If it is only flashing lights, you may proceed after coming to a complete
stop, but only when you are sure the track or tracks are clear. If there are
gates at the crossing and they are in the lowered position, you must not go
around them, but drive to a different crossing. It is against the law to drive
around lowered gates. It is possible that the signals are on because of the
"fail-safe" design of railroad crossing signals and gates. If a wire shorts,
for example, the warning system is activated. Battery power is also available
when the regular power goes out to be sure the signals activate when a train
approaches. Remember, when a signal system is activated, a train is almost
always in the approach circuits, but may be blocked from view.