A vehicle control system includes a controller disposed onboard a first vehicle system and comprising one or more processors. The controller is operably connected to a propulsion and braking subsystem of the first vehicle system. The controller is configured to analyze a notification message received from an off-board source as the first vehicle system travels on a route. The notification message identifies an unplanned brake application made by a second vehicle system. In response to the notification message, the controller is configured to control the propulsion and braking subsystem to modify movement of the first vehicle system based at least in part on a location of the second vehicle system to avoid the second vehicle system.