If a railroad crossing has no lights or gates, and a train is visible, you should...

When you approach a railroad crossing without lights or gates and a train is visible, the safest and most responsible action is to stop no less than 15 feet before the nearest rail. This distance ensures that you are far enough away from the tracks to avoid any potential accidents or collisions with the train, which can be extremely dangerous due to the size and speed of trains.

Stopping at this distance also gives you time to assess the situation fully, ensuring that it is safe to proceed. Trains often travel much faster than they appear and can be difficult to gauge in terms of speed and distance. By adhering to this rule, you reduce the risk of a tragic accident and remain compliant with traffic safety regulations.

The other actions, such as proceeding before the train reaches the intersection or rushing through, would be very dangerous and could lead to a serious accident. Flashing headlights might be an attempt to alert others, but this does not replace the necessity of stopping and ensuring that you can cross safely. Therefore, stopping at the designated distance is the most prudent choice in this scenario.