When you approach a railroad crossing without flashing warning signals or crossing gates, you should:
- Cross the tracks immediately and as quickly as possible.
- Always stop before crossing the tracks.
- Prepare to yield to any train at the crossing. ✓
- Speed up to beat any oncoming train.
Answer: C. Prepare to yield to any train at the crossing.
When a railroad crossing has no flashing signals or gates, you should prepare to yield to any train at the crossing.
Why this is the answer
The handbook treats the crossbuck sign at a crossing as a yield sign, meaning you must give the right-of-way to trains. It also says to slow down on approach and be ready to stop. A crossing without lights or gates is not a free pass — you still look and listen, make sure the tracks are clear, and hold back if a train is coming. The handbook adds that trains move faster than they look and cannot stop quickly, so beating one is never worth trying.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Cross the tracks immediately and as quickly as possible. — Crossing right away without checking is wrong because the crossbuck works as a yield sign and you must let trains have the right-of-way first.
- B. Always stop before crossing the tracks. — You are not required to stop at every crossing — the handbook lists specific conditions that require a stop, such as flashing devices, a lowered gate, a flagger, or a clearly visible train.
- D. Speed up to beat any oncoming train. — Speeding up to beat a train contradicts the handbook's warning that trains are often faster than they appear and cannot stop quickly.
Remember it
Treat that crossbuck like a yield sign with a train behind it: ease off the gas, look both ways, and only go when the tracks are clear.