A train may make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block when:

• A. Preceded by a crew member, who must be prepared to stop an opposing movement operating at Restricted Speed
• B. Preceded by a supervisor
• C. When the dispatcher approves
• D. Only during daylight

Answer: (A)

Allowing a reverse movement within the same block at Restricted Speed is safe only when a crew member leads the movement and is prepared to stop any opposing movement in that block. The crew member at the front acts as a ready observer and brake for the approaching traffic from the other direction, so if another train or movement enters the same block, it can be stopped in time. Restricted Speed gives you the stopping flexibility, but without a designated lookout who can intervene, there’s no reliable safeguard against collisions in the same block.

The other options don’t provide that immediate, on-scene supervision and readiness to stop opposing traffic. A supervisor or dispatcher isn’t in position to observe and react within the block, and daylight versus night doesn’t change the fundamental safety requirement.