Under which condition should you be most cautious when approaching a railway crossing?

Being most cautious when signals indicate trains may be present is crucial for safety when approaching a railway crossing. Signal lights are designed to alert drivers to the presence of an approaching train, and they are a clear indication that caution is necessary. When these signals are activated, it means a train is either approaching or is already on the tracks, and ignoring this warning could lead to a serious accident.

Train speeds can be deceptively fast, and they may not stop in time if a vehicle is on the tracks. Recognizing and obeying warning signals is essential for avoiding potential collisions with a train, which can have devastating consequences. This emphasizes the importance of being aware of and responsive to all railway crossing signals and indicators.

In situations where signal lights are not activated or there are no warnings present, while vigilance is still important, the urgency and level of caution required is significantly diminished compared to when active signals indicate that a train may be nearby. Therefore, the heightened awareness and caution are warranted specifically under conditions that signal potential train presence.