When approaching railroad tracks, you should:

1. Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop. ✓
2. Speed up to cross the tracks before the gate is lowered.
3. Try to drive around a lowered gate.
4. Not pay attention to how many tracks there are to cross.

Answer: A. Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop.

Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop.

Why this is the answer

The Texas handbook says that at a railroad crossbuck you should always reduce speed, check both directions, listen, and be ready to let an approaching train go first. It also says to stop when a train is coming and to make sure the tracks are clear before you cross. Being ready to stop fits that guidance. The handbook does not support rushing a crossing or ignoring the warning devices.

Why the other answers are wrong

• B. Speed up to cross the tracks before the gate is lowered. — Speeding up to cross before the gate lowers is the opposite of the handbook's approach, which says to stop and wait when gates are lowered and to proceed only when the tracks are clear.
• C. Try to drive around a lowered gate. — Driving around a lowered gate is not allowed by the handbook; it says to remain stopped until the train passes and the gates are raised.
• D. Not pay attention to how many tracks there are to cross. — Ignoring how many tracks there are is unsafe because the handbook warns that two or more sets of tracks may be present and one train can block the view of another.

Remember it

Use the crossbuck as your reminder: ease off, look both ways, listen, and keep your foot ready for the brake.