When approaching an unguarded railroad crossing, what should the driver/operator do?

When approaching an unguarded railroad crossing, the correct action is to come to a complete stop. This is crucial for safety reasons, as unguarded crossings do not have gates or lights to warn drivers of incoming trains. By stopping, the driver can better assess the situation, look both ways along the tracks, and listen for any approaching trains before proceeding.

This thorough approach minimizes the risk of accidents, as trains can travel at high speeds and may not always be visible until it's too late. While checking for signals and warning signs is also important, the fundamental safety step is to first come to a complete stop to ensure that the area is clear before crossing. Speeding up to cross quickly or signaling to others does not enhance safety and could lead to dangerous situations at unguarded crossings.