Alabama: Railroad crossings
Crossbucks, flashing lights, gates and how to cross railroad tracks safely. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 39 Railroad crossings questions with answers
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A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR means what?
- A railroad station is nearby
- Trains stop at the next crossing
- A railroad crossing is closed
- A highway railroad crossing is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A highway railroad crossing is ahead
The round yellow railroad warning sign with a black X and RR means a highway railroad crossing is ahead.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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How far before the track is the round railroad warning sign placed?
- 750 feet
- 500 feet
- 1,000 feet
- 250 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 750 feet
The round railroad warning sign is placed 750 feet before the track.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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What may be marked on the pavement in front of a railroad crossing?
- A large arrow and the word TRAIN
- Two white diamonds
- A large X and two RR’s
- A single white R inside a circle
Show answer
Correct answer: A large X and two RR’s
The pavement in front of a railroad crossing may be marked with a large X and two RR’s.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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What does a yellow line in advance of a railroad crossing mean?
- Stop at the line
- No passing
- A train may approach from behind
- Proceed only when the lights flash
Show answer
Correct answer: No passing
A yellow line in advance of the crossing means no passing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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At a railroad crossing, what do white lines on each side of the track show motorists?
- Where to pass when no train is coming
- Where the crossing gate will be lowered
- How many tracks are ahead
- Where to stop when a train is approaching
Show answer
Correct answer: Where to stop when a train is approaching
White lines on each side of the track show motorists where to stop when a train is approaching.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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When the lights at a railroad crossing begin to flash, what must you always do?
- Stop until it is safe to proceed
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- Stop only if you can see a train
- Stop only if the gates are lowering
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop until it is safe to proceed
When lights begin to flash, you must always stop until it is safe to proceed.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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When railroad gates are being lowered, what warns you to stop?
- A yellow flashing signal
- A flashing white strobe light
- Red flashing lights
- A sounding horn on the crossbuck
Show answer
Correct answer: Red flashing lights
When gates are being lowered, the red flashing lights warn you to stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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At a crossing with gates, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the train’s last car has passed the gate
- Until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing
- Until the gates are raised, even if lights still flash
- For at least 15 seconds after the lights stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing
Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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What should you do at a railroad crossing that has no warning device?
- Stop completely and wait one minute
- Sound your horn and proceed at your normal speed
- Proceed, because a crossing without a device is out of use
- Slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding
If a crossing has no warning device, slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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What should a driver do upon sighting a train when approaching a railroad crossbuck?
- Slow down and be prepared to stop
- Maintain speed and cross quickly
- Honk the horn and keep going
- Shift to a lower gear and cross at once
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop
At a crossbuck the driver should slow down and be prepared to stop upon sighting a train.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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If a railroad crossing has more than one track, what does a sign below the crossbuck indicate?
- The speed limit for the crossing
- The distance to the next crossing
- The number of tracks
- The number of trains per day
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of tracks
A sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Which of these must stop before crossing any railroad crossing?
- A pickup truck
- A church bus
- A passenger car with a trailer
- A motorcycle
Show answer
Correct answer: A church bus
School buses, church buses and any passenger bus are required to stop before crossing any railroad crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Which trucks are required to stop before crossing any railroad crossing?
- All trucks that have more than two axles on the road
- Trucks that are pulling more than one trailer behind them
- Trucks that carry any load over a set weight limit on the road
- Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material
Show answer
Correct answer: Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material
Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material must stop before every railroad crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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How far from a railroad crossing must you stop when approaching it?
- Within 15 to 50 feet
- Within 5 to 10 feet
- Within 25 to 75 feet
- Within 50 to 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 15 to 50 feet
The manual says you must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Why does the manual say the driver needs to slow down when approaching a railroad crossing?
- To let the train driver see your vehicle well in advance
- To lower your speed well below the posted speed limit of the road
- To have enough time to be certain of stopping when a train can first be seen
- To check your tires for damage from the rails
Show answer
Correct answer: To have enough time to be certain of stopping when a train can first be seen
The driver needs to slow down to have enough time to be certain of being able to stop when a train can first be seen.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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At a railroad crossing protected by electric or mechanical signal devices, what is the operator required to do?
- Slow to a crawl and watch both directions
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
- Sound the horn and cross without slowing
- Stop only when a train is in view
Show answer
Correct answer: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
Crossings protected by electric or mechanical signal devices require the operator to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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When must you also stop at a railroad crossing, besides at signal-protected crossings?
- Only when the crossing has two or more tracks to cross
- Only when the road beyond the crossing is blocked
- Only when a school bus is directly ahead of you
- When the crossing gate is lowered or a train is approaching
Show answer
Correct answer: When the crossing gate is lowered or a train is approaching
You must also stop if the crossing gate is lowered or when a train is approaching.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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If a railroad crossing has more than one track, what must you make certain of before crossing?
- That all tracks are clear
- That the first track is clear
- That the gates have been raised for at least a minute
- That a vehicle is in front of you
Show answer
Correct answer: That all tracks are clear
If there is more than one track, make certain all tracks are clear before crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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When should you expect a train, according to the safety tips for motorists?
- Only during daytime hours
- On any track at any time, day or night
- Only at crossings with gates
- Only at crossings with a crossbuck sign
Show answer
Correct answer: On any track at any time, day or night
The manual says to expect a train on any track at anytime, and to be cautious both day and night.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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When traffic is heavy at a railroad crossing, what should you do before proceeding?
- Move onto the tracks to stay close to the car ahead
- Sound your horn to hurry the cars ahead
- Cross as soon as the gate rises
- Wait until you are sure you can clear the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Wait until you are sure you can clear the crossing
Never get trapped on a crossing; when traffic is heavy, wait until you are sure you can clear it.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What should you do after the last car of a train passes the crossing?
