Stalled Engine on a Level Crossing Approach
You are approaching a marked level crossing on a rural road. The crossing has a St Andrew's cross (X-shaped) sign, a stop line, and no barriers, but red flashing lights are fitted. As you approach at about 40 km/h, the red lights begin to flash. You brake firmly and stop at the line. A goods lorry behind you is close - you see it fill your mirror. Once the train has passed and the lights stop flashing, you release the handbrake to move off, but the engine has stalled and will not restart. The lorry behind is now sounding its horn. Your hazard warning lights are not yet on. The crossing is about 30 metres ahead of your bonnet.
1. What does the flashing red light mean, and did stopping at the line satisfy your duty?
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A flashing red light at a level crossing is an absolute stop signal: you must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and it is safe. Stopping at the stop line is correct - you should never stop on or beyond the line, because the crossing must be kept clear. So the initial stop was right. The duty does not end there, though: once the lights stop you may only proceed when you can cross completely without stopping on the tracks. Since your vehicle has now failed, the situation has changed from a waiting problem to an obstruction problem, and your obligations shift to warning others and clearing the crossing.
2. The engine will not restart and the lorry is pressing behind you. List your actions in priority order.
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- Switch on your hazard warning lights at once - the lorry driver and any following traffic must see that you are stopped and immobilised. 2. Put the gearbox in neutral and, if the vehicle is light enough and the ground is level, try to push it clear of the crossing approach - but only with help, and only if you can do it quickly. 3. If it cannot be moved, get all occupants out of the vehicle and well away from the crossing and the road, and warn the lorry driver by hand signal that you are broken down. 4. Send someone to telephone the railway emergency number shown on the crossing telephone or sign, or call the emergency services, and state the crossing location. 5. Do not stand between your vehicle and the tracks, and do not attempt repairs on the crossing. The lorry's horn is not a reason to rush a repair; it is a reason to warn and clear people first.
3. Suppose the lorry driver pulls out to overtake you while you are stopped at the line. What is the risk and how do you respond?
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Overtaking at a level crossing is dangerous and generally prohibited, because the overtaking vehicle may enter the crossing area with insufficient room and be struck, or may force you forward onto the line. If the lorry begins to move out, do not mirror it. Hold your position, keep your hazard lights on, and stay behind the line. If the lorry enters the crossing and the lights begin to flash again, do not follow - you would be committing the same error. Your response is to remain stationary, warn by horn if it helps, and be ready to give first aid or call for help if the lorry is struck. Your own obligation to keep the crossing clear is unchanged by another driver's mistake.