a response to a problem that does not actually exist.  Who cares if drivers do not know that a crossbuck means yield?  They know it means the existence of a railroad crossing, and they know that they are supposed to yield to trains.  You could make the case that drivers know less about the meaning of a yield sign than they know about the meaning of crossbucks.     <o:p></o:p> I think a yield sign is the most misunderstood of all road signs, and the most abused sign in terms of compliance.  The message of a yield sign is perceived to be very weak in the minds of most drivers.  It is perceived as warning of a situation that is not dangerous enough to justify a stop sign or a traffic light.  And it is hopelessly confused with merge signs.  <o:p></o:p> So while yield is technically the correct control concept to govern a grade crossing, the yield sign itself is weak.  It waters down the inherent danger message that should be associated with a grade crossing.  Therefore, adding yield signs to passive grade crossings is not only unnecessary, but it also adds to the danger.  It is another one of those great, unintended consequences.
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