We have three MAX crossings on our route to school in Washington County. After the crossarm lifts, the red lights continue to flash for a few more seconds. Most drivers hit the gas the minute the arm is up. Shouldn’t they wait until the red lights have stopped flashing? —Red Is Red, Right?

Should they? It’s a question with many answers, and one upon which the fate of American society may well depend. I realize this makes me sound like I’ve come unglued (or at least finally broke down and hoovered up that leftover cocaine I wrote about a few months back), but bear with me.

First, the narrow, legalistic answer: According to ORS 811.455, drivers must stop any time a signal “warns of the immediate approach of a railroad train.” However, once the train has passed, the lights are no longer

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