Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing always indicate that a train is coming and that all oncoming traffic must stop at least 15 feet from the crossing. Cars, bikes or pedestrians that do not stop risk severe injury or death from a collision with a train.
Some railroad crossings with flashing red lights also have bells, along with gates to block traffic. It is illegal to go around lowered gates at railroad crossings, and doing so makes you libel for any property damage, injuries or deaths that may result.
Not all railroad crossings have active devices; some are marked only by street signage or pavement markings. Such signs are typically yellow or red and specify that a railroad crossing is ahead; others simply warn the driver to stop.
Railroad crossings are common. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there are more than 250,000 in America. In 2008, there were 2,391 collisions with trains at crossings, resulting in 286 fatalities.
Railroad crossings with flashing red lights, bells and gates may be present in a variety of settings. They are found at freight and passenger rail crossings in rural and urban areas, and are used by rail mass transit systems in some cities.
