How to Handle Malfunctioning Railroad Signals While Driving

Understanding Railroad Crossing Safety in North Dakota

If you’re driving around North Dakota, you’re no stranger to the iconic sights of rolling prairies and endless skies. But there's often an overlooked part of your journey—railroad crossings. You might think those gates and lights are foolproof, right? Well, what happens when they’re not? Let’s dive into what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.

When the Lights Go Out

Imagine driving your car, and suddenly you spot a railroad crossing ahead. The lights are flashing, signaling you to stop. But what if they flicker, then fade away, leaving you with a sinking feeling? You may wonder, do I just roll through? Here’s the thing—you don’t want to gamble with safety.

The Right Call: Report with the ENS Number

The key takeaway is straightforward: if the lights or gates at a railroad crossing aren’t working properly, you should report the issue using the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number. This number is often displayed on a sign at the crossing, making it easy for drivers to alert authorities when something is off.

You might ask, “Why should I bother?” Well, every second counts in situations like these. Imagine if you didn’t report the malfunction—what if someone else takes that same route and isn’t aware of the danger? By dialing that ENS number, you not only safeguard yourself but also protect everyone else on the road. It's about community responsibility, after all.

More Than Just Warnings

Reporting issues is more than a mere formality; it’s a lifeline. When you alert railroad authorities, they can respond swiftly. Trains run on rigorous schedules, but that doesn’t mean safety should take a backseat. By taking action, you contribute to a culture of vigilance.

So, what’s your second-best option? Proceeding with caution and crossing the tracks could seem reasonable—after all, if you can’t see a train, why not? But here’s the deal: that might lead to a serious accident. A train can sneak up pretty fast, and you don’t want to be the driver who thought their judgment was better than the flashing lights.

Don’t Wait for Others

Now, let’s chat about the idea of waiting for someone else to report the issue. You know how that goes—everyone thinks someone else will handle it. The typical "it’s not my job" mentality seems to crop up, doesn’t it? If you keep waiting, the problem remains unsolved. Remember, each crossing can be a potential accident zone, and by not reporting, you're risking lives.

Ignoring the Problem? Not on Your Watch!

Finally, there’s the option of simply ignoring the issue and continuing to drive. Seriously? That’s like flagging down a fire truck and telling them to keep their sirens off because you’re busy! Ignoring malfunctioning signals not only endangers your life but also puts others at risk, and we certainly don’t want that.

Wrapping It Up

In North Dakota, we love the wide openness highways bring, but they come with responsibilities. It’s the little things, like knowing how to react at railroad crossings, that can make all the difference. Next time you're driving and face a potentially dangerous situation at a crossing, remember: your first step should always be to report using the ENS number.

Creating a culture of safety isn't just the job of the authorities—it’s a joint effort that involves everyone behind the wheel. So next time those lights don’t shine bright, don’t hesitate; report it and contribute to a safer driving environment for all. Together, we can make our roads, and our railroads, safer places. Safe travels!