Final answer:
Operators of heavy vehicles such as commercial buses and other vehicles regulated to stop at railroad crossings are prohibited from changing gears while actually crossing the tracks of an uncontrolled railroad grade crossing to prevent stalling and potential accidents with trains.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is unlawful for the operator of certain motor vehicles to change gears while crossing the tracks of an uncontrolled railroad grade crossing. This rule is particularly relevant for heavy vehicles that may have difficulty changing gears quickly, such as commercial vehicles, buses carrying passengers, or any vehicle required to stop at railroad crossings. Changing gears while on the tracks can lead to stalling or delays, increasing the risk of accidents with oncoming trains. The law is designed to ensure that such vehicles can cross railroad tracks swiftly and without interruption to avoid being in the path of a train. Traffic rules and signals are generally designed to manage traffic flow and enhance safety, such as using a traffic signal to enforce speed limits and reduce speeding.