Approaching the intersection
1. Reduce speed.
It should be such that you can brake safely at any time if a prohibition light suddenly comes on.
2. Should I stop and where?
We read paragraph 4. 15 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation “In cases where traffic through the crosswalk is prohibited, the driver must stop at the stop line, sign 2.5 or traffic lights, if there are none, no closer than 5 m from the barrier, and in the absence of the latter, not closer than 10 m to the nearest rail.
Important. GOST R 52289–2019 states that board 2.5 should not be installed on level crossings equipped with traffic lights. However, it often happens that at the intersection both sign 2.5 and a traffic light are next to each other (maybe they just didn’t have time to disassemble it). This situation confuses many motorists – is it necessary to slow down at the intersection if the “permitted” traffic light with the white moon flashes? Not necessary. According to clause 6.15 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation, a working traffic light “cancels” the effect of priority signs, including sign 2.5.
Note: Stopping in front of sign 2.5 is mandatory if none of the traffic lights are on (it may not work). The stop time is not specified in the Rules. The most important thing is that you have time to look around and remember all the rules regarding the move.
Sign 1.3.2 “Multi-track railway” informs the driver of the width of the crossing he must overcome.
3. Turn off the music, look around and listen.
Even if the train is so far away that it looks like a dot, don’t move. Human perception has a catch: all large moving objects seem “slow” to us. In fact, the train easily overcomes 20-25 meters in a second.
Listen carefully and make sure you don’t hear an approaching train horn or a horn (sometimes it goes before a stop signal).
At a regulated crossing, make sure the barrier is up, the traffic light prohibition signal (audible signal) is turned off and the attendant on duty does not signal with red flags or just with her hands.
Before leaving on the road
4. When choosing a distance, consider the width of the intersection.
Do not enter the rails until the car in front of you overcomes them (no matter how much you are “horned” from behind). Unfortunately, many drivers want to overcome the railway crossing in one row, not realizing how dangerous it is. After all, if for whatever reason a traffic jam arises, the car will be ‘locked’ on the rails.
5. Evaluate whether there is enough space on the “other side” for your car.
You can only enter the road if the vehicle in front already has enough space behind the crossing to stop your car. Don’t expect the previous driver to have left when you cross the level crossing. If it gets stuck or there is a traffic jam, you have to stay on track.
6. Don’t try to “place” a crass.
Someone rushing to slip as soon as the red went out? Moving is not the place where you have to win the championship in the stream. In addition, the camera will certainly fix the violation. For overtaking at a railway crossing, a rude neighbor along the stream faces a fine of 5,000 rubles or disqualification for a period of 3 to 6 months (Part 1 of Article 12.10 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation). With repeated violations, the driver’s license is immediately withdrawn for one year (Part 3 of Article 12.10 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation).
Overtaking is prohibited both at the level crossing itself and 100 m before it. If there is no sign 3.20 “Overtaking is prohibited” or a solid marking line, in the village you should focus on the sign 1.1 or 1.2 (“forbidden” 100 m starts immediately after), and outside the village – on the signs “with two stripes” 1.4 2/1.4.5. If you see a sign, it means you cannot overtake.
Crossing paths
7. Reduce speed to minimum.
Up to 10, or even up to 5 km/h. This is the safest mode and does not shake the rails. But under power (keep your foot on the gas) in first gear so you don’t stall. Move carefully, as if you were stepping over the rails.
8. Move only at right angles across the tracks.
Please note that the road at the “outback” intersections may be in poor condition. Watch out for drift.
What to do if you still get stuck?
1. Drop off passengers. Passengers must move a safe distance – at least 10 meters from the tracks.
2. If possible, report the incident to the mover on duty.
3. If you can’t see (not hear) the approaching train, try starting the car. Open the driver’s door to exit the passenger compartment in the event of danger.
4. Engine won’t start? Try to push the car off the rails.
5. If it is not possible to push the machine out (maybe the wheel is stuck in the arc, the ball joint is broken, etc.), try to warn the driver about the obstacle. This requires one person to go along the tracks in both directions. The signal is given with a flag or hands, in the dark – with a flashlight.
The braking distance of a train traveling at a speed of only 60 km/h is almost one kilometer. To avoid an accident, it is important to be very careful even when the crossing is empty.