- Do not proceed until you are sure no train is coming on another track
- Cross at once, since the danger has passed along with the train
- Cross after waiting about five seconds for safety
- Cross at once if the train came from your left side
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not proceed until you are sure no train is coming on another track
Watch out for the second train: after the last car passes, make sure no train is coming on another track, especially from the other direction.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What does the manual say about driving around railroad gates that are down?
- It is allowed if no train is visible
- It is allowed if you slow down first
- It is against the law
- It is allowed on roads with one track
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
If the gates are down, stay in place; it is against the law to go around gates.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What does the manual say about racing a train to the crossing?
- It is safe if you can see the train’s headlight
- Never do it, because even if you try you lose
- It is safe at crossings without gates
- It is allowed if you are driving a truck
Show answer
Correct answer: Never do it, because even if you try you lose
The safety tips say to never race a train to the crossing, because even if you try you lose.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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If your vehicle has a manual transmission, what should you do about gears at a crossing?
- Shift into neutral while you are on the tracks
- Shift up on the tracks to speed across quickly
- Shift into park before you reach the tracks
- Shift down before and do not change gears on the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift down before and do not change gears on the tracks
The manual says to shift down and not change gears while crossing the tracks.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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When you follow buses or trucks that are required to stop at crossings, what should you be prepared to do?
- Stop
- Pass
- Honk
- Speed up
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop
The manual says to be prepared to stop when you are following buses or trucks that are required to stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Where does Alabama rank in the nation for highway-railroad crossing fatalities?
- #3
- #25
- #13
- #40
Show answer
Correct answer: #13
The manual states that Alabama ranks #13 in the nation for highway-railroad crossing fatalities.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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How much more likely is a motorist to die in a crash involving a train?
- 4 times
- 40 times
- 10 times
- 100 times
Show answer
Correct answer: 40 times
A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What does the manual say about deaths in highway-railroad crossing crashes compared with aviation crashes?
- About the same number die in each type of crash
- Fewer people die at crossings each year than in all aviation crashes combined
- Crossing deaths occur only in rural areas of the state
- More people die each year in crossing crashes than in all aviation crashes
Show answer
Correct answer: More people die each year in crossing crashes than in all aviation crashes
More people in the United States die each year in highway-railroad crossing crashes than in all aviation crashes combined.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Nearly what share of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices?
- 50%
- 10%
- 25%
- 90%
Show answer
Correct answer: 50%
Nearly 50% of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What does the manual say about walking or playing on railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment?
- It is allowed on tracks that are not in use
- It is allowed in daylight hours
- It is illegal, and the penalty may be death
- It is allowed only on trestles
Show answer
Correct answer: It is illegal, and the penalty may be death
Walking or playing on railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment is illegal, and the penalty may be death.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Where does the manual say you should cross railroad tracks?
- Anywhere, if no train is in sight
- Only at designated crossings
- Anywhere on a rural road
- Wherever a path has been worn
Show answer
Correct answer: Only at designated crossings
The safety tips say to cross tracks only at designated crossings.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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How far does a freight train traveling at 55 mph need to stop?
- A mile or more
- About a quarter of a mile
- About 500 feet
- About the length of one football field
Show answer
Correct answer: A mile or more
A freight train traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What must you do at a white X-shaped RAILROAD CROSSING sign?
- Keep your speed steady and sound your horn as you cross
- Stop on the tracks to look both ways for a train
- Approach with caution and make sure the tracks are clear
- Speed up to cross the tracks before a train arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: Approach with caution and make sure the tracks are clear
The manual says to approach with caution and be sure that all tracks are clear before you cross.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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A round yellow sign shows an X with the letters R R. What must you do?
- Keep your speed steady and watch only for flashing signal lights
- Slow down, look carefully in both directions, and be prepared to stop
- Stop only if you can see a train coming from either direction
- Speed up so that you can clear the tracks before a train arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look carefully in both directions, and be prepared to stop
The manual says a railroad crossing is ahead and you must slow down, look carefully in both directions and be prepared to stop.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What does the manual tell you to remember about trains at a railroad crossing?
- A train cannot stop quickly
- A train always sounds its horn before a crossing
- A train always slows down at a crossing
- A train can stop as quickly as a car
Show answer
Correct answer: A train cannot stop quickly
The manual says to remember that a train cannot stop quickly.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What must you do when the red lights at a railroad crossing begin to flash?
- Stop only if you can actually see an approaching train
- Stop, because a train is near, and go only when safe
- Slow down and cross carefully if no train is in sight
- Stop only when the gates start lowering across your side
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop, because a train is near, and go only when safe
Red flashing lights mean a train is near, so you always stop and do not proceed until you can do so safely.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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Which of these requires a complete stop at a railroad crossing?
- Only when a train is in sight
- Only at night
- Only on a multi-lane road
- Where STOP signs are posted
Show answer
Correct answer: Where STOP signs are posted
A complete stop is required at a railroad crossing where STOP signs are posted.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 61 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 61)
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When must you make a complete stop at a railroad crossing, besides where STOP signs are posted?
- Only when you can hear a train horn sounding
- Never, if the crossing has a gate
- When a flagman or traffic control device directs it
- Only when you are driving a heavy vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: When a flagman or traffic control device directs it
A complete stop is required at railroad crossings when directed by a flagman or any traffic control device.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 61 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 61)
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Your car is stalled on the tracks and a train is approaching. After leaving the car, which way should you walk?
- Alongside the tracks, away from the approaching train
- Down the middle of the tracks
- Across the tracks to the far side
- Alongside the tracks, in the direction of the approaching train
Show answer
Correct answer: Alongside the tracks, in the direction of the approaching train
Walking alongside the tracks in the direction of the train keeps you clear of debris when the vehicle is hit.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 75 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 75)