What should you check before crossing a railroad track?

• A. Look both ways and listen for trains.
• B. Stop entirely and get out to look.
• C. Look both ways, stop if lights flash or gates lower, cross quickly and safely.
• D. Cross slowly regardless.

Answer: (C)

When approaching a railroad crossing, your first priority is to actively check for trains by looking both ways and listening for any approaching trains. Trains can be closer than they appear and can be very quiet, so you must not rely on your senses alone.

The best practice is to look both ways, listen for trains, and follow the signal indications. If the lights are flashing or gates are lowering, you must stop and wait until the signals stop and the track is clear. When it is safe, cross quickly and straight to the other side, but never linger on the tracks.

Other options are unsafe because they ignore signals or involve stopping on the tracks or crossing slowly, which can leave you exposed to a train. The goal is to confirm it’s safe and then move smoothly across to minimize time on the tracks.