Key points
Never start across railroad tracks unless there is room for your vehicle on the far side.
Source: Handbook p. 83
“Never start to cross if there is not room for your vehicle on the far side, or if you will have to stop on the tracks.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 83The ENS sign at a crossing carries a DOT number that identifies the crossing's exact location.
Source: Handbook p. 83
“The sign also contains a DOT number that identifies the grade crossing’s physical location so emergency crews or railroad personnel can respond.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 83If a train is coming and you are stalled on the tracks, get out and run toward the direction the train is coming from.
Source: Handbook p. 138
“If there is a train coming, get out and move away from the tracks. Get as far away as you can, and run in the general direction the train is coming from, so that debris from the collision will not hit you.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 138If your brakes fail, first pump the brake pedal several times.
Source: Handbook p. 136
“Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 136With ABS, press the brake as hard as you can and keep pressing.
Source: Handbook p. 138
“Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 138If you run off the pavement, do not return until you slow to 15 mph or less and check traffic.
Source: Handbook p. 136
“Don’t try to get back onto the pavement until you have your vehicle under control, your speed is reduced to 15 mph or less, and you have looked for traffic behind you.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 136If a vehicle fire gets out of control, move at least 100 feet away.
Source: Handbook p. 138
“If a fire gets out of control, move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle as the gas tank may explode.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 138In a skid, stay off the brake and steer where you want to go.
Source: Handbook p. 139
“Stay off the brake. Until the vehicle slows, your brakes will not work and could cause you to skid more.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 139Report a crash on a public highway to police when apparent property damage is $500.00 or more.
Source: Handbook p. 141
“When the crash occurs on a public highway, and it results in property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 141If a parked car is hit and you cannot find the owner, leave a note where it can be seen.
Source: Handbook p. 141
“If you cannot, leave a note in a place where it can be seen with information on how the owner can reach you and the date and time of the crash.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 141
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mph | slow to this or less before returning to the pavement | Handbook p. 136 |
| 100 feet | distance to move from a burning vehicle | Handbook p. 138 |
| $500.00 | crash damage on a public highway that must be reported | Handbook p. 141 |
3 questions from the Delaware practice test
1. How should a driver use an anti-lock braking system during a quick stop?
- Shift to reverse before touching the brake pedal
- Pump the pedal repeatedly and release it after each pulse
- Press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep pressing
- Use only the parking brake to avoid the service brakes
Show answer
Press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep pressing. With ABS, the manual instructs the driver to press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep pressing it. Repeated pumping is the procedure suggested for locked brakes without ABS, not the normal ABS technique. Selecting reverse can damage the vehicle and does not provide controlled stopping, while the parking brake is not a substitute for the service brakes. If the pedal pushes back or vibrates, keep steady pressure and steer where the vehicle needs to go.
2. What should a driver do when approaching a railroad crossing where there is no room beyond the tracks?
- Enter the crossing and wait on the tracks
- Cross quickly while sounding the horn
- Stop before the tracks and wait until there is space to clear them
- Use the shoulder to create space beyond the crossing
Show answer
Stop before the tracks and wait until there is space to clear them. A driver must not begin crossing unless there is enough room for the vehicle on the far side. Entering a blocked crossing can leave the vehicle trapped on the tracks even when no train is immediately visible. A horn does not solve the space problem, and the shoulder is not a substitute for a clear exit. Wait before the crossing until traffic has moved and the entire vehicle can clear the rails.
3. What number identifies the exact location of a Delaware railroad grade crossing for emergency responders?
- The route shield number
- The vehicle registration number
- The DOT number on the crossing sign
- The driver's license number
Show answer
The DOT number on the crossing sign. The blue emergency sign at a grade crossing includes a DOT number that identifies the crossing's physical location. That lets railroad personnel or emergency crews locate the problem and notify trains in the area. A route shield and personal vehicle or license identifiers serve other purposes. If a vehicle blocks the tracks or equipment is damaged, use the emergency dispatch information and provide the crossing's DOT number.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with emergencies questions from the free Delaware practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Delaware Driver Manual, Section Five: Driving Skills and Safety Tips. 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.