Final answer:
When approaching a railroad crossing without gates or lights, you should slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop. Ignoring speed limits or assuming the tracks aren't used could lead to severe accidents. Always be vigilant and ready to respond accordingly for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Railroad Crossing Safety
When approaching a railroad crossing without mechanical gates or lights, the correct course of action is to slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop. This is because it is essential to exercise extreme caution near railroad tracks due to the risk posed by an approaching but unseen train. While the absence of gates or lights might sometimes suggest a less frequently used track, trains can still come at any time, and assuming it's not in use could be a deadly mistake.
Ignoring posted speed limits and continuing at your normal speed could lead to severe consequences, including potential car-train collisions. It's also important to note that just because a road lacks a traffic signal, it does not imply that drivers should disregard basic safety measures. Drivers need to be even more vigilant in these scenarios to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all involved.
As a reminder, if you are trying to match the speed of a train, noticing a change in pitch of the train's horn can indicate relative movement between your vehicle and the train—another reason to remain alert and responsive when driving near or alongside trains.