How should you handle a crossing where the warning devices fail to activate?

• A. Stop, protect the crossing, and notify the dispatcher for guidance and temporary protection.
• B. Proceed slowly and watch for vehicles.
• C. Dispatch a maintenance crew to reset devices, then proceed.
• D. Ignore and continue if no traffic is present.

Answer: (A)

When warning devices at a crossing fail to activate, you can’t rely on them to warn road traffic or warn you as you approach. The safest course is to stop before the crossing, protect the crossing to prevent vehicles or pedestrians from entering, and immediately notify the dispatcher so they can provide guidance and arrange temporary protection. This ensures that a trained person or system designated by dispatch is in place to protect the crossing until the devices are restored or an alternative crossing-protection plan is established. Do not proceed through the crossing without explicit authorization and protection, and avoid relying on a slower approach or on maintenance personnel to reset devices while you’re on or near the tracks. Ignoring the situation when no traffic is present also ignores a real danger—trains can come at any time, and proper temporary protection is essential.