Final answer:
At a railroad crossing with lowered gates and flashing lights, the correct action is to stop and remain stationary until it is safe to proceed. Adhering to traffic signals is crucial for maintaining safety for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians, and helps regulate vehicle speed and pedestrian crossing in intersections.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you come to a railroad crossing with lowered gates and flashing warning lights, the correct action to take is to stop moving and become stationary until the train has passed by. It is important to never attempt to cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing, as this can be extremely dangerous. Railroad crossings are designed with safety measures such as gates and lights to prevent accidents and ensure both pedestrian safety and the safety of those in vehicles. Ignoring these signals can result in serious injury or death.
Similarly, traffic signals in intersections serve to regulate vehicle speed and allow pedestrians to cross roads safely. Vehicles must slow down and stop at traffic signals when they are red and may proceed when the signals change to green, assuming the path is clear. Adhering to these rules not only helps maintain an orderly flow of traffic but also reduces the risk of collisions and enhances pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as near a campus.