Vehicle emergencies, skids and stalls on the tracks

Key points

1. If stuck on the tracks when lights begin to flash, you may have only 20 seconds: get out at once.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “If your vehicle is physically on the train tracks at a grade crossing and the lights begin to flash, you may only have 20 seconds to escape before the train makes it to your location.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 59

2. Run away from the tracks and the vehicle, toward the direction the train is coming from, then dial 911.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Once outside, run away from both the tracks and the vehicle. Run in the direction that the train is coming, Once clear immediately dial 911.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 59

3. After a blowout, do not apply the brakes; concentrate on steering and slow down gradually.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Don’t apply brakes. Concentrate on steering. Slow down gradually.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 66

4. If the accelerator jams, slap the pedal hard, use the brakes and shift to neutral.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Slap pedal hard with foot. Use brakes. Shift to neutral.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 66

5. If the brakes fail, use the parking brake, shift to a lower gear and rub the tires on the curb.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Use parking brake. Shift to lower gear. Rub tires on curb.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 66

6. If a vehicle comes toward you in your lane, sound the horn, brake sharply and steer for the shoulder or ditch.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Sound your horn. Brake sharply. Steer for shoulder or ditch.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 66

7. If you cannot move a disabled vehicle off the road, raise the hood to warn others.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “If you cannot move car off roadway raise hood to warn other motorists.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 66

8. To recover from a skid, do not panic and turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Control Yourself - Don’t Panic. 2. Turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 61

9. Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most cars and can cause loss of control.

   Source: Handbook p. 72

   “Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 72

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alaska practice test

1. 1. If the accelerator becomes jammed, which response is listed in the Alaska emergency guidance?

   1. Release the steering wheel so the vehicle can coast straight
   2. Turn the ignition key off before controlling the vehicle's direction
   3. Pump the accelerator until it returns to normal
   4. Slap the pedal, use the brakes, shift to neutral, and concentrate on steering
   Show answer

   Slap the pedal, use the brakes, shift to neutral, and concentrate on steering. A jammed accelerator requires the driver to regain control in several linked moves. Slap the pedal with the foot, apply the brakes, shift to neutral, and keep attention on steering. Turning off the ignition before stabilizing the vehicle may remove power from important controls, while pumping the pedal does not address the danger. The immediate cue is to separate engine power from the wheels with neutral while using the brakes and maintaining a safe path.

2. 2. If a vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks and warning lights begin flashing, what should occupants do?

   1. Get out, move away from the tracks and vehicle toward the approaching train, then call 911
   2. Stay inside with the doors locked
   3. Drive toward the crossing gate and wait
   4. Run along the tracks away from the approaching train
   Show answer

   Get out, move away from the tracks and vehicle toward the approaching train, then call 911. When warning lights begin flashing while a vehicle is on the tracks, occupants should get out immediately. Once outside, the manual directs them to run away from both the tracks and the vehicle in the direction the train is coming, then dial 911 once clear. Staying inside or waiting at the gate leaves people in the impact area. Running away from the train can also put a person where the train and debris will travel. The emergency cue is immediate escape, followed by the call for help.

3. 3. What should a driver do when a vehicle cannot be moved off the roadway after a breakdown?

   1. Leave the vehicle dark and remain in the travel lane
   2. Raise the hood to warn other motorists
   3. Stand behind the vehicle to direct traffic
   4. Continue driving until the vehicle repairs itself
   Show answer

   Raise the hood to warn other motorists. For a disabled vehicle, the manual says to park all four wheels off the traveled portion when possible and use parking lights or four-way flashers at night. If the vehicle cannot be moved off the roadway, raising the hood warns other motorists. Standing in the lane adds a person to the hazard, while continuing to drive a failed vehicle can worsen the emergency. Move clear of traffic when safe, make the vehicle conspicuous, and seek help without creating a second collision risk.

Source: the Alaska Driver Manual, Night Driving, Weather and Emergencies. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.