Railroad crossings should always be considered:
- Safe to cross, as it is unlikely that a train will be coming.
- Dangerous. ✓
- Safe locations to park a car.
- A place where it is required to stop
Answer: B. Dangerous.
A railroad crossing should always be considered dangerous.
Why this is the answer
The handbook tells you to look both ways and listen, and to stop when a train is coming or signals are active. It warns that there may be more than one set of tracks and that one train can hide another. It also says trains cannot stop at crossings and always have the right-of-way. That is why you treat every crossing as a hazard rather than a spot where a train probably will not appear.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Safe to cross, as it is unlikely that a train will be coming. — Assuming a train is unlikely is not supported, because the handbook says trains cannot stop and always have the right-of-way, so the crossing must be treated as dangerous.
- C. Safe locations to park a car. — A crossing is not a parking spot; the handbook says never stop on the tracks, and you must keep the tracks clear before crossing.
- D. A place where it is required to stop — You do not stop at every crossing in all cases; with only a crossbuck or reduce speed sign you look and listen and proceed with caution if no train is approaching, while signals or a train require a stop.
Remember it
Treat every crossing as active until you have looked, listened, and confirmed the tracks are clear.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 4: Right-of-Way , p. 22