What happens if you break down on a level crossing?

Breaking down on a level crossing, also known as a railroad crossing, is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. The immediate priority is to get yourself and any passengers to safety and then alert authorities. Understanding the steps to take can significantly reduce the risk of a catastrophic accident.

The Dangers of a Level Crossing Breakdown

Level crossings are where roads intersect with railway tracks. These are inherently dangerous areas because:

High-Speed Trains: Trains travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly. A train's braking distance can be well over a mile, meaning it may not be able to avoid a stalled vehicle.
Limited Visibility: Train drivers have limited visibility of the tracks ahead, especially around curves or in adverse weather conditions.
Sudden Activation: Warning lights and barriers can activate with little warning, leaving you trapped on the tracks.
Isolation: You are on a fixed path with no escape route.

Immediate Actions When Your Vehicle Stalls

If your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing, every second counts. Here's what you need to do:

1. Evacuate Immediately!

This is the absolute top priority. Do not try to restart the engine unless it's an instant success. Get yourself and all passengers out of the vehicle immediately.

Exit the Vehicle: Open doors and quickly move away from the vehicle and the tracks.
Move to Safety: Head away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from, if you know it. If not, move perpendicular to the tracks to get as far away as possible. Do not stand near the tracks.
Leave Belongings: Do not waste time trying to retrieve personal belongings. Your life is more important than any possession.

2. Alert the Train Operator

Once you are in a safe location, you need to try and stop the train. This is where your knowledge of the crossing's features becomes crucial.

Look for the Emergency Phone: Most level crossings have an emergency phone or communication device. These are usually located on a pole or in a small box near the crossing. They are typically red and clearly marked.
Use the Emergency Phone: If you find the emergency phone, use it immediately. Follow the instructions on the device. You will likely need to provide the crossing identification number (usually displayed on a sign at the crossing) and explain that your vehicle is on the tracks.
If No Phone: If there is no emergency phone, or it's not working, you must try to signal the train.
Waving: If you see a train approaching, wave your arms vigorously. Use bright clothing or a flashlight (if it's dark) to make yourself visible. Stand well away from the tracks while doing this.

3. Contact Emergency Services

Even if you manage to alert the train, you still need to contact the authorities.

Call 911: As soon as you are in a safe location and have alerted the train (or are attempting to), call 911.
Provide Details: Clearly state that your vehicle is broken down on a level crossing. Give the exact location of the crossing, including any road names or landmark descriptions you can recall. Mention the crossing identification number if you saw it.
Follow Dispatcher Instructions: The 911 dispatcher will guide you on what to do next and will alert the appropriate railway authorities.

What Happens After You've Alerted Authorities?

Once the situation is reported, railway personnel and potentially emergency services will be dispatched. They will:

Assess the Situation: They will determine the best course of action to remove the vehicle and ensure the safety of the tracks.
Stop Trains: Trains approaching the crossing will be halted or diverted if possible.
Arrange for Vehicle Removal: A tow truck will be called to remove your vehicle from the tracks.
Investigate: The railway company will likely investigate the cause of the breakdown to prevent future incidents.

Preventing Future Level Crossing Breakdowns

The best way to deal with a level crossing breakdown is to avoid it altogether. Here are some preventive measures:

Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your car is in good working order. Pay attention to your engine, brakes, and fuel levels.
Observe Warning Signs: Always heed the warning signs, lights, and barriers at level crossings.
Never Try to Beat a Train: Never assume you can "make it" across the tracks before a train arrives.
If Barriers are Down, Wait: If the barriers are down or the lights are flashing, stop and wait. Never drive around them.
Know Your Vehicle: Be aware of your vehicle's capabilities and limitations.

The consequences of ignoring the dangers at a level crossing can be devastating. Trains are massive, heavy machines that cannot swerve or stop quickly. Your prompt and decisive action is paramount to your survival and the safety of others.

What to Do If You're Trapped by Barriers

If your vehicle stalls and the crossing barriers are down, and you cannot move off the tracks, you must try to break through the barriers. This may sound drastic, but it is safer than being hit by a train. If you have enough momentum, try to drive through them. If you can't, again, evacuate the vehicle immediately and get to safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I ensure my vehicle is less likely to break down near a level crossing?

Regular and thorough vehicle maintenance is the most effective way to prevent breakdowns. This includes checking your engine, fuel system, brakes, and battery. Don't ignore warning lights on your dashboard, and ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on journeys that might involve level crossings.

Why is it so important to get away from the vehicle and the tracks?

Trains are incredibly powerful and cannot stop quickly. In the event of a collision, a vehicle on the tracks would be no match for a moving train, leading to severe damage and potential fatalities. Getting to a safe distance immediately ensures you are out of the danger zone.

What if I don't see an emergency phone at the level crossing?

If there is no visible emergency phone, your next best course of action is to try and signal the approaching train if you see one. Stand in a safe location away from the tracks and wave your arms vigorously to attract the train driver's attention. Immediately after attempting to signal, call 911 from a safe distance to report the situation.

Why should I call 911 even if I think I've stopped the train?

Calling 911 ensures that professional emergency services are aware of the situation and can coordinate with railway authorities. They can dispatch necessary personnel to assess the scene, remove the vehicle, and ensure the tracks are safe for continued train operations. Your call helps initiate a controlled response.