If you come to an uncontrolled railway crossing, what should you do?

At an uncontrolled railway crossing, safety is paramount because there are no signals or barriers to indicate the presence of an oncoming train. Stopping five to 15 meters from the crossing allows you to have a clear view of both directions along the tracks and ensures that you have adequate space to stop if a train is approaching. This stopping distance provides a buffer zone that helps prevent accidents, as trains can travel at high speeds and may not always be visible until they are very close.

Being cautious at these crossings requires drivers to be vigilant and ensure they do not have any distractions that could impede their ability to hear or see an approaching train. While checking speed might be part of general driving guidelines, and turning on hazard lights may signal others of your presence, these actions alone do not prioritize safety in the same way that stopping does. Proceeding without stopping, especially even if a train isn’t currently visible, is risky since trains can appear suddenly. Therefore, stopping is the best practice at uncontrolled railway crossings.