The picture of a mangled car hit by a train on a level crossing (The Argus, February 3) shows the danger of getting stuck in a stalled vehicle on a crossing without knowing what to do about it.

However, if you had been taught by a qualified instructor, he should have shown you what to do. If no train is in sight, it takes only a second to engage low gear, operate the starter with the clutch in and wind the car forward off the crossing using the starter. Once clear, try to start the car again.

However, this does not work with automatic cars. If a train is in sight, evacuate the car immediately. You can practise this to make sure you know what to do in an emergency.

-Doug Streeter, Saltdean Drive, Brighton