Train Driver Emergency Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first action a train driver should take when an obstruction is spotted on the track?
- Apply emergency brakes and sound the horn continuously (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed gradually and notify the dispatcher
- Stop immediately using independent brakes only
- Contact the conductor before taking action
Correct answer: Apply emergency brakes and sound the horn continuously
Upon spotting a track obstruction, the engineer must immediately apply emergency brakes and sound the horn to warn anyone near the obstruction.
Question 2: In the event of a brake failure on a descending grade, what is the recommended first corrective action?
- Apply dynamic braking to maximum and keep independent brakes applied (Correct answer)
- Release all brakes and allow the train to coast to level ground
- Jump to a lower throttle notch to reduce speed
- Notify the dispatcher and await instructions before acting
Correct answer: Apply dynamic braking to maximum and keep independent brakes applied
Dynamic braking combined with independent brake application provides the maximum retardation force available when service brakes fail.
Question 3: What should a train driver do if smoke is detected in the locomotive cab?
- Stop the train at the nearest safe location, evacuate, and contact the dispatcher (Correct answer)
- Increase speed to ventilate the cab and continue to the next terminal
- Shut down all electrical systems and continue at reduced speed
- Ask the conductor to investigate while maintaining speed
Correct answer: Stop the train at the nearest safe location, evacuate, and contact the dispatcher
Smoke in the cab indicates a potential fire; the engineer must stop the train safely, evacuate, and notify the dispatcher immediately.
Question 4: What is the procedure when a train has an undesired emergency brake application (UEBA)?
- Stop the train, inspect the entire consist, identify the cause, and report before recharging (Correct answer)
- Recharge the brake line and continue if no cause is found
- Apply the independent brake and accelerate to restore brake pipe pressure
- Contact the dispatcher and wait for instructions without moving
Correct answer: Stop the train, inspect the entire consist, identify the cause, and report before recharging
A UEBA requires stopping, walking the train to identify the cause, and reporting findings before recharging the brake system.
Question 5: If a train crew member falls ill and becomes incapacitated, what must the train driver do?
- Stop at the nearest accessible location and request emergency medical assistance (Correct answer)
- Continue to the next scheduled stop to minimize delay
- Contact dispatch for guidance and continue moving
- Reduce speed and complete the assignment with remaining crew
Correct answer: Stop at the nearest accessible location and request emergency medical assistance
A crew medical emergency requires stopping the train at a safe, accessible location and calling for emergency medical services.
Question 6: What is the correct response when a train strikes a vehicle at a grade crossing?
- Stop the train, protect the scene, and notify emergency services and the dispatcher (Correct answer)
- Continue to the next siding and report from there
- Sound the horn and continue if no derailment occurred
- Inspect the locomotive and continue if no damage is found
Correct answer: Stop the train, protect the scene, and notify emergency services and the dispatcher
After striking a vehicle, the engineer must stop, protect the scene from other traffic, and immediately notify emergency responders and the dispatcher.
Train Driver Emergency Procedures 1
What is the first action a train driver should take when an obstruction is spotted on the track?