To be safe when crossing a railroad, you should:

1. Look both ways, but only when the red light is flashing.
2. Listen, look both ways, and then proceed if it is safe to do so. ✓
3. Cross especially quickly when a train is approaching.
4. Quickly pass under any lowering gates.

Answer: B. Listen, look both ways, and then proceed if it is safe to do so.

Listen, look both ways, and proceed only if it is safe to do so.

Why this is the answer

The Texas handbook says at a crossing marked only with a crossbuck or reduce speed sign, look both ways and listen for a whistle. If a train is coming, stop; if none is coming, go ahead carefully. It also says to cross tracks only at designated crossings and only when safe, and to obey lights, signals, and gates. That matches listening, looking both ways, and proceeding only when clear.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. Look both ways, but only when the red light is flashing. — Looking both ways only when the red light is flashing is too limited, because the handbook tells you to look both ways before crossing and flashing lights mean stop.
• C. Cross especially quickly when a train is approaching. — Crossing especially quickly when a train is approaching is wrong because you must never race a train or try to beat it, and you should stop if a train is coming.
• D. Quickly pass under any lowering gates. — Passing under lowering gates is wrong because you must never drive around crossing gate arms and must remain stopped when gates are lowered.

Remember it

Before you move across the tracks, look, listen, and make sure the tracks are clear.