What actions must be taken if there is a headlight failure en route?

In the event of a headlight failure while en route, the appropriate course of action is to notify the dispatcher immediately and sound the horn at every crossing. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the train and its surroundings. When a headlight is not functioning, visibility is significantly reduced, making it imperative to alert both the dispatcher and those near the railway crossings of the train's approach.

By sounding the horn at every crossing, you enhance the safety measures typically provided by the headlight, alerting pedestrians and vehicles to the train's location and preventing potential accidents. The dispatcher can then provide guidance and support for the situation, which may include redirecting traffic or advising on further safety protocols until the issue can be resolved.

Other actions like doing nothing until reaching the next station or only reducing speed at highway crossings would not adequately mitigate the risks associated with a headlight failure. These responses do not provide the necessary communication and warning to ensure safe passage in low-visibility conditions. Removing non-essential equipment from the engine, while perhaps related to maintenance concerns, does not address the immediate safety hazard created by the headlight failure.