What should you do if your car is stuck at a railroad crossing?

If your car is stuck at a railroad crossing, the safest course of action is to exit the vehicle and move in the opposite direction of the train's path. This is crucial because remaining in the car may leave you vulnerable to an approaching train and the risk of being involved in a collision. Additionally, moving away from the tracks helps ensure your safety in case debris or other dangers arise from the train’s movement.

An important reason for moving in the opposite direction of the train's path is to avoid being caught in the potential debris or impact areas if a train were to hit your vehicle. By prioritizing your safety, you increase your chances of getting out of harm's way quickly.

Other options are less effective or even dangerous. Attempting to free the car from the tracks could delay your evacuation and put you at risk. Staying in the car exposes you to danger from an approaching train, and signaling trains to stop is not advisable or effective, as trains cannot stop quickly due to their mass and momentum. Therefore, moving away from the train's direction is the best choice to ensure personal safety in a critical situation.