If a crossing signal is malfunctioning, what is the proper course of action?

If a crossing signal is malfunctioning, what is the proper course of action?

• A. Proceed with caution if visibility is good
• B. Stop, protect the crossing, and notify dispatch
• C. Stop, protect the crossing, and notify dispatch; follow abnormal procedures
• D. Ignore and continue to next crossing

Answer: (C)

When a crossing signal malfunctions, you cannot rely on the signal to stop traffic—treat the crossing as not protected. The proper action is to stop before the crossing, protect the crossing to keep vehicles and pedestrians from entering, and immediately notify dispatch to report the failure. After contacting dispatch, follow the abnormal procedures outlined by the railroad for signal failure. Those procedures ensure you receive the correct guidance and coordination to clear or safely proceed, such as flagging the crossing or obtaining explicit authorization. This sequence keeps the crossing safe and prevents collisions; ignoring the signal or continuing without protection is dangerous.

When a crossing signal malfunctions, you cannot rely on the signal to stop traffic—treat the crossing as not protected. The proper action is to stop before the crossing, protect the crossing to keep vehicles and pedestrians from entering, and immediately notify dispatch to report the failure. After contacting dispatch, follow the abnormal procedures outlined by the railroad for signal failure. Those procedures ensure you receive the correct guidance and coordination to clear or safely proceed, such as flagging the crossing or obtaining explicit authorization. This sequence keeps the crossing safe and prevents collisions; ignoring the signal or continuing without protection is dangerous.