When approaching a railroad crossing, what should you always do?

When approaching a railroad crossing, it is crucial to look both ways and listen for trains. This practice is vital for ensuring safety, as trains can be incredibly fast and may not always be visible until they are dangerously close. By actively looking in both directions, a driver can assess whether any trains are coming from either side, and by listening, one may hear the sound of an approaching train even if it is not yet visible. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and fatalities at crossings, which can occur due to the high speed of trains compared to vehicles.

The other options, while they may seem relevant in certain contexts, do not contribute to safety in the same way. For instance, accelerating to cross quickly can lead to misjudgment about the train's speed and prevent the driver from adequately assessing the situation. Ignoring warning signals is reckless and puts individuals at great risk. Honking before crossing is unnecessary and does not substitute for the critical steps of looking and listening, which are the best ways to stay safe at railroad crossings.