How should a driver behave when approaching a humpback crossing?

How should a driver behave when approaching a humpback crossing?

• A. Maintain speed and watch for trains.
• B. Slow down to assess visibility.
• C. Stop completely before crossing.
• D. Accelerate quickly to cross the hump.

Answer: (B)

When approaching a humpback crossing, a driver should slow down to assess visibility. This is essential because humpback crossings are typically structured in a way that may hinder a driver's view of oncoming trains. These elevated crossings can create blind spots, making it difficult to see an approaching train until it is very close. By reducing speed, the driver has the opportunity to look both ways carefully and ensure that the tracks are clear before proceeding across. In contrast, maintaining speed while approaching the crossing does not allow for the necessary assessment of the situation, which can lead to dangerous outcomes. Stopping completely may not be required in every instance, as you still need to yield the right of way without obstructing the flow of traffic. Finally, accelerating quickly to cross the hump can result in missing vital visual cues and increase the risk of a collision with a train. Therefore, slowing down is the safest and most responsible approach when navigating a humpback crossing.

When approaching a humpback crossing, a driver should slow down to assess visibility. This is essential because humpback crossings are typically structured in a way that may hinder a driver's view of oncoming trains. These elevated crossings can create blind spots, making it difficult to see an approaching train until it is very close. By reducing speed, the driver has the opportunity to look both ways carefully and ensure that the tracks are clear before proceeding across.

In contrast, maintaining speed while approaching the crossing does not allow for the necessary assessment of the situation, which can lead to dangerous outcomes. Stopping completely may not be required in every instance, as you still need to yield the right of way without obstructing the flow of traffic. Finally, accelerating quickly to cross the hump can result in missing vital visual cues and increase the risk of a collision with a train. Therefore, slowing down is the safest and most responsible approach when navigating a humpback crossing.