When approaching a railway crossing, what should you do?

When approaching a railway crossing, it is crucial to prioritize safety by being vigilant for signs of an oncoming train. The correct approach is to stop if the lights are flashing or a train is approaching. This is an important safety measure, as the flashing lights at a railway crossing are a clear indication that a train is either approaching or is already in transit.

Stopping allows you to assess the situation safely and ensures that you do not put yourself at risk or impede train operations. Trains travel at high speeds and can be difficult to judge in terms of distance, so erring on the side of caution by stopping makes the most sense to prevent accidents. Additionally, even if no train is visible, the warning signals indicate potential danger, reinforcing the need to stop.

Other options, such as speeding up, gradually slowing down without stopping, or continuing without stopping, can lead to hazardous situations, including collisions with trains which could result in severe injuries or fatalities. Therefore, understanding the significance of stopping at railway crossings when the lights are flashing or a train approaches is essential for road safety.