At a controlled railway crossing with no signals present, what should a driver do?

At a controlled railway crossing with no signals present, the appropriate action for a driver is to slow down and be prepared to stop. This is crucial because even in the absence of visible signals, trains can approach at high speeds and are often difficult to spot from a distance. By reducing speed, the driver increases their ability to assess the situation safely and respond if a train is approaching. This cautious approach helps ensure that the driver has sufficient time to see any oncoming trains and to stop safely, if necessary.

The other choices, such as speeding through the crossing or proceeding without stopping, do not account for the potential danger posed by an approaching train, which could lead to catastrophic accidents. Stopping only if a train is visible ignores the fact that trains can come from either direction and may not always be immediately visible, making it vital to always exercise caution when approaching a crossing.