When are you required to stop at a railroad crossing?

Stopping at a railroad crossing is necessary for safety, particularly when there are flashing lights or a lowered gate. These signals are in place to indicate that a train is either approaching or is already present on the tracks. The purpose of the lights and gates is to prevent accidents by providing clear, visual warnings to drivers.

When flashing lights are activated, it signals an immediate danger, and the lowered gate serves as a physical barrier to prevent vehicles from entering the crossing area. This helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road by providing a definitive indication that stopping is required.

While it is crucial to be vigilant and aware of trains approaching, and traffic conditions can affect when we stop, the overriding signal of flashing lights and lowered gates takes precedence. This ensures that vehicles do not cross into a potentially dangerous area when a train is coming.