If your vehicle stalls on the tracks and a train is approaching, what should you do?

When your vehicle stalls on the tracks and a train is approaching, the safest action is to exit the vehicle immediately and move away from the tracks. This is crucial because trains can travel at high speeds and have very limited stopping distance; they are much larger and heavier than vehicles, making it nearly impossible for them to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Exiting the vehicle allows you to avoid the risk of being injured or killed in a potential crash. Once you are safely away from the tracks, you can then focus on ensuring your own safety and seeking help. It’s important to move to a position where you can observe the approaching train and stay out of harm’s way, often at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks.

Attempting to repair the vehicle, staying inside until the train passes, or signaling for help from within the vehicle would place you in a much more dangerous situation, as time is critical when a train is approaching.