Approaching a level crossing you cannot see yet, amber beacons are flashing on a sign reading PREPARE TO STOP. Is there time to stop, or should you press on and clear the tracks?

Correct answer: B. There is time to stop — the sign is placed so that a driver passing it while the beacons flash can stop before the crossing

There is time — the sign is positioned so that there is. Book 6 says these beacons "are interconnected to the rail crossing signal" and "indicate to drivers that there is a good probability that the railway crossing signals ahead will be in operation and that stopping will be required." Its location rule settles the question the stem asks: "the beacons and signs should be accurately located such that vehicles passing the signs and beacons when they are flashing have sufficient time and distance to stop before the railway crossing." The sign exists precisely because drivers guess wrong here — its stated purpose is "to reduce dilemma zone incidents, where some drivers feel that they cannot safely clear the railway crossing when a railway crossing signal is activated, and others feel that they cannot safely stop." If the beacons are flashing as you pass them, slow and stop.

Source: MTO Driver's Handbook: Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 6 — Warning Signs (July 2001), Section 8 — PREPARE TO STOP AT RAILWAY CROSSING AHEAD Sign (Wc-104A) with amber flashers