Railway Crossings: Warning Signs & Safe Crossing Procedures

Railway crossings are among the most dangerous intersections on our roads. Trains cannot stop quickly and collisions are often fatal. Understanding and following railway crossing procedures can save your life.\n\nWarning Signs and Markings:\nAll railway crossings on public roads in Ontario are marked with large red and white 'X' signs. You may also see:\n- Yellow advance warning signs before the crossing\n- Large 'X' pavement markings on the road\n- Some crossings have flashing signal lights\n- Some use gates or barriers to block traffic when trains approach\n- Less-travelled crossings may have stop signs posted\n- Private road crossings may not be marked at all\n\nSafe Crossing Procedures:\nWhen you come to a railway crossing:\n\n1. Slow down, listen and look both ways to make sure the way is clear before crossing the tracks\n2. If a train is coming, stop at least five metres from the nearest rail or gate\n3. Do not cross the track until you are sure the train or trains have passed\n4. Never race a train to a crossing - trains always win\n5. If there are signal lights, wait until they stop flashing\n6. If the crossing has a gate or barrier, wait until it rises before crossing\n7. Never drive around, under or through a railway gate or barrier while it is down, being lowered or being raised - it is illegal and dangerous\n8. Avoid stopping in the middle of railway tracks\n9. In heavy traffic, make sure you have enough room to cross completely before you begin\n10. Avoid shifting gears while crossing tracks\n\nEmergency Procedures:\nIf you get trapped on a crossing:\n1. Immediately get everyone out and away from the vehicle\n2. Move to a safe place\n3. Contact authorities immediately\n\nSpecial Vehicle Requirements:\nMost buses and other public vehicles are required to stop at railway crossings that are not protected by gates, signal lights or a stop sign. School buses must stop at railway crossings whether or not they are protected. Watch for these buses and be prepared to stop behind them.\n\nStop Sign Crossings:\nIf you are approaching a railway crossing with a stop sign, you must stop unless otherwise directed by a flagman.\n\nCritical Facts:\nRemember it can take up to two kilometres for a train to stop under full emergency braking. Trains are much wider than they appear and may extend beyond the rails. Multiple tracks mean multiple dangers - a second train may be coming from the opposite direction.