Okay, so today I wanted to really nail down the practice of stopping at railroad tracks. It’s something we all know we should do, but how often do we actually, truly, fully stop? I decided to make it a conscious effort throughout my entire day.
My Railroad Track Experiment
I started by planning my usual routes. I mapped out where I knew railroad tracks were located. I even used a map app to double-check and make sure I didn’t miss any.
Then, the driving began. Every time I approached a railroad crossing, I slowed down way earlier than I normally would. I really focused on making a complete, deliberate stop – no rolling stops allowed!
- First crossing: Felt a little weird stopping so fully, but I did it. Looked both ways, multiple times. All clear.
- Second crossing: This one had flashing lights and the gates were down. Easy peasy – already had to stop. But it was a good reminder of why we do this.
- Third crossing: No lights, no gates. This is where it’s most tempting to just roll through. But I stopped. Full stop. Checked, checked again, then proceeded.
Honestly, it felt a bit awkward at first, especially when there were no trains in sight. I imagined people behind me might be getting impatient. But I stuck with it. The more I did it, the more it became a habit, a natural pause in my driving.
By the end of the day, I realized something. It’s not just about following a rule; it’s about actively prioritizing safety. Taking those extra few seconds to stop and truly look could make all the difference. I decided this is going be part of my routine.
It’s such a simple thing, but it’s so important. Really made me think. I encourage you all to try it!
