What actions should you take if you detect a track obstruction ahead?

• A. Ignore and continue, hoping obstruction clears.
• B. Immediately slow or stop the train, notify the dispatcher, and follow established procedures to reroute or stop safely.
• C. Stop only if you can't go around.
• D. Engage horn and proceed if obstruction is small.

Answer: (B)

When a track obstruction is detected, the priority is immediate protection and coordinated action. You should slow or stop the train right away, notify the dispatcher, and follow established procedures to reroute or stop safely. This approach ensures you’re operating under official guidance, so the obstruction can be cleared or a safe plan can be implemented without risking a collision or derailment. Ignoring the obstruction, or proceeding with a horn blast as the sole action, ignores necessary safety controls. Waiting to stop only if you can’t go around also delays critical coordination and can put other trains or personnel at risk.