At rail crossings with a standard red-and-white stop sign, what must drivers do?

At rail crossings marked with a standard red-and-white stop sign, drivers are required to come to a complete stop and only proceed when they have determined that no train is approaching. This rule is crucial for ensuring safety at potentially dangerous rail crossings. Trains can be fast and difficult to see until they are very close, so it is essential for drivers to stop, look, and listen for any oncoming trains before deciding to cross the tracks. This practice helps prevent collisions between vehicles and trains, which can be catastrophic.

The other options do not adequately prioritize safety at rail crossings. For instance, quickly proceeding through the intersection ignores the risk of an approaching train. Similarly, just slowing down and watching for trains may not provide enough time to react if a train is nearby. Lastly, yielding to vehicles on the left does not apply at rail crossings, as the primary concern is with the current safety of the train tracks rather than the movement of other vehicles.