Final answer:
You may proceed after a railroad crossing when it is safe, which typically involves waiting for trains to pass, gates to lift, and warning signals to clear. Traffic laws ensure safety and are designed to protect road users, but emergencies may necessitate exceptional actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
After stopping at a railroad crossing, you may proceed only when it is safe to do so. This would typically mean after ensuring that there are no trains approaching, the gates have been lifted, and the warning lights have stopped flashing. Additionally, it is crucial to obey all traffic laws and signals that are put in place to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. For instance, in an emergency where a pregnant woman is about to deliver, the rule utilitarianism (RU) principle might support breaking a traffic law such as running a red light if doing so significantly increases the overall good, such as getting to a hospital swiftly for a safe delivery. However, in general, traffic safety is paramount, and rules at intersections and railroad crossings are designed to protect all road users, including drivers and pedestrians. One must also consider risks such as heavy rains making rivers swell or situations of pedestrian safety near campus, highlighting the need for careful assessment before proceeding.