At a railroad crossing, when signals are active, what must you do?

• A. Proceed through if space is available
• B. Stop and wait, no matter what
• C. Turn around and take an alternate route
• D. Drive around the gates if possible

Answer: (B)

When crossing signals are active, it means a train is or could be approaching. The safest move is to stop and wait. Do not try to drive through, and never go around lowered gates or turn back to avoid the crossing. Trains are wide and require a long stopping distance, and you may not see or hear a train until it’s very close. Stop at least 15 feet from the rails and wait until the signals stop flashing and the gates rise, then look both ways and proceed only when it’s clearly safe.