Which term is a track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected location as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents?

• A. Crossover
• B. Automatic Safety Switch
• C. Dual Control Switch
• D. Derail

Answer: (D)

A derail is a track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected location to protect against collisions or other accidents. It’s installed at spots where a running car could pose a danger—like near yards, interlockings, or the end of a track. When a car encounters the derail, the wheels are forced to leave the running rails, sending the car onto a safe, off-tracks path and away from mainline traffic. This controlled derailment helps prevent a potential collision or more serious incident by removing the car from its dangerous course.

Crossover refers to a track arrangement that lets a train move from one track to another, not to divert a car for safety. Automatic Safety Switch describes equipment that routes trains automatically, rather than intentionally derailing a car. Dual Control Switch is a type of switch operated from two points, not a safety device to derail.