As you approach a level crossing, should you be alert to signals that may indicate an approaching rail vehicle?

The question is about approaching a level crossing. You should pay attention to signals that may indicate that a rail vehicle is approaching. The answer is: yes.

The Road Traffic Act states that the driver of a vehicle, when approaching a level crossing, is obliged to exercise particular caution and, before driving onto the tracks, to make sure that no rail vehicle is approaching, and also to drive at such a speed that he can stop the vehicle in a safe place when a rail vehicle is approaching or when a safety device or a signal given prohibits entry onto the crossing. The signals you watch and listen for are: flashing red lights on the signal, barriers or half-barriers coming down, a bell at the crossing, the horn of the locomotive before the crossing, but also the lights of an approaching train, visible from far away at night, and the sound of the train itself. In poor visibility it is worth turning down the radio and opening the window slightly. Particular caution means exactly increased attention - you do not drive across the tracks "without thinking", but consciously check that nothing is coming.

Legal basis: Art. 28 para. 1 and 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)