How should you treat a restricted speed condition?

• A. Operate at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see ahead and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction.
• B. Operate at maximum track speed at all times.
• C. Stop immediately upon seeing any obstruction.
• D. Speed up to pass an obstruction.

Answer: (D)

In restricted speed, you operate at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see ahead and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction. This means slowing enough so that, no matter what appears in your path, you have time to bring the train to a stop before hitting it. You’re also ready to stop at any time if a signal or condition requires it, rather than trying to speed through or rush past something you can’t be sure you can stop for. This approach is safer than attempting to speed up to bypass an obstruction, or stopping only when you’re forced to, or simply running at the maximum track speed regardless of what you can see.