When signaling devices present conflicting indications and no dispatcher response is yet received, what action is prudent before proceeding?

• A. Continue at the speed limit while monitoring both signals.
• B. Follow the most restrictive indication and obtain dispatcher confirmation before proceeding.
• C. Take a vote among crew members to decide.
• D. Ignore both and proceed after a delay.

Answer: (B)

When signals give mixed messages and there’s no dispatcher reply yet, you must act with the highest level of caution. Treat the situation as if the most restrictive signal is in effect and then get a dispatcher clearance before moving. This approach minimizes the risk of entering a blocked or improperly signaled block and ensures you have official authorization to proceed. It’s about never trusting conflicting indications and using the dispatcher as the authority to proceed safely.

Continuing at the speed limit while watching both signals isn’t safe because one or both signals could be restricting your movement. Voting among crew members isn’t how authority is established, and ignoring both signals and moving later is unsafe and could put the crew and train in danger.