Vermont: Railroad identification, reporting and manual gears: Practice 1

You call the railroad about a dangerous obstruction at a crossing. Which detail from the blue ENS sign helps identify the exact crossing?

Correct answer: Its U.S. DOT crossing identification number.

The crossing inventory number identifies that crossing. Give it along with the nature of the emergency instead of relying solely on a possibly unfamiliar local road name.

Source: Federal Railroad Administration official guidance; Emergency Notification System signs — crossing inventory number; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗

You have stopped safely near a crossing and believe its warning equipment is malfunctioning. What is the appropriate reporting step?

Correct answer: Use the posted railroad emergency number to report the problem.

The blue-and-white sign provides a contact for crossing hazards, including warning-device problems. A suspected malfunction is not permission to ignore a gate or other active warning.

Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 31 (PDF page 35); 4H Railroad crossing warnings — malfunction reporting. ↗

You are driving a manual-transmission vehicle toward railroad tracks. When should you select a gear suitable for completing the crossing?

Correct answer: Before entering the tracks so you do not need to shift on them.

Choose the gear before crossing and keep moving smoothly across the tracks when it is safe to enter. Avoid a gear change that could interrupt power and leave you stopped in danger.

Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 30 (PDF page 34); 4H Railroad crossing warnings — gear selection. ↗