South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

When stopped at railroad tracks that have no crossing gates, when is it permissible to cross?

1. Immediately without checking

2. Only when you can see clearly in both directions

3. When other vehicles are crossing

4. Only if the light is green

The correct answer is: Only when you can see clearly in both directions

When approaching railroad tracks that lack crossing gates, it is essential to ensure your safety by thoroughly assessing the situation before crossing. The correct approach is to only proceed when you can see clearly in both directions. This ensures that no trains are approaching from either side, reducing the risk of a collision. Checking for visibility helps drivers gauge the speed and distance of any oncoming trains, which could be traveling faster than expected or may be hidden from view. In contrast, moving immediately without checking poses a significant danger, as you could unknowingly cross the tracks just as a train is approaching. Making a decision to cross merely because other vehicles are doing so can also be risky; those drivers may make mistakes or could be misjudging the train's arrival. Lastly, the traffic light status does not dictate the safety of crossing railroad tracks since lights are not applicable in scenarios without gates. Thus, careful observation and clear visibility are critical for safe decision-making at railroad crossings without gates.