How far must you stop from a railroad crossing?

The requirement to stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing is based on ensuring the safety of both the driver and any potential train traffic. This distance allows for adequate visibility of any trains approaching the crossing while also providing enough space to avoid potential hazards. Stopping too close could obscure the driver's view, increasing the risk of a collision with an oncoming train.

Stopping too far back may result in missing critical safety signs or signals that indicate whether it's safe to proceed. Additionally, some railroad crossings are equipped with signals that can help indicate the presence of an approaching train, and maintaining the proper stopping distance ensures these signals can be seen clearly. The key is to strike a balance that ensures both safety and visibility without interfering with the workings of train operations.