Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

Resume travel
• Before resuming travel, make sure
there is enough room on the other side
of the track for the whole unit to clear,
including the vehicle’s overhang. Be
aware that a train will be a metre wider
than the rails on both sides.
• Use a gear that will let you cross the
track without shifting.
• Check the crossing signals one more
time before proceeding.
• If the crossing lights begin to flash
after starting, keep going. It is safer to
continue than to back up.
• If there is more than one track, there may
be more than one train. Do not assume
the train you see is the only one.
Other considerations
Vehicle stalled or
stuck on the tracks
If your vehicle stalls or gets stuck
on a crossing, get out of the vehicle
immediately. If a train is coming, move
away from the track toward the oncoming
train. This will reduce the chances of being
struck by flying debris if the train hits the
vehicle. Contact the railway company if its
emergency number is posted or call 911.
Viewing the tracks
at a crossing
Do not attempt to cross the tracks unless
you can see far enough in both directions
to be sure that no train is approaching.
Be especially careful at crossings without
gates, flashing lights or bells. Even if there
are active warning signals, and they do not
indicate that a train is approaching, you
should still look and listen to be sure it is
safe to proceed.
Be cautious when approaching an
uncontrolled rural railway crossing at night.
A train may be crossing in front of you.
The presence of a train may appear like a
black, dark object against the background
of a dark road.
Vehicle size and clearance
Know the length of your vehicle, the
amount of overhang and the amount of
space that is available on the other side of
the railway crossing. When approaching
a crossing and a STOP sign is facing you
on the opposite side of the tracks, pay
attention to the amount of room there is
between the tracks and the sign. Be sure
there is enough space to completely clear
the railway tracks on the other side. If
there is insufficient space and your vehicle
would over hang the railway tracks you
must visually and audibly ensure there is
no oncoming train. Then proceed to the
stop sign and stop. When safe, proceed,
ensuring that your vehicle does not block
the railway crossing for more that 20
seconds
Railway crossings
at rural roads
Pay extra attention when you cross railway
tracks in rural areas because of the following:
• Approach grades may be steeper.
• Snow banks may be higher.
• Brush and trees may be more common.
• There tend to be fewer automated
warning systems.
• The grade crossing may be rough
or uneven.
CHAPTER TEN
Responsible Driving Tips for Commercial Drivers 85