General Knowledge · Railroad-Highway Crossings
A driver's trailer high-centers and gets stuck on a raised railroad crossing. What should the driver do first?
Explanation
The first priority is to move away from the vehicle and clear of the tracks, then call 911 or the emergency number posted at the crossing's signpost or signal housing, giving the crossing's identifying information such as its posted DOT number. This is standard driver-training guidance for a stuck-on-the-tracks emergency, not a specific technique stated in 49 CFR 383.111(a)(1)(ii) itself, since that paragraph only establishes that safe-operations procedures generally are required knowledge for the CDL test. The other three options share the same flaw: each keeps the driver near an active hazard, whether by staying in the cab to try to free the vehicle, going back for equipment, or delaying to radio dispatch first, when the vehicle could be struck by a train at any moment and no other task matters until the driver is clear of the tracks.
Source: 49 CFR 383.111(a)(1)(ii)
Related Railroad-Highway Crossings questions
- Under federal regulation, which of these vehicles must come to a complete stop at every railroad-highway grade crossing, even one with no warning lights or gates?
- A driver of a vehicle that must stop under 49 CFR 392.10 has looked, listened, and confirmed no train is approaching, and is now crossing the tracks. What does the regulation require about gear changes during the crossing?
- A driver operating a CMV not covered by 49 CFR 392.10 (not a passenger bus, not marked or placarded for hazardous materials) approaches a railroad crossing with no gates or lights. What does 49 CFR 392.11 require?
- A driver stopped at a crossing with two sets of tracks watches one train pass and clear the crossing. What should the driver do before proceeding?