Sight Distance REQUIREMENTS

[Anonymous]

DECIDING TO PROCEED

The third element concerns the driver's decision to safely proceed through the grade crossing. It involves sight distance available both on the approach and at the crossing itself.

Approach (Corner) Sight Distance

On the approach to the crossing with no train activated traffic control devices (or STOP sign) present, in order to proceed at the posted speed limit, a driver would need to be able to see an approaching train, from either the left or right, in sufficient time to stop safely 4.5 m (15 ft) before the near rail. This would require an unobstructed field of vision along the approach sight triangle, the extent of which is dependent upon train and vehicle speed. These sight distances are available in the RHGCH. However, view obstructions often exist within the sight triangle, typically caused by structures, topography, crops or other vegetation (continually or seasonal), movable objects or weather (fog, snow, etc.). Where lesser sight distances exist, the motorist should reduce speed and be prepared to stop not less than 4.5 m (15 ft) before the near rail unless and until they are able to determine, based upon the available sight distance, that there is no train approaching and it is safe to proceed. Wherever possible, sight line deficiencies should be improved by removing structures or vegetation within the affected area, regrading an embankment, or realigning the highway approach.

Many conditions however cannot be corrected because the obstruction is on private property, or it is economically infeasible to correct the sight line deficiency. If available corner sight distance is less than what is required for the legal speed limit on the highway approach, supplemental traffic control devices such as enhanced advance warning signs, STOP or YIELD signs, or reduced speed limits (advisory or regulatory) should be evaluated. If it is desirable from traffic mobility criteria to allow vehicles to travel at the legal speed limit on the highway approach, active control devices should be considered.

Clearing Sight Distance

At all crossings, except those with gates, a driver stopped 4.5 m (15 ft) short of the near rail must be able to see far enough down the track, in both directions, to determine if sufficient time exists for moving their vehicle safely across the tracks to a point 4.5 m (15 ft) past the far rail, prior to the arrival of a train. Required clearing sight distance along both directions of the track, from the stopped position of the vehicle, is dependent upon the maximum train speed and the acceleration characteristics of the "design " vehicle.

At multiple track highway-rail grade crossings of two or more in-service railroad tracks through the roadway, and where two or more trains can operate simultaneously over or in close proximity to the crossing, the presence of a train on one track can restrict or obscure a driver's view of a second train approaching on an adjacent track. Such crossings must be treated the same as any other crossing having insufficient clearing sight distance. Even where there is only one track through the crossing, but additional tracks (such as a siding) are located adjacent to, but terminate before reaching the crossing, the sight distance to the limit of where railroad cars or equipment could be stored should be evaluated. Figure 1 is a diagram designed to illustrate some unusual conditions that would merit special consideration at a single-track highway-rail grade crossing.

[wabash1]

mike as usuall you twisted everything around to fit your needs and is no where close to the law. what you are quating is a line from the fhwa.( the dot ) in which it states and i will put 1,000.00 on it that it states when driving a bus or a truck loaded with hazardous materials on it and approaching a railroad crossing yo must stop no closer than 15ft of the nearest rail and no further back from the nearest rail. it dont matter weather it has lights or just crossbucks.

now the key word here is stop at this point, not slow down at a stop sign to see if you have time to beat a train and it dont say to do this at highway speed it says stop.

Now for the finally. you make a mocery of the judicial system, this is why you lost your case with the railroad cause you are to dumb to even read the statement out of the book right, and twist it to your needs, and if you notice nobody else has bought it either. all school busses and all trucks must stop at all railroad crossing. they had to answer this question yes to get theree CDL lic, but yet run these stop signs and flashing lights so do i feel sorry for them no. and as far a a car goes if a stop sign means slow down to see if anything is commming to see if you can beat it, then they deserve what they got to. flashing red lights mean stop weather its on the railroad at a intersection or on top of a emergency vehicle.its open and shut case dont nothing haft to do with clearing brush or beeing able to see, it only requires you as operator of the car to be smart enought not to race a train. and something your family member wasnt.

[Anonymous]

ACTUALLY i nkow for a fact, busses trucks must put on their 4-way flashers and come to a complete stop for four (4) secondes, look right and left, then proceed..

It's the law!

Detour kev.

[sooblue]

Not all trucks have to stop for RR crossings.
Just ones carrying hazmat.

S.T.O.P.
Slow through on purpose
Slip through on purpose
Sail through on purpose

Sooblue