When approaching a railroad crossing, what should you do?

When approaching a railroad crossing, looking, listening, and being prepared to stop is crucial for ensuring safety. This approach allows drivers to assess the situation thoroughly, including checking for any approaching trains that may not be immediately visible.

Trains can travel at high speeds and may not always be accompanied by warning signals, so taking the time to look down both tracks and listen for any horns or signals is critical. Being prepared to stop means that if a train is indeed approaching, the driver can react accordingly to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. This proactive strategy is essential in preventing accidents at railroad crossings.

Rushing or attempting to speed up to cross quickly compromises safety, while proceeding without a full check ignores the potential dangers of an approaching train. Waiting for a train to pass is a response that only comes into play if there is already a train, which requires prior awareness. Thus, looking, listening, and preparing to stop is the best comprehensive strategy to ensure safety at railroad crossings.