Stuck on the tracks — Michigan Permit Test

Once railroad crossing lights and gates activate, or you hear the train's horn, you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.

Twenty seconds is enough to get everyone out, not enough to try to free the car.

you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.

If you are stuck on the tracks and the gates are activated or a train is approaching, immediately get everyone out of the vehicle and as far from the tracks as possible, and call 911.

A car can be replaced. The only thing to save in those seconds is people.

IMMEDIATELY get everyone out of the vehicle and as far away from the tracks as possible. Call 911.

If you are stuck on the tracks with no train in sight, get everyone out, then call the railroad's emergency number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign posted near the crossing.

The railroad can warn or stop a train before it arrives, but only if someone calls.

Call the railroad’s emergency number listed on the blue Emergency Notification Sign posted near the crossing.

The Emergency Notification System sign at a crossing gives a telephone number and the crossing's identification number, used to report an emergency or a warning device that is not working.

The crossing number tells the railroad exactly which crossing to warn its trains about.

is used to notify the railroad of an emergency or a warning device malfunction.

Once crossing lights activate, about how long until the train arrives?

About 20 seconds. Twenty seconds is enough to get everyone out, not enough to try to free the car. What Every Driver Must Know, p.36: “you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.”