Final answer:
It is illegal and unsafe to drive around lowered railroad crossing gates. Traffic signals enhance pedestrian safety by regulating crossing times, and sensors at tollbooths manage traffic or automate toll collection.
Step-by-step explanation:
You are never allowed to drive around railroad crossing gates when they are lowered. The lowered gates are a clear indication that a train is approaching and it is illegal and unsafe to attempt to cross at this time. There may be instances where drivers are faced with an emergency situation, like the example provided where a pregnant woman is in a vehicle about to deliver a baby, which could potentially justify breaking certain traffic laws for the sake of greater utility, as suggested by Rule Utilitarianism (RU).
However, this ethical consideration does not change the law regarding railroad crossings. In terms of pedestrian safety at traffic intersections, it is important to note that a traffic signal can play a critical role in allowing pedestrians to cross roads safely, making it possible for them to avoid dodging traffic. Tollbooth stations may have sensors or wires in the pavement to detect approaching vehicles, which serve various functions such as toll collection automation or traffic flow management.