What should you do when approaching level crossing train lines?
Not all, but many drivers start to become nervous when approaching a rail crossing. Many people have a fear of high-speed trains, and the 19th-century look doesn't help. Even when the barriers are up with no warning lights, people can still be scared of an incoming train.
The fear may be present with you, but the train will not unless the barriers close and the warning lights activate. If a train passed with none of these requirements met, then something would have gone horribly wrong, but this is highly unlikely to happen in the modern world.
Depending on my distance to the tracks, when should I go if the lights activate?
When you see the train sign lights activate, you should stop unless you're essentially already crossing. The barriers can take around ten seconds to fully drop, giving drivers who are already on the tracks, time to cross. Whether you're approaching the lines in a car or in person, you need to use the distance you are from the lines when the lights appear. If you have time to stop when the lights appear, then stop. Even if you're in a hurry, risking it isn't worth it.
If you're a driver behind another car approaching activated lights, slow down and prepare to stop, giving them room in the process.
What does the level crossing train sign mean?
When the level crossing lights turn on with switching orange and red lights, it means that a train will be passing through the road shortly. This could be for a train that is driving at a very high speed or one that has just departed a station at a sluggish speed, but both should be treated the same, as both are very dangerous. Level crossing signs will typically say "STOP when lights show". As discussed previously, if you're essentially passing the signs with almost no time to stop, then you should cross as carefully and quickly as you can.
How far should you be from a closed level crossing train barrier?
If you're front of the line when the barriers are down, you will want to give your car some breathing room. We recommend you leave a car gap between you and the barrier to ensure safety.
The further you are from a high speed passing train, the better but being too far away may disgruntle a few trailing drivers.
Conclusion
In general, it's a good idea to slow down and proceed with caution at crossings that have closed train barriers. However, there are times when the "all clear" signal will not mean that there is no train approaching the crossing. rather, it's meant to keep you safe from traffic lights that may be displaying warnings or stop signs.