1

The train has always the right of way! Even an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, fire brigade or the police, has to stop before the crossing and yield the right of way to the railway vehicle.

2

Never enter the railway level crossing when the red light is flashing, even if the railway level crossing gates are raised. There might be another train coming to the crossing!

3

In case of danger you can find the PLK’s Yellow Sticker on the drive of the railway level crossing gates or on the St. Andrew’s cross. You will find an individual identification number of the crossing, as well as the emergency numbers on the sticker.

4

If your car gets stuck between the railway level crossing gates, use the PLK’s Yellow Sticker and inform the rescue services about the situation. If you can already see the upcoming train – break the gates open and leave the crossing to save your life!

5

Never pass by the closed railway level crossing gates. You are not only violating the regulations, but most of all - risking your own and your passengers’ lives.

6

When you see the railway tracks you should always expect a train! Even tracks that seem to be abandoned can be used by cargo trains. The trains’ timetables constantly change. Driving “on autopilot” may lead to a tragic end.

7

Take off your headphones, turn the music down, don’t look at your phone! Driving or walking across the tracks is not a place to relax. Concentrate on crossing the tracks safely. Focus!

8

The train is always closer than you think! Due to its size it may seem like it is moving slowly, but that is only an illusion. Don’t think you can “make it” before the train.

9

When you wait to cross the railroad passage, keep away from the tracks! A train is 50 cm wider from each side than the tracks. You don’t want to learn it from experience.

10

When driving in a traffic jam never enter the railway level crossing if you don’t have enough space on the other side of the tracks. The railway level crossing gates can start closing  in just a few seconds and you may end up being trapped between the closed gates.

11

When you are close to the crossing you should bear in mind the same rule which applies also to driving anywhere else – the limited trust rule. The grade crossing attendant may have fainted and the signaling or the gates may be broken. You should always be careful and look around before entering the railway level crossing.

12

Just because you saw one train leaving the crossing it doesn’t mean that another one is not coming. On a multi-track crossing you should always wait to make sure that there isn’t another train visible.

13

Drive slower! When you are speeding you won’t have the time to react, even if you see the train coming.

14

You have to be ready for different scenarios: a train can come from any direction at any  time. The train cars might be pushed by the locomotive instead of being pulled. Evaluate every situation separately and make responsible choices.

15

Cross the track only in places designated to do so. If you choose a shortcut you may save a few minutes, but you are also putting your life at risk. Is it really worth it?

16

In the past, an approaching train could be heard from over a kilometer away. Don’t count on that now! Today, the railway vehicles are modern, less noisy and can appear unexpectedly.

17

A speeding train crushes a car with the same force as a car crushes a can. You don’t want to know that feeling, do you?

18

A railway level crossing is the same crossing as any other. Drivers don’t question the necessity of stopping on the red light at the crossroads. Why some of them do not stop on the “red light” at the railway level crossings then?

19

The STOP sign, as the name suggests, orders everyone to stop their vehicle. Many drivers, for reasons understandable only to themselves, treat it as a suggestion and not as a mandatory obligation.

20

Just because the car in front of you is entering the railway level crossing doesn’t mean you should do the same! Doing things mechanically is an enemy of a safe driver. They might be able to drive off the tracks on time. Are you sure you will too?