Page 32 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 5 : STREET STRATEGIES

TO REPORT STALLED
VEHICLE ON TRACKS OR
OTHER EMERGENCY An Emergency Notification Sign (ENS), posted
at or near a highway-rail grade crossing, lists a
CALL 1-800-555-5555 telephone number along with the crossing’s US
DOT number and is used to notify the railroad
AND REFER TO of an emergency or warning device malfunction.
CROSSING #123-1234
ON CHERRY STREET

on or near the crossing signal or your local cross the tracks quickly, without stopping.
law enforcement agency. Remember, it isn’t safe to stop closer than 15
feet from a rail.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed
through a highway-rail grade crossing only
if you are sure you can completely clear the • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains
crossing without stopping. Remember, the do not follow set schedules.
train is three feet wider than the tracks on • Trains may be prohibited from
both sides. sounding their horn at crossings.
• If your vehicle ever stalls on a track with a Check the railroad track visu-
train coming, dismount immediately and ally in both directions before
move quickly away from the tracks in the crossing.
direction from which the train is coming. If Grooves and Gratings
you run in the same direction the train is trav-
eling, when the train hits your vehicle you Riding over rain grooves or bridge
could be injured by flying debris. Call your gratings may cause your motorcycle to
local law enforcement agency for assistance. weave. Maintain a steady speed and
ride straight across. Crossing at an
• At a multiple track crossing waiting for a angle forces riders to zigzag to stay
train to pass, watch out for a second train in the lane.
on the other tracks, approaching from either
direction.
• When you need to cross train tracks, go to
a designated crossing, look both ways, and

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Gate Crossings

1. The greatest potential for conflict 3. When it starts to rain it is usually
between you and other traffic is: best to:
A. On the expressway. A. Ride in the center of the lane.
B. At intersections. B. Ride on the right side of the lane.
C. When riding in a group. C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
2. Usually a good way to handle tail- 4. The best way to help others see
gaters is to: your motorcycle is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass or A. Keep the headlight on.
slow down to allow for more space B. Use eye contact.
ahead.
C. Honk your horn.
B. Speed up to put distance between
you and the tailgater.
C. Ignore them.

1. B – page 31, Intersections, 2. A – page 32, Being Followed,
3. C – page 34, Slippery Surfaces, 4. A – page 33, Increasing Conspicuity

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