How close must vehicles stop to a railroad crossing when a train is approaching?

When a train is approaching, vehicles must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad crossing. This distance is crucial for safety reasons, allowing enough space for the train to pass and ensuring that drivers have a clear view of the tracks to make an informed decision. Stopping within this range provides ample room to avoid potential collisions and ensures that vehicles are not in the path of the oncoming train. The specified distance helps to establish a buffer zone that contributes to the overall safety of both the vehicle occupants and train passengers, allowing for clear observation of the tracks without being too close to the potentially dangerous area.