When approaching a railroad crossing, what is the safest practice if your vehicle stalls?

When approaching a railroad crossing and your vehicle stalls, moving to a safe distance from the tracks is the safest practice. Trains can approach very quickly, and their inability to stop in time makes it critical for drivers to prioritize their safety and that of any passengers. If a vehicle becomes disabled on or near the tracks, exiting the vehicle and establishing a safe distance mitigates the risk of being struck by a train.

Hazard lights can be helpful for alerting other drivers to your situation, but they do not protect you from the imminent danger posed by an approaching train. Checking for a train while trying to restart the vehicle can also be perilous, as it may delay your escape from a potentially life-threatening situation. Remaining in the car while calling for help puts you at risk; in the event of a train's arrival, the safest course of action is always to move away from the tracks. Thus, exiting the vehicle and distancing yourself is the most prudent option in this scenario.