Which statement correctly identifies the action at unguarded railroad crossings during response?

• A. Come to a Complete Stop
• B. Proceed with Caution
• C. Maintain Normal Speed
• D. Sound Horn and Proceed

Answer: (A)

At unguarded railroad crossings during response, the action that keeps you safest is to come to a complete stop before crossing. Stopping gives you a deliberate chance to verify there’s no train approaching—listen for horns, look down the tracks for any oncoming movement, and scan for multiple tracks or other vehicles that could obscure an approach. Trains can be surprisingly close or fast, and they can be harder to judge than other hazards, so you must physically confirm the crossing is clear rather than assuming it is safe to proceed. After ensuring there is no train and the track is clear, you may proceed only when your department’s procedures indicate it’s safe. Relying on speed, “proceed with caution,” or a horn alone does not reliably protect you at unguarded crossings, because there are no barriers or signals guaranteeing safety.