Georgia DDS Practice Test

What must you do at a railroad crossing where the gates are lowered?

1. Proceed without stopping if no train is present

2. Stop and remain stopped until the gates are raised

3. Go around the gates without stopping

4. Stop, then proceed if no train is visible

The correct answer is: Stop and remain stopped until the gates are raised

At a railroad crossing where the gates are lowered, stopping and remaining stopped until the gates are raised is essential for safety. The primary purpose of lowered gates at a railroad crossing is to signal that a train is approaching. These gates help prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks, thereby reducing the risk of accidents that could lead to serious injury or death. Maintaining a stopped position until the gates are lifted ensures that you are not entering a potentially dangerous area where a train may be passing. This is critical because trains are often larger and travel at high speeds, making them difficult to stop quickly. Furthermore, the lowered gates serve as a clear, unambiguous signal that crossing is prohibited during that time. Any actions that involve moving around the gates or proceeding without stopping could lead to catastrophic consequences not only for the driver but also for passengers and train passengers, hence the strict adherence to stopping until it is safe to proceed.