Train Driver Situational Train Driver Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Your train comes to an unplanned stop in a tunnel. Before doing anything else you should:
- Inform the signaller and make a clear announcement to passengers (Correct answer)
- Immediately open the doors to let passengers out
- Leave the cab to inspect the rear of the train
- Restart and accelerate to clear the tunnel quickly
Correct answer: Inform the signaller and make a clear announcement to passengers
Contacting the signaller and reassuring passengers prevents uncontrolled self-evacuation onto a potentially live, dark track.
Question 2: You pass a signal at danger (SPAD). Your immediate action is to:
- Stop the train at once and contact the signaller (Correct answer)
- Continue carefully to the next signal
- Reverse back behind the signal
- Note it and report at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Stop the train at once and contact the signaller
After a SPAD you must stop immediately and inform the signaller because another train may be in the section ahead.
Question 3: Smoke begins entering the cab from the traction equipment. The safest first step is to:
- Bring the train to a controlled stop and follow fire/isolation procedures (Correct answer)
- Open all cab windows and continue driving
- Speed up to reach the depot faster
- Switch seats with the guard
Correct answer: Bring the train to a controlled stop and follow fire/isolation procedures
A traction fire requires stopping and isolating power before it spreads, ideally at a location with good access.
Question 4: A track worker gives you a hand signal to stop in an area with no signal indicated. You should:
- Obey the stop hand signal and bring the train to a stand (Correct answer)
- Ignore it because only signals are authoritative
- Slow down but keep moving past them
- Sound the horn and continue
Correct answer: Obey the stop hand signal and bring the train to a stand
A hand danger signal from anyone must be obeyed as it may indicate an immediate hazard ahead.
Question 5: You suspect the train has split into two parts (a parting). The correct response is to:
- Stop and not move until you confirm the train is complete and brakes are functional (Correct answer)
- Reverse to recouple immediately
- Continue at reduced speed
- Apply power to keep the sections together
Correct answer: Stop and not move until you confirm the train is complete and brakes are functional
A train parting can leave a section without brakes, so you must stop and verify integrity before any movement.
Question 6: The Driver's Safety Device (vigilance/dead-man's system) activates because you did not respond. What does it do?
- Applies the brakes automatically to stop the train (Correct answer)
- Sounds the horn only
- Accelerates the train
- Opens the doors
Correct answer: Applies the brakes automatically to stop the train
The DSD brings the train to a stop if the driver becomes incapacitated and fails to acknowledge the device.
Question 7: Approaching a station platform in icy conditions, braking distances are longer. You should:
- Begin braking earlier and more gently to control the stop (Correct answer)
- Brake hard at the normal point
- Maintain speed and brake at the last moment
- Use the emergency brake to stop on the marker
Correct answer: Begin braking earlier and more gently to control the stop
Low adhesion increases stopping distance, so earlier, gentler braking avoids overrunning the platform or wheelslide.
Train Driver Situational Train Driver Safety 3
Your train comes to an unplanned stop in a tunnel.
Before doing anything else you should: