In TRAIN terms what does it mean to 'Flag a Crossing?"?

Question

I think this may be it but I am not sure. The engineer of the train hears that the signal at the crossing is not working so they have to stop the train and have the conductor trip the signal. I have no idea really and this is the only scenario that makes sense. I would like to understand this term completely in rail terms.

Answer 1

Flagging a crossing means the train stops and the conductor stops traffic before you pull over the crossing.It can be a risky business the way some people drive.I've seen more than one conductor almost run over.

Answer 2

Andy is correct, of course, but you are too.

Most times, grade crossings on secondary tracks, such as industry leads are not equipped with crossing protection and an employee will stop traffic.

In other instances, crossing protection has a "time out," so they will not stay down if a train is stopped, such as in a siding or main track.  Some devices require an employee start them again with a key, but this is not really flagging the crossing, rather someone to "trip the signal," just as you said.

In other instances for some reason the crossing protection can be INOPERATIVE, requiring someone to flag the crossing before passing.

I stress the word "inoperative" because, contrary to popular opinion, crossing protection is not fail-safe.  And all must keep in mind an employee will be flagging a crossing due to the gates being inoperative only IF the train crew knows it is inoperative before occupying it, which is not always the case.  This is why one should NEVER trust that any crossing protection is working properly, and always stop (when you can) look (Really look.  A glance can get you killed.) and listen (music off, window down) before crossing ANY tracks.

A good safety question...  thanks for asking.  Here's your star.