What equipment may be used at some railroad crossings to alert drivers?

Flashing lights and barriers are critical safety features at many railroad crossings designed to alert drivers to oncoming trains and prevent accidents. The flashing lights serve as a visual alert, indicating that a train is approaching and it is unsafe to cross the tracks. These lights are often accompanied by auditory signals, such as bells, which add another layer of warning to capture the attention of drivers, especially in noisy environments.

Barriers, or gates, further enhance safety by physically blocking the roadway when a train is approaching, ensuring vehicles come to a complete stop until it is safe to proceed. The combination of flashing lights and barriers creates a powerful warning system that significantly reduces the likelihood of collisions at these crossings.

While traffic cones are used for various traffic management purposes, they do not provide the same level of specific alertness to the presence of trains, nor do they physically prevent vehicles from advancing into dangerous areas. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the importance of both flashing lights and barriers in promoting road safety at railroad crossings.