A motorist is driving at 45 mph on a two-lane rural highway with a 55 mph posted limit, following a tractor moving at 25 mph. The pavement markings transition from a solid yellow line to a broken yellow line on the driver's side. However, an advance railroad warning sign indicates a railroad grade crossing is located 150 feet ahead on the highway. Traffic in the opposing lane is completely clear for over half a mile. Under standard traffic safety laws, which course of action must the driver take?
- Remain behind the tractor without passing, because driving on the left side of the roadway is legally prohibited within 100 feet of any railroad grade crossing.Answer
- BAccelerate up to 60 mph to complete the pass rapidly before reaching the railroad track area, utilizing the speed tolerance allowed for overtaking slower vehicles.
- CInitiate the passing maneuver immediately because the broken yellow centerline grants absolute right-of-way to pass when oncoming traffic is clear.
- DBegin the pass but abort it if the vehicle reaches the advance railroad warning sign, as the statutory passing restriction begins at the warning sign position.
Answer
The driver must remain behind the tractor without passing because passing on the left side of the roadway is legally prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing.
Traffic safety statutes strictly prohibit driving on the left side of the roadway when approaching within 100 feet of any railroad grade crossing, intersection, bridge, or tunnel. Even though a broken yellow line indicates passing is otherwise allowed on that section of road, the driver cannot complete a pass within the remaining 150 feet without violating the mandatory 100-foot buffer zone around the tracks.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Statutory Passing Prohibitions Near Railroad Crossings and Intersections