What is a potential consequence of ignoring railroad crossing signals?

Ignoring railroad crossing signals can lead to a collision with a train, which is a serious and potentially fatal incident. Railroad crossing signals are designed to warn drivers of an approaching train, indicating that it is unsafe to cross the tracks. Trains can travel at high speeds and can take considerable distance to stop, making it incredibly important for drivers to heed these signals. A collision with a train not only endangers the lives of the vehicle occupants but also puts train passengers and crew at risk.

The absence of action taken by a driver in response to the signals can have devastating consequences, including severe injury or loss of life. This outcome emphasizes the critical nature of complying with traffic signals in railroad zones. Such consequences underscore the importance of safety measures at crossings, while the potential for traffic fines serves as an additional deterrent, although it is secondary to the life-threatening risks associated with collisions. Focusing on the severe danger of collision directly addresses the most critical aspect of this scenario.