ECA Study Guide — Exam Prep

Railroad Crossings

A grade crossing is where train tracks intersect a roadway and is treated as an intersection. Always expect a train — never race a train to a crossing, never drive around lowered gates, and never stop on the tracks.

Active crossings (gates/flashing lights): stop at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks. Do not cross until lights and bell have stopped and gates are fully up. Never drive around or under a moving gate.

Passive crossings (crossbuck "X" sign, no gates/lights): slow down, be prepared to stop, and be sure no train is coming — check all tracks if there are multiple sets.

Never start across tracks unless you're certain your entire vehicle will clear them, with room on the other side.

School buses (with or without passengers), other buses with passengers, and vehicles carrying explosives/flammable cargo must stop at ALL railroad crossings.

Stalling on Railroad Tracks

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks: (1) GET OUT — everyone, immediately; (2) get away from the tracks even if you don't see a train; (3) find the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number to report the stalled vehicle. If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle — never run down the track in the train's direction, since you could be hit by debris.

Expressway Driving

An expressway is any divided highway with traffic moving in one direction on two or more lanes, entered/exited via ramps. Speed limit is normally 55 mph, sometimes posted at 65 mph in rural areas. Signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before the ramp. It is dangerous to back up on an entrance/exit ramp or cross a median — if you miss your exit, continue to the next one.

Night Driving

About 90% of your driving decisions are based on what you see, so night driving demands extra caution. Your headlights illuminate about 350 feet ahead — you should drive at a speed that lets you stop safely within that distance ("driving within the range" of your headlights).

Headlights are legally required from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet (300 m), and whenever windshield wipers are needed for rain/snow/sleet.

Dim to low beam within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle, or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle you're following.

Daytime running lights or parking lights do not satisfy the headlight requirement.

Driving in Rain, Fog, or Snow

Wet roads and even wet leaves can be slippery. Reduce speed and increase following distance in poor weather. Hydroplaning (tires riding on top of water, losing traction) occurs more at higher speeds and with worn/underinflated tires. Headlights on low beam work better than high beams in rain, fog, or snow, since high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce your visibility further. New York law requires headlights whenever wipers are needed for rain, snow, sleet, or fog.

Winter Driving & Skid Recovery

Studded tires are legal in NY only from October 16 through April 30. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle.

Rear wheels skid: steer in the direction the vehicle is trying to go (skid left → steer left).

Front wheels skid: take your foot off the gas, shift to neutral (or push in the clutch) — do NOT try to steer immediately. As traction returns, turn toward where you want to go.

ABS brakes: keep even, steady pressure. Non-ABS brakes: pump the pedal carefully and more rapidly as the car slows — hard braking on non-ABS brakes makes things worse.

Bridges, ramps, and overpasses freeze first.

Avoiding Deer Collisions

Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur in October, November, and December (deer breeding/travel season). Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Deer travel in groups — if you see one, expect more. Slow down near roadsides and deer-crossing signs, and use your high beams/emergency lights to warn other drivers when deer are spotted.

Driving Emergencies

The most important rule in any emergency: do not panic.

Tire blowout: hold the wheel firmly, gradually ease off the gas, do NOT brake until the vehicle is controlled, then leave the road safely.

Steering failure: ease off the gas, activate emergency lights, keep your foot off the brake while it's safe, and brake carefully only as the vehicle slows.

Brake failure: pump the pedal; if that fails, use the emergency/parking brake gradually and gently; shifting to a lower gear also helps slow the vehicle.

Stuck gas pedal: try to free it with your shoe; if you can't, shift to neutral and brake to a stop — do NOT turn off the ignition (you could lose steering control).

Running off the pavement: do not jerk back onto the road — ease off the gas, brake gently, then carefully steer back once slowed.

Vehicle approaching head-on in your lane: decrease speed, pull right, and sound your horn — do NOT swerve into the other lane.

Going into water: release your seat belt and escape through a window (an open door lets water rush in). If it sinks first, wait for an air pocket in the back seat, then escape as it settles.

Fire: pull over, turn off the ignition, get away from the vehicle, and call the fire department — do not try to fight it yourself.

Study Notes