In event of radio failure en route, the Dispatcher must be notified when?

• A. Immediately
• B. As soon as practical
• C. When you reach the next block signal
• D. Only after a formal incident report

Answer: (B)

When radio fails en route, the dispatcher needs to be told as soon as practical in order to keep train movements safe and coordinated. If the radio doesn’t work, you should still try to reach the dispatcher right away by any available means (backup radios, telephone, intercom) and report the failure and your status as soon as you can safely do so. The dispatcher uses that information to manage train traffic, authorize movements, and arrange needed protections or alternate communication paths. Waiting until the next block signal or waiting for a formal incident report would delay critical information and could create unsafe conditions for other trains and crews. The key idea is to notify the dispatcher at the first feasible moment after recognizing the failure.