HazMat Railroad Crossing Question

I attended safety orientation Thurs/Fri, and was told "set auto trans to manual so it doesn't shift on crossing."
Also told that I didn't have to stop at crossings controlled by traffic lights, as long as it's within the 50-150 feet of crossing. Example, a set of tracks running parallel to highway, with intersection controlled by stop light, with turn arrow. Turn arrow will not allow turn if train sensed. Of course I don't trust electronics with my life and will verify no train, before crossing.
Since industrial crossings are not on public highways, I don't think DOT can ticket you, but I'd be sure no trains before crossing, I also would not cross over a flare.

 

If the tracks are controlled by a traffic light all you are required to do is slow down and cross. It's in the FMCSR's 392.10 (b)(3).

 

Your transmission is casterated beyond reason.

If you have no manual at all, then change companies before you start accumulating tickets or roll that truck.

There is a very old rule, power to the drives always, never changing gear or neutral at or on crossing.

 

Here https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmc..._License_Manual_Railroad_Crossing_Section.pdf

 

Actually you should put on the hazards first. Just sayin

 

If my company was to disable the manual function of my automatic tranny truck I'd tell them to find another driver, cause I am not taking an 80k truck over a mountain pass that I can't lock into a gear I feel comfortable with... Especially in the winter. Hazmat or not!

 

Passed my final evaluation yesterday, and this topic came up while speaking to the lead driver trainer.
He said that he's spoken to the top DOT man for the Eastern region who said, "Hazardous carriers must stop 15-50 feet before ANY non-exempt (must be marked with sign) RR crossing, regardless of lights, signals, etc., period!"

 

Bet your butt the DOT will give you a ticket for that. RRT is a RRT regardless of location.

 

It's right there in DOT writing. People would rather take someone's word over the book of laws even if they are wrong. Not all know the rules even the TOP DOT men in the eastern part of the USA. If that were the case we'd have no one in courts and DOT could make up laws and rules as they go along, which some think they can.