When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights, what should you do?

When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights, the correct action is to stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail. This is crucial for safety, as the flashing lights indicate that a train is approaching, and stopping at the designated distance provides ample space for the vehicle and its occupants, ensuring they are out of the direct path of an oncoming train.

Stopping helps prevent accidents at crossings, as trains can come at high speeds and are often difficult to judge in terms of arriving time. The 15-foot distance ensures that drivers have enough time to react if the lights begin to flash, allowing for safe passage across the tracks only when it is confirmed that the tracks are clear.

The other options involve either insufficient caution or inappropriate actions given the dangerous context of a railroad crossing. Speeding up could lead to a dangerous encounter with a train, maintaining speed could result in a collision, and continuing without looking could prevent the driver from recognizing an approaching train.