You may drive around the gates at a railroad crossing:
When the train has passed.
Under no circumstances.
When the lights have stopped flashing.
When other drivers drive around the gates.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Under no circumstances.
It is illegal and dangerous to drive around the gates at a railroad crossing. This action is prohibited under all circumstances, and here’s why:
- Safety First: Railroad gates are in place to protect drivers and pedestrians from approaching trains. When the gates are lowered, it means a train is either passing or approaching, and trying to go around the gates puts you at a serious risk of being hit by a train. Trains are often traveling at high speeds, and even if you can’t see one immediately, it might be just out of view.
- Visibility Issues: When the gates are down, it often signals that a train is either nearby or approaching. The flashing lights are a critical warning, and trying to drive around them compromises your safety and that of other drivers and pedestrians.
- Legal Consequences: It is against the law to drive around railroad gates. This type of behavior can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines and possibly jail time, depending on the severity of the incident. In many places, doing so can result in a traffic violation and points on your license, or even a more serious charge if an accident occurs.
- Potential for Catastrophic Accidents: Trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the train is far off, trying to bypass the gates means you might misjudge the distance, resulting in a tragic accident. The force of a collision with a train is immense, and the chances of survival are low for those involved in such accidents.
In summary, driving around railroad crossing gates is never safe, and you should always obey the signals, which are there to protect you. The consequences of ignoring these signals can be devastating. Always stop when the gates are down, and wait until the train has passed and the gates have fully risen before proceeding.