When are you required to stop for a train?

Stopping for a train is critical for safety, and the requirement to stop comes into play when specific signals indicate an approaching train. The correct answer emphasizes that you must stop when the lights at a railway crossing are flashing, and the gates are down. This is a clear and unmistakable warning that a train is either approaching or is currently passing through the crossing.

The lights flashing and the gates being down are designed to alert drivers and pedestrians that they need to halt their vehicle to avoid a potentially fatal accident. Additionally, even if the gates are not down but lights are flashing, it signals that a train is nearby, thus necessitating a stop. This ensures that the driver can fully assess the situation, ensuring their safety and the safety of others.

In contrast, simply stopping when a train is visible could lead to dangerous situations, as a train can be traveling faster than it appears, and there may be other trains on adjacent tracks. Likewise, stopping only if there is a sign indicating to stop overlooks critical safety signals that may be present. Lastly, the assertion that you never have to stop for a train is fundamentally inaccurate and dangerous, as it contradicts the very purpose of safety regulations designed to protect individuals near train tracks.