What should you do at a railroad crossing with flashing lights or crossing gates?

• A. Cross immediately if no train is visible
• B. Ignore signals if in a hurry
• C. Stop well before the crossing when warning signals are active and wait until signals indicate it is safe to cross.
• D. Drive around the gates

Answer: (C)

When a railroad crossing has flashing lights or crossing gates, treat it as closed until it’s clearly safe to pass. Trains can be closer and faster than they appear, and you may not have time to react if you try to rush through. Stop well before the crossing while the warning signals are active, and wait until the lights stop flashing, the gates are fully up, and you have a clear view of both directions with no approaching train. Then proceed only when it’s safe to do so. This approach prevents getting trapped on the tracks and avoids collisions. Crossing immediately, ignoring signals, or driving around the gates are dangerous, illegal, and can lead to severe harm.