When there are flashing signals at a railroad crossing and the train clears the crossing, how soon should you proceed?

The correct answer is to proceed after the gates are up and the lights are no longer flashing. This is important for safety reasons; flashing signals indicate that a train is approaching or present, and the gates are barriers to prevent vehicles from crossing while it is unsafe. It is only safe to proceed once those signals have stopped and the gates are raised, ensuring that no further trains are coming.

Selecting alternatives such as proceeding immediately or waiting for a specific time interval does not take into account the ongoing presence of other trains that may still be coming. Additionally, assuming it is safe to go once the train is out of sight can be misleading, as visibility can be impaired and does not guarantee that the track is clear for crossing. Always prioritize the safety measures indicated by the signals and gates at railroad crossings.