What should you do if you see a warning signal at a railroad crossing?

When you see a warning signal at a railroad crossing, it indicates that a train is approaching and you need to take immediate action for your safety and the safety of others. Stopping and checking for trains is the correct response because it allows you to ensure that it is safe to proceed before crossing the tracks.

The warning signal is an important safety measure designed to alert drivers to the potential danger of an oncoming train. By stopping, you give yourself time to look and listen for trains that may not yet be visible. This vigilance is crucial since trains can approach quickly and may not always be heard immediately due to noise and distance.

Choosing to proceed with caution without stopping may lead to an accident if a train is indeed coming, while assuming no train is coming disregards the purpose of the warning signal itself. Accelerating to cross quickly is also dangerous, as it increases the risk of encountering a train unexpectedly. Therefore, stopping and checking for trains is the appropriate and safest action to take.