If the whistle on the lead unit fails en route and no other unit can be used as the lead unit, which action should be followed?

• A. Stop the train before each public crossing, place a crew member on the ground at the crossing to provide warning until the crossing is occupied unless the crossing gates are in the fully lowered position or no traffic is approaching, or traffic is stopped at the crossing
• B. Continue movement with the bell ringing continuously
• C. Return to the previous crossing to warn oncoming traffic
• D. Notify dispatch and proceed at reduced speed without warning

Answer: (A)

When the lead unit’s whistle fails, road-user warning at public crossings must be provided by a crew member on the ground. The proper action is to stop the train before each crossing and have a crew member warn traffic at the crossing until the train has occupied the crossing, with the exception that you may proceed if the gates are fully lowered or if no traffic is approaching or traffic is already stopped at the crossing. This manual protection ensures there’s a visible, audible cue for motorists when the whistle is unavailable.

Relying on continuous bell ringing doesn’t meet the required warning standard, and attempting to back up to warn another crossing or to proceed with dispatch notification and reduced speed without proper warning would leave crossings unprotected and create a safety risk.