What should you do when approaching lowered crossing gates at train tracks?

When approaching lowered crossing gates at train tracks, the appropriate action is to never drive around them. This is critical for ensuring safety, as lowered gates indicate an active train crossing, meaning a train is either approaching or passing through the intersection. Ignoring the gates and driving around them is highly dangerous and illegal, as it puts both the driver and passengers at serious risk of a collision with a train, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

The design of crossing gates is intended to provide a clear warning to motorists. When they are in the lowered position, it signifies that the tracks are in use, and stopping is necessary. This precaution is established to protect individuals from the unpredictable nature of train schedules and the inability to judge train speed and distance accurately. Therefore, adherence to this rule is crucial for all drivers to maintain safety at train crossings.