Final answer:
You must stop at a safe distance from a railroad crossing when red lights are flashing or bells are ringing, typically no closer than 15 feet. This is to ensure safety as trains cannot stop quickly and the danger is significant.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights or ringing bells, it is crucial for safety that your vehicle stops at a safe distance before the tracks. This means stopping if the lights start to flash or if the bells start to ring, indicating a train is approaching. The specific distance can vary by jurisdiction, but a common rule of thumb is to stop no closer than 15 feet to the nearest rail.
Meanwhile, considering a safety scenario for pedestrians, if a traffic signal is present, you should cross only when the signal allows. In case of an emergency, such as a pregnant woman in labor in your vehicle, some argue that the typical rules could be bent for greater utility, such as proceeding through the red light at a deserted intersection to reach the hospital more quickly.
However, this does not apply to railroad crossings; trains cannot stop quickly, so the risk remains high regardless of road traffic conditions, making waiting at railroad crossings imperative for safety.