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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: Every once in a while, I notice some vehicles stop in the road at the railroad tracks when nothing is coming. Can I pass them when they do this?

Answer: Some vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses and larger trucks, are required to stop at all railroad tracks, whether or not a train is present. Do not pass these vehicles. It is illegal to pass any vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

Here are some additional safety tips:

• Yield the right-of-way to trains at highway-rail crossings. It’s the law.

• Never drive around lowering gates, it’s illegal and deadly.

• Only cross tracks where they are marked with pedestrian crossing markings.

• Never race a train to the crossing, even if it is a tie, you lose.

• Expect a train on the track at any time, trains do not follow set schedules.

• Look out for the second train when crossing multiple tracks.

• Immediately get out of your vehicle if it stalls on the crossing, get clear of the tracks and call 911.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848 or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.