Car Stuck on Train Tracks, Know the Causes and How to Overcome It

Friends often hear about accidents involving cars and trains? Cars stuck on train tracks are one of the accidents that frequently occur and often result in fatalities. 

This incident certainly becomes a frightening specter for drivers who intend to cross the train tracks. The cause of this accident is often suspected to be that the car suddenly stalls when crossing the train tracks due to the magnetic field on the tracks, is that true? 

According to the Research Center for Quality Systems and Testing Technology LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences), there is electromagnetic emission on the train tracks. This means there are electrical conductor cables installed. These cables are said to be incompatible with car engines. 

Especially when a train is about to pass within a distance of 600 meters, the electric current then transmits a high magnetic field. This magnetic field causes the car engine to suddenly stop when crossing over the train tracks. 

Logically, when there is an electric current flowing on the tracks that comes into contact with an incompatible electromagnetic object, it has the potential to produce emissions above the threshold. Exposure to these emissions causes the electrical system of other objects to fail. In this case, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is the main driver of the car, stops working, ultimately causing the car to stall and the accident becomes unavoidable. 

Meanwhile, PT KAI argues that the cause of cars stalling on train tracks is due to the magnetic field transmitted by the locomotive's dynamo to the train tracks even within a radius of one kilometer. That is why officers close the crossing gates even when the train is not yet visible. 

Usually, vehicles crossing the tracks do so at low speeds. When drivers do not shift the gear to a lower rotation, the dynamo and coil engine can stall due to the magnetic field from the locomotive. 

There is also another factor that causes cars to stall when crossing the tracks, which is a psychological factor. This condition makes drivers panic and unable to think clearly. 

Anyone who gets caught in this situation will surely be hysterical and scared. Especially in cars with manual transmission, the shifting of the clutch and gas due to panic becomes unstable and causes the car engine to stall and be difficult to restart. 

How to deal with a car stalling when crossing train tracks 

Getting stuck in this condition requires calm and clear thinking. Try not to panic, because there are ways to deal with a stalled car when crossing train tracks. 

Dolf Valentino, Head of the Daihatsu Pangeran Jayakarta Workshop, told the media that if a car stalls at a train crossing, it is best to continuously honk the horn and start the car. 

Based on the experience of experts, this method can break the magnetic field and electrical circuit around it. Immediately leave the car if in an emergency and stay away from the train tracks for safety. 

Safe tips for crossing train tracks 

Do you want to avoid your car stalling when crossing train tracks? Here are some tips to avoid that condition. 

The main step to take is to obey the existing signs. Do not recklessly break through the crossing gates as it is the same as courting death. 

Then, when a train is about to pass and after it has passed, the train tracks still have the potential to transmit electromagnetic emissions. As explained earlier, these emissions exist on the train tracks even within a distance of 600 meters. Therefore, use low speed when driving. 

Crossing slowly can prevent the car engine from stalling suddenly. Always maintain a safe distance when driving and be a little patient while waiting for the train to pass until the crossing gate siren is turned off. 

That is the information that friends need to know about cars stalling on train tracks. Hopefully, it is useful and obey traffic signs for safety. 

Read also: Important, Tips for Stalling on Inclines