What should you do if the gates at a railroad crossing are down and the lights are flashing?

When you encounter a railroad crossing where the gates are down and the lights are flashing, the correct course of action is to stop and wait until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. This is crucial for safety as it indicates that a train is approaching and crossing is not permitted. The presence of flashing lights serves as a warning for drivers to stay clear of the tracks until it is safe to cross.

Choosing to drive around the gates or to pass while the lights are flashing disregards the safety measures in place, which are designed to prevent collisions with trains. Similarly, proceeding without stopping or sounding your horn is not advisable since it could lead to a dangerous situation where a train could be on a collision course with your vehicle. Thus, the correct response prioritizes safety and adheres to traffic regulations governing railroad crossings.