Ontario G1 Driving Practice Test

When approaching a railway crossing with flashing lights, you should:

1. Slow down and proceed with caution.

2. Speed up to clear the crossing quickly.

3. Stop at least 5 meters before the crossing.

4. Stop only if a train is visible.

The correct answer is: Stop at least 5 meters before the crossing.

When approaching a railway crossing with flashing lights, stopping at least 5 meters before the crossing is the appropriate action. This ensures that you are at a safe distance from the tracks while also allowing for ample time to assess the situation before proceeding. The flashing lights indicate that a train is approaching or that it is unsafe to cross, thus stopping before the designated distance helps prevent potential collisions and gives you the opportunity to observe for any oncoming trains. In this situation, slowing down and proceeding with caution could still leave you unprepared for an oncoming train. Speeding up is dangerous, as it increases the risk of being caught on the tracks. Additionally, stopping only if a train is visible disregards the warning system in place; the lights indicate an imminent threat regardless of whether a train is in your line of sight at that moment. Safe practices around railway crossings prioritize awareness and readiness to stop when warned by visual signals.