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15.
Railway Crossings |
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There
are two types of railway crossings: |
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Controlled Crossings: >>>
These
are safer, because they have flashing lights, bells and/or boom
gates. Stop on red signal means, stop when the red lights are
flashing. |
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Un-controlled
Crossings
These
have only 'silent' warnings, like stop signs, give way signs or
simply a railway crossing sign. Failing
to see or ignore a railway crossing warning sign can become a fatal
error! |
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Two
main mishaps occur at railway crossings:
1.
The worst one is to miss the signs or flashing lights through
neglect or the sun blinding you etc. You can't afford this mistake,
certainly not approaching a
railway crossing.
Turn
off the music, listen for trains as you approach a train line. Even
a controlled crossing could malfunction. Slowing down will give you
extra time to check for trains. It also saves wear and tear on your
vehicle as you drive over the rails.
2.
Queuing across a
railway crossing.
This simple mistake may lead to this dangerous
situation:
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A
bus has stopped beyond the railway line, traffic has stopped. Obey the sign:
DO
NOT QUEUE ACROSS RAILWAY!
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A
blocked exit, such as this,
may turn into death-trap. Do
not enter the railway crossing,
unless you are sure the exit is clear. Your life would literally be
‘on the line’, if you were stuck on the rails and a
train was approaching. |
In busy urban
areas trains and motor cars are constantly intersecting. At railway crossings
above mistake easily happens to absent minded drivers. Concentrate, don't rush
into a crossing and be absolutely sure the exit is clear!
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In
the rare event of your engine stalling and failing to restart, there is a way to move your vehicle to safety.
If it won't roll off, do the following:
1.
Engage first gear, handbrake
must be released!
2.
Disengage the clutch (pedal
off the floor)
3. Turn
the ignition key,
over and over!
Unless your
car has a flat battery it will move forward, as the engine
turns over. Keep turning the key, until clear of the railway
line. If unsuccessful, leave the vehicle quickly!
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Our
information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend
you use above information in conjunction with a professional
driving instructor.
Road
Safety by Dieter Fischer 2001 / Learner Driver Hub 2020.
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