Level Crossings - How To Drive Over A Level Crossing

A level crossing is where a railway line crosses a road.Trains pass over level crossings at high speed, which means when accident occurs at a level crossing the accident is more often than not a serious one.
Always approach a level crossing with caution. Never take risks. Never think you can jump the barriers and make it safely to the other side. You should only ever drive onto a level crossing if the exit on the other side is clear.
They are several different types of level crossing some of which require different approached.

Controlled Level Crossings

Most level crossings utilize traffic light signals with a steady amber light, twin flashing red stoplights and a sound alarm for pedestrians. Some will have full barriers - a barrier on each side of the crossing that extend over both lanes. Some will have half barriers - barriers on each side of the crossing that extend over only one lane. And some will have no barriers.When a train approaches the level crossing the amber light will show followed by the flashing red stoplights. If the amber light shows after you have passed the stop line then you should continue forward. If you haven't past the stop line then you must stop and wait for the lights to go off and the barriers to rise.
Since you could be waiting for a few minutes turn your engine off.
If a train passes and the lights continue to flash or the alarm sounds a different tone then another train is approaching so you must continue to wait.
Some level crossings have no warning lights. If you approach such a crossing and the barriers begin to close then you should stop and wait.

User Operated Level Crossings

These have stop signs and small red and green lights. You must only cross if the green light is on. If the red light shows you must stop and wait.To cross you need to exit your car and open the gates or barriers on both sides of the crossing.
Before driving over check to make sure the green light is still on. Once over the crossing you should exit your car and close the gates or barriers.

Level Crossing Warning Lights

Full Barrier Level Crossing

Half Barrier Level Crossing

Half Barrier Level Crossing

Open Level Crossings

These have no barriers, gates, lights or attendant. There will be a give way sign however. Approach with extra caution, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure no train is approaching.If ever you break down or have an accident on a level crossing then the first thing to do is to get everyone out of your car and clear of the crossing.
Some level crossings will have a railway telephone present if you see one then use it to inform the operator of what's happened. They will give you instructions, which you should follow. If a train isn't due for a fair amount of time then try and push your car clear. If no railway phone is present then use a mobile to call the police.
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