The dangers of crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads include:
To help with the contraction and expansion of the rail roads
a map where 2 roads intersect.
When two roads cross, they form an intersection.
Your friend may have Agyrophobia, the fear of crossing roads. This can be the result of a bad experience or witnessing a bad experience involving roads.
I have a 2001 I had the same problem when driven through rough roads and railroad tracks, I replaced the front struts and that solved the problem. I have a 2000 that rattles too. Looking for the answer.
Railway tracks
Tornadoes can cause a localized disruption to transportation. Debris and downed trees may block roads and railroad tracks. Tornadoes can blow cars and trucks off roads and derail trains. Some very strong tornadoes can directly damage transportation infrastructure, stripping asphalt from roads and destroying some bridges.
2,300
sever cold, iced and slippery roads
Indians say it is unmade tracks, impassable/rough roads http://omus.wordpress.com/category/my-trips/page/2/
There were lots of roads in Europe in 1826. The earliest purpose-built roads were build by the Romans. But roads existed before that, as tracks made by people travelling from one place to another.
Probably none are still used as roads. Parts of some are still used as roads and parts are used as tracks or footpaths.