Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Railroad Crossing Safety Tips for Drivers
Trains cannot stop quickly. Here is what Operation Lifesaver, a rail safety education nonprofit, says every driver should know at a railroad crossing: what the signs and signals mean, where to stop, and what to do if your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, for drivers in and around Peoria.
The short answer
Always expect a train. Obey every sign, signal and gate, never drive around lowered gates, and cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the other side. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and away, then call the number on the blue and white ENS sign.
Know the facts
Operation Lifesaver says that in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train every 3 hours. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, and the train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. The average freight train traveling 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop, the length of 18 football fields.
Freight trains do not follow set schedules, so Operation Lifesaver's rule is simple: always expect a train.
From Operation Lifesaver, "What All Drivers Need to Know About Railroad Crossings" brochure and "Driving Safely Near Tracks," read October 29, 2026.
Railroad crossing signs and signals
What each warning means, according to Operation Lifesaver:
| Sign or signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Advance warning sign | Typically the first sign you see. Slow down, look, listen and be prepared to stop. |
| Pavement markings (RxR and a wide white line) | You are approaching a crossing. Stay behind the white stop line while waiting for a train; with no stop line, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. |
| Crossbuck | Yield if a train is approaching. Trains always have the right-of-way. |
| Multiple tracks sign | Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains. Wait until you can see clearly down the tracks in both directions. |
| Flashing red lights | Stop. Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing. |
| Lowering gates and flashing lights | A train is approaching, even if you do not see it yet. Wait until the lights turn off and the gates go up. Going around lowered gates is illegal and dangerous. |
| Low ground clearance sign | Raised crossing ahead. If you drive anything low to the ground, such as a lowboy, bus, sports car or trailer, do not proceed until you know your vehicle will clear the tracks. |
From Operation Lifesaver, "What All Drivers Need to Know About Railroad Crossings," read October 29, 2026.
How to cross safely
Use a designated crossing
The only safe and legal place to cross railroad tracks is at a designated crossing. Look both ways and cross quickly, without stopping.
Make sure you can clear
Proceed only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Trains overhang the tracks, so leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail.
Do not shift gears
Avoid shifting gears while crossing.
Watch for a second train
At a multiple-track crossing, watch for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
Never race a train
Avoid crossing while lights are flashing or gates are down, and never try to beat a train.
Do not pass nearby
In Illinois, the State Police says it is illegal to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
From Operation Lifesaver ("Driving Safely Near Tracks" and the all-drivers brochure) and the Illinois State Police (September 5, 2025), read October 29, 2026.
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks
Get out and get away. Operation Lifesaver says that if your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train.
Then find the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, posted at or near the crossing. It lists a telephone number along with the crossing's U.S. DOT number. Call the number, tell the railroad about the stalled vehicle and share the crossing ID number with the dispatcher. If there is no sign, call emergency services. You can also use the ENS number to report people, vehicles or debris on the tracks, damaged signs or signals, and obstructed views.
From Operation Lifesaver, "Driving Safely Near Tracks" and the all-drivers brochure, read October 29, 2026. Each ENS sign has its own phone number and location ID.
Service at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. A vehicle that stalls or will not restart is worth a checkup before it happens at the wrong place.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 29, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Railroad crossing safety FAQ
What should I do if my car stalls on railroad tracks?
Get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train, Operation Lifesaver says. Then find the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, call the number on it and give the dispatcher the crossing ID number. If there is no sign, call emergency services.
What is the blue and white sign at a railroad crossing?
It is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign. Operation Lifesaver says it lists a telephone number along with the crossing's U.S. DOT number and is used to tell the railroad about an emergency or a warning device that is not working. Each sign has a different phone number and location ID number.
How far from the tracks should I stop?
Stay behind the white stop line while you wait for a train. If there is no stop line, Operation Lifesaver says to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.
What if the lights start flashing while I am on the tracks?
Keep going. Operation Lifesaver's brochure says that if lights begin flashing after you start across the tracks, keep going.
How long does it take a train to stop?
Operation Lifesaver says the average freight train traveling 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop, the length of 18 football fields.
Can I pass another car near a railroad crossing in Illinois?
No. The Illinois State Police says it is illegal to pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing or bridge.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule a checkup
Book The Works, which includes a battery test, brake inspection and Multi-Point Inspection, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Railroad crossing guidance is from Operation Lifesaver, and the Illinois passing rule from the Illinois State Police, read October 29, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Driving Safely Near Tracks, Operation Lifesaver, read October 29, 2026
- What All Drivers Need to Know About Railroad Crossings (brochure), Operation Lifesaver, read October 29, 2026
- Illinois State Police reminds drivers and farmers about safely sharing the roads this harvest season (press release, September 5, 2025; passing rule), Illinois State Police, read October 29, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026