Final answer:
A motorcyclist should stop at least 5 meters away from a railway crossing when a train is approaching to ensure safety. The stopping distance is important to avoid accidents and comply with safety regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When nearing a railway crossing with a train approaching, a motorcyclist should stop at least 5 meters away from the closest gate or rail. This distance ensures enough safety margin for the motorcycle not to be hit by the train or any debris caused by its passage. Stopping this far away is also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions for all vehicles, not just motorcycles.
Understanding the correct stopping distance at railway crossings is critical for road safety reasons. In a situation where a car is 28 meters away, which is approximately the length of 8 average-sized cars, and you need to cross the road, whether it is safe to do so would depend on several factors including the speed of the car and your walking speed. To cross a road safely in town with a speed limit of 60 km/hr, you should be able to cover a total distance of at least 4 meters before the car reaches your crossing point. This extra distance accounts for the width of the car plus some safety margin.