Railroad signs dot the American countryside. Anywhere a train travels, you will spot a few signs along the way. While these signs might look different from the usual directional signals you would see for a car, they are used the same way. Knowing what these signs represent and mean is a safe bet when you are near, or on, railroad tracks.
A railroad sign is a traffic signal and is used by trains much like automobiles use road signs. The railroad sign operates as a traffic-control device for areas where trains and automobiles are likely to cross paths.
The function of railroad signs is mainly to keep automobiles from directly interacting with an oncoming train. Other railroad signs are set up as signals to keep trains from directly interacting with each other. Railroad signs operate as traffic devices and carry the same weight of law that other traffic-control devices hold such as those found on roadways.
There are three types of railroad signs. Passive signs ahead of crossings, which are used in advance of a railroad crossing; passive signs at a crossing, which are used to identify a crossing and the number of tracks; and active signs, which are used the same way stoplights are used for traffic. The first two are used specifically for automobiles. The third can also be used by trains to direct traffic along the track used by more than one train.
Passive signs include advance warning signs such as the common yellow circular sign with a picture that signals the roadway is crossing railroad tracks ahead. This sign can accompany a pavement marking also alerting drivers to upcoming train crossings. Other signs are at the tracks, such as the white "X" with the words "Railroad Crossing" written on them. This sign is called a "Crossbuck." You can often find stop signs at track crossings. Active or lit signs are those that include flashing lights, lit signals, sound and sometimes switches or gates.
Railroad signs act like traffic signals you see every day. They should be regarded and respected as such. When a train is in motion, it too must obey any railroad signs that are along the tracks. The conductor must also pay more attention to the area around him when he sees a sign. Not all people will obey or spot the railroad signs in time to heed their warnings. Many times, the operator of a train or vehicle is busy doing something other than driving.
