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.
At a railroad crossing with no flashing signals or gates, you should prepare to yield to any train at the crossing.
Why this is the answer
The handbook describes crossings marked only with a crossbuck or reduce-speed sign: slow down, look both ways, and listen. If a train is coming, stop; if not, proceed carefully. It also says trains always have the right-of-way and cannot stop at crossings, so being ready to yield is the safe rule. Flashing lights and lowered gates call for a full stop, but this question is about a crossing without those warnings.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Cross the tracks immediately and as quickly as possible. — Crossing immediately skips the handbook's instruction to slow down, look, listen, and stop if a train is approaching.
- B. Always stop before crossing the tracks. — The handbook does not say to stop at every crossing without signals or gates; it says stop if a train is approaching, otherwise proceed with caution.
- D. Speed up to beat any oncoming train. — Trying to beat a train conflicts with the handbook's warning that trains always have the right-of-way and cannot stop at crossings.
Remember it
Crossbuck reminder: slow, look, listen, and hold back if a train is coming.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers , p. 32