When must you stop when approaching a drawbridge?

When approaching a drawbridge, it is essential to stop at least 50 feet away. This distance is established to provide both safety and ample reaction time when the bridge is in the process of opening or closing. The reasoning behind this requirement is that drawbridges often have signals, such as lights or bells, indicating when they are about to open for boat traffic. Stopping at this designated distance helps prevent accidents by ensuring that vehicles are positioned safely away from the bridge's operation area.

By maintaining a minimum distance of 50 feet, drivers can clearly see the signals and comply with any traffic control devices related to the drawbridge. This precaution is critical in avoiding collisions or other hazardous situations that could arise if approaching the drawbridge too closely when it is operational.