Breakdown at a railway crossing

Firstly, never stop on a crossing. If there is a traffic queue, wait for the cars beyond the crossing to move so that you have a clear exit.

If you do break down or stall (and the car won't immediately restart), get all of your passengers out immediately and well clear off the crossing (at least 50 metres). Note: the best way to go is probably towards the train - that way any impact will scatter debris away from you and the train will shield you.

Next, inform the signalman by using the trackside telephone; if there is no telephone, call the emergency services. If there is any sign of a train approaching, leave the car and join your passengers (run!).

Try moving the car by engaging a gear (second is probably the best) and turning the starter motor ... This might be enough to 'jerk' the wheels free of the tracks and move the vehicle to safety. This might damage your starter motor, but the alternative is shown in the picture below ... Alternatively, you might be able to push the car clear.

Stay calm - stay safe!