Is it lawful to go around lowered gate arms at a railroad crossing?

Is it Legal to Go Around Lowered Gate Arms at a Railroad Crossing?

When it comes to railroad crossings, the law is clear: it is illegal to go around lowered gate arms or flashing lights. This is true across the United States, as trains have an absolute right-of-way due to their inability to quickly stop, swerve, or alter course.

Ignoring railroad crossing gates and lights is extremely dangerous and can result in catastrophic accidents. Trains are extremely heavy and can take a mile or more to stop, making it impossible for them to avoid a collision if a vehicle enters their path. Additionally, trains are often carrying hazardous materials, which can cause significant damage and injuries in the event of an accident.

For these reasons, it is essential to obey railroad crossing signals and never attempt to go around lowered gate arms or flashing lights. If you see a train approaching, stop well back from the crossing and wait for it to pass. It is better to be safe than sorry, and risking your life or the lives of others by ignoring railroad crossing signals is simply not worth it.

Here are some additional reasons why it is illegal to go around lowered gate arms at a railroad crossing:

• It is a federal offense. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has strict regulations in place regarding railroad crossing safety, and ignoring lowered gate arms is a violation of these regulations.
• It can result in fines and penalties. In addition to being a federal offense, ignoring lowered gate arms can also result in fines and penalties from state and local authorities.
• It can void your insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident at a railroad crossing while ignoring lowered gate arms, your insurance company may void your coverage, leaving you responsible for all damages.

If you see a lowered gate arm or flashing lights at a railroad crossing, the safest thing to do is always to stop and wait for the train to pass. It is never worth risking your life or the lives of others by trying to go around.