What actions are prohibited at a railroad crossing?

Driving around lowered gates or ignoring signals is prohibited at a railroad crossing because these signals are specifically designed to alert drivers to the presence of an approaching train. When the gates are lowered, it indicates that a train is either passing or is imminent. Ignoring these signals can lead to serious accidents, potentially resulting in injury or death, as trains cannot stop quickly and are often traveling at high speeds.

By obeying the signals and barriers at these crossings, drivers contribute to overall safety on the road and minimize the risk of collisions with trains. The other actions listed may not carry the same risk or legal implications; for instance, waiting for a train to pass is both permissible and often necessary, while stopping on the tracks could be dangerous but is not typically associated with the same legal penalties as ignoring signals.