What should you do at a railroad crossing without signals?

At a railroad crossing without signals, it is crucial to prioritize safety by stopping, looking, and listening for trains before proceeding. This practice helps ensure that drivers are fully aware of their surroundings and potential train activity. Trains can approach quickly and may be difficult to hear, especially in certain environments or when other noise is present.

By stopping, you give yourself the opportunity to observe both directions of the tracks for any oncoming trains. Looking and listening are key steps in assessing whether it's safe to cross, as trains can sometimes approach without warning. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of accidents at railroad crossings.

The other options present less safe practices, such as speeding through if no train is visible, which can lead to dangerous situations if a train is coming from an unexpected angle. Proceeding with caution due to malfunctioning signals is less effective than the established protocol of stopping and checking—since signals could fail but conductors still operate trains at high speed. Finally, only stopping if a train is observed overlooks the importance of assessing the crossing environment for any other potential risks before crossing. Thus, the best practice is to stop, look, and listen to ensure safety at railroad crossings without signals.