(a) Whenever the tracks of separate and independent railroads cross each other in this state, or whenever any railroad has the tracks of two separate and independent divisions crossing each other in this state, all enginemen and conductors in charge of trains moving on those tracks shall cause the trains which they respectively drive and conduct to come to a full stop within 50 feet of the place of crossing and then to move the trains forward slowly until over the crossing, provided that whenever either or any of the railroads whose tracks cross in the manner contemplated in this Code section place at such crossing either flagmen or modern interlocking signal devices, it shall not be necessary for trains to stop at such crossings if the signals indicate that the tracks for such trains are clear; but all trains approaching crossings so guarded shall be under such control that they may be stopped if the signals so indicate.

(b) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.