14.3 Breakdowns, Railroad Stalls, Vehicle Fires, Water & Tunnels
Key Takeaways
If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks with a train coming, everyone gets out at once and runs at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from, then calls 911.
On a divided highway, place warning triangles or flares 10 feet and 100 feet behind a broken-down vehicle; on a two-lane or undivided road, also place one 100 feet in front.
On a highway with a breakdown lane, move the disabled vehicle as far from traffic as possible and stay inside it.
If a car goes into water, unbuckle and escape through a window rather than a door; if it sinks first, climb into the back seat for a possible air pocket.
If there is a fire in a Massachusetts tunnel, stop, turn off the engine, leave the keys and belongings in the vehicle, call 911 and exit at the nearest tunnel entrance.
Breakdowns and stalls turn the vehicle into an obstacle. The Manual gives procedures that put people's safety ahead of the vehicle. Its closing line for tunnel fires sums them up: "Save your life, not your car."
Stalling on Railroad Tracks
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A train is coming | Get everyone out IMMEDIATELY and move as far from the tracks as possible. To avoid flying wreckage, run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from, then call 911 immediately |
| No train coming | Lower the window or open the door and listen for a train. Try to restart the engine. If it won't start, shift into neutral and try to push the vehicle off the tracks |
| Can't move the vehicle | Call the toll-free Emergency Notification System (ENS) number on the crossbuck or the metal box near the crossing. Give the dispatcher the DOT grade crossing number on the sign, say that a vehicle is on the tracks, and follow the instructions |
Also call the ENS number if you see anything suspicious along a railroad, such as tampering with switches.
Tip
Running toward the train's direction (at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks) keeps you out of the path of debris, which the impact throws forward along the tracks.
Breakdowns
Getting off the road
- Move to the side of the road and stop.
- Never park on a hill or curve where others can't see you. If you can't get the vehicle off the pavement, get all passengers out and off the road.
- On a highway with a breakdown lane or shoulder, get the vehicle as far from the travel lane as you can and stay in the vehicle. Don't stand near the travel lane or in the breakdown lane.
While still inside
- Turn on the hazard lights, and at night the interior lights.
- Find your safety vest and warning triangles or LED flares.
- Put the vest on while still inside the vehicle.
Setting up safety equipment
- Decide whether it is safe to get out. Consider leaving on the side away from traffic.
- Tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle, or a red cloth when it is snowing.
- Raise the hood.
| Road type | Warning triangle or LED flare placement |
|---|---|
| Divided highway | 10 feet behind and 100 feet behind the vehicle |
| Two-lane road with two-way traffic, or undivided highway | 10 feet behind, 100 feet behind and 100 feet in front |
The Highway Assistance Patrol (HAP), run by MassDOT and sponsored by MAPFRE | Commerce Insurance, helps stranded drivers. Never change a flat tire in a traffic lane (section 5.2).
Vehicle Fire
If smoke comes from under the hood:
- Pull off the road, turn off the ignition and move away from the vehicle.
- Call the fire department or emergency services.
- Don't try to fight the fire unless you have an extinguisher.
Vehicle in Water
- Unbuckle and escape through a window.
- With power windows, open them quickly, before water stops them working.
- Don't open a door. Water would rush in and the vehicle could flip over.
- If the vehicle sinks before you get out, climb into the rear seat, where an air pocket may form. When the vehicle settles, take a deep breath and escape through a window.
Driving Through Tunnels
Most major Massachusetts tunnels are monitored by the Highway Operations Center, with State Police and MassDOT personnel stationed throughout.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Entering a tunnel | Stay alert; turn on your headlights; obey all signs and signals; listen to the radio for updates; don't enter if you see smoke near the entrance or your car is smoking or burning; keep a safe distance. Hazardous materials, including propane, are prohibited |
| Heavy traffic | Listen to the radio; keep a safe distance even when slow; note the emergency exits; follow MassDOT, State Police and message-sign instructions |
| Crash or disabled vehicle | Pull to the side if you can; turn on the hazard lights; call 911 and follow instructions; stay in your vehicle if it is safe; wait for help |
| Fire | Stop, turn off the engine and get out. Leave the keys in the vehicle for emergency crews and leave your belongings. Call 911. Follow the Fire Department, State Police, MassDOT and message signs. Exit at the nearest tunnel entrance unless directed otherwise, and help others if you can |
The 20 mph minimum speed in the Boston Harbor tunnels (section 9.1) and the headlights-in-tunnels rule (section 5.2) also apply here.
Breakdown and Escape Drills
- Breakdown drill. In a lot, have students turn on the flashers, put on the vest inside the car, decide which door to use, and pace out 10 and 100 feet to place triangles.
- Railroad scenario. Ask: "The car stalls on the tracks and the bell starts ringing. What do you do?" Expect everyone out, running at 45 degrees toward the train's direction, then 911.
- Water and fire. Remind students that escape comes before the car and its contents.
A car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. Which way should the occupants run after getting out?
Parallel to the tracks, in the direction the train is heading
Straight across the tracks to the far side, then along the rails
Away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, in the direction the train is coming from
Back toward the vehicle's trunk, to stay behind the car
A driver breaks down on a two-lane road with traffic in both directions. Where should the warning triangles go?
200 feet behind and 200 feet in front
50 feet behind and 50 feet in front only
10 feet behind and 100 feet behind only, as on a divided highway
10 and 100 feet behind, plus 100 feet in front
A fire starts in a tunnel while a driver is stuck in traffic. What does the Manual tell the driver to do with the keys?
Keep the engine running so the vehicle can move when traffic clears
Take the keys so the vehicle cannot be moved by others
Lock the vehicle and wait beside it for the State Police
Leave them in the vehicle and exit at the nearest entrance
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.