What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing with lowered gates and signals flashing?

When approaching a railroad crossing with lowered gates and flashing signals, the correct action is to stop and wait until the gates are raised, the signals cease flashing, and any accompanying bells have stopped ringing. This is crucial for ensuring safety, as the lowered gates and flashing lights indicate that a train is approaching or may be on the tracks.

Adhering to this protocol helps prevent potentially catastrophic accidents. Trains may be traveling at high speeds, and their stopping distances are significantly longer than those of vehicles. By stopping, you allow yourself adequate time to assess the situation and ensure it is safe to cross the tracks.

The other options present unsafe practices. For example, proceeding if no train is visible ignores the potential dangers of hidden trains or the unpredictable nature of train schedules. Driving around the gates is illegal and extremely dangerous since trains can approach at any moment. Lastly, honking your horn and proceeding cautiously does not remove the risk posed by a train that may not be immediately visible. Overall, following the guidelines for stopping ensures maximum safety for yourself and others on the road.