Situation 1. The car can be started
1. Ask passengers to move to a safe distance, at least ten meters from the tracks.
2. Open the driver’s door to allow time to exit the vehicle if danger arises.
Can you determine the train’s direction? (dangerous driver error)
Many people assume that when a car enters the first track from the curb, a train comes from the left, and on the second track the train appears on the right. The belief persists because roads in Russia drive on the right and some drivers project that habit onto rail crossings.
Reality is more nuanced. Numerous exceptions exist due to construction and technology, meaning the train may emerge from any direction. It is also extremely difficult to judge a train’s speed and the time it will take to reach a level crossing based on its silhouette alone. Exercise extreme caution.
3. If the car blocks between two lowered barriers, the level crossing guard will clear the way and inform the station guard and the driver about the obstacle. If the officer on duty cannot be seen, do not hesitate to knock down the barrier.
Immediately after leaving the level crossing, contact the traffic police. A collision with the barrier is treated as a full accident. Officials may suspend driving rights for a period of one to one and a half years according to Part 2 of Article 12.27 of the Code of Administrative Violations.
The inspector can issue a fine ranging from five thousand to ten thousand rubles for damaged barriers under Article 12.33 of the same code, which covers damage to roads, railway crossings, or other road structures. Yet this is only one part of the broader harm in such a situation.
4. How to exit the crossing if a barrier blocks the path? Carefully roll the front wheels onto the barrier and move forward; the barrier will fold back up to allow clearance. The barrier is designed for easy access from the rear and includes a vehicle presence sensor that prevents the barrier from opening under a vehicle’s underside, thereby protecting the car.
Only attempt to evacuate a car that has stopped at the crossing if the train is not visible or audible. If the train is present, leave the vehicle immediately and move to a safe distance of at least ten meters from the railway.
Situation 2. Cannot start
5. If a vehicle’s ignition and power systems fail, starting may be impossible. Try to move the car 5 to 10 meters using the starter. Experienced drivers should engage the first gear, then release the clutch and turn the ignition key. If the starter works, slowly release the clutch; the vehicle will likely begin to move. Remember not to operate the starter for more than ten to fifteen seconds to avoid overheating, though in a critical moment a short exception may be acceptable.
6. If the clutch cable is broken, engage first gear without the clutch, apply about 30 percent accelerator, and start turning the key. The car may shudder, start, and slowly leave the intersection.
7. Pushing the car to the roadside is sometimes easier. Seek help from nearby passengers or bystanders downstream. If help is unavailable, open the driver’s door and window, unfasten the seat belt, and create a loop from the belt to act as a makeshift pull point. Then push forward carefully.
If the car stops, request assistance from the on-duty officer and neighbors downstream who can push the vehicle away or tow it. Keeping a tow rope handy can be very useful.
Situation 3. It was not possible to move the car off the track
In cases of severe failure where the wheel is jammed or a joint is broken and the car lies across the track, moving the vehicle may be impossible.
8. Warn the train operator about the obstacle. One person should move along the tracks in both directions and signal with a rag or by hand, and in low light use a flashlight. Speed is crucial since freight trains require considerable stopping distance, often exceeding a kilometer.
9. Sound the vehicle’s horn to attract attention with one long and three short beeps while standing next to the car.
10. Place a reflective vest on the driver’s door at night to improve visibility.
What to do if an accident does occur?
Follow the directions given by the moving attendant.
Do not attempt to move the car before the police arrive; moving it can be dangerous and interfere with the investigation.
First, call an ambulance if there are injuries, then alert the traffic police and fire brigade because there is a high risk of fire in such incidents.
Level crossing accidents are treated like any other incident. The traffic police inspector on site will inspect the scene, prepare a report, and, if needed, involve experts in the investigation.
Until the police arrive, collect contact information from witnesses who may be leaving the scene, as they can later serve as witnesses. Consider taking photos of the car and the road section from multiple angles.
A visual reference: TASS, AGN Moscow, Unsplash