1.15  RAILWAY CROSSINGS - your life on the line 

There are two types of railway crossing:

•     Controlled (Flashing lights, bells, boom gates)

•    Un-controlled (Signs, Give Way/Stop)

Sign to indicate uncontrolled railway crossing ahead.

Two main mishaps occur at railway crossings. The worst one is to miss the signs or flashing lights through neglect or the sun blinding you temporarily. You must not allow this to happen when driving anytime, but certainly not approaching a railway crossing.    

Listen for trains and turn off the music, when near a crossing. Even a controlled crossing could malfunction. Slowing down will give you extra time to check for trains. It also saves wear and tear on your vehicle as you cross the rails. 

Another danger develops in busy urban centres, where trains and motor cars are constantly intersecting at railway crossings. Don't rush to enter the crossing. Hold back if traffic is heaving and check if the exit is clear. 

Do not enter the railway crossing, unless you are sure the exit is clear. Your life would literally be ‘on the line’, if you were stuck on the rails and a train would be roaring towards you. After a train has passed do not hurry across. If there are two or more railway lines, a second train could be approaching from the opposite direction!

Blocked exit may turn into deathtrap. A bus has stopped beyond the railway line. Obey the sign and do not queue across the railway line, until clear on the other side.

 

Stalling on a railway line. In the rare event of your engine stalling right on the railway line and not re-starting, here is a way to get out of trouble (manual car only):

• Engage first gear, release handbrake

• Disengage the clutch (pedal off the floor)

• Turn the ignition key

Unless you have a flat battery, the car will move forward as the engine turns over, hopefully sufficiently to get you off the line.