What action should you take if you encounter a malfunctioning gate at a railroad crossing?

When facing a malfunctioning gate at a railroad crossing, waiting until the gate is fixed is the safest and most responsible action. This approach prioritizes safety by ensuring that the crossing is secure before proceeding. Malfunctions at railroad crossings can indicate that a train may be coming, and the gates serve as vital safety mechanisms to prevent vehicles from entering the tracks when it is not safe.

While other options may seem plausible in certain contexts, they involve risks that could lead to accidents. For instance, driving around a malfunctioning gate can expose the driver and passengers to the danger of an oncoming train that may not be visible. Following other vehicles through could potentially lead to collisions if those vehicles misjudge the situation. Reporting the malfunction to authorities is important and should be done, but this action should typically follow a wait for the gate to be repaired, ensuring the area is safe before resuming travel.

Overall, the correct choice prioritizes the safety of everyone involved at the crossing.