After reporting an emergency brake to the dispatcher, what should you do next?

• A. Immediately continue movement if the track is clear
• B. Follow dispatch instructions after reporting the emergency brake.
• C. Notify the yardmaster only
• D. Call a supervisor in person

Answer: (B)

After reporting an emergency brake, the next step is to follow the dispatcher's instructions. The dispatcher is the authority coordinating train movements and incident responses, so once you’ve alerted them, you wait for and carry out their directions. They may tell you to remain stopped, to take specific precautions, or to proceed under their control. Moving again without clearance or handling the situation solely with a yardmaster or a supervisor in person can lead to unsafe conditions or conflicting actions with other trains. The dispatcher-directed plan ensures the incident is managed consistently and safely across the rail network.