When approaching a stop signal, the crew must be prepared to stop and the speed must be controlled to ensure stopping within which distance concept?

When approaching a stop signal, the crew must be prepared to stop and the speed must be controlled to ensure stopping within which distance concept?

• A. One-half the range of vision.
• B. Not exceeding 20 MPH at all times.
• C. One mile from the signal.
• D. The length of the train.

Answer: (A)

When approaching a stop signal, the key idea is controlling speed so you can stop within the distance you can see ahead. The range of vision is how far you can observe along the track, including the signal. You must be prepared to stop within half of that visible distance, not the full range, to have enough margin for reaction time, braking, and any less-than-ideal conditions. This approach keeps you from relying on the entire visible distance, which could be insufficient once you factor in braking distance and potential surprises on the track. If you can see the signal 1,000 feet ahead, you should be able to stop within about 500 feet of that point. The other options don’t fit because speed is not fixed and depends on conditions, and there’s no universal one-mile rule or train-length rule for stopping in relation to a stop signal.

When approaching a stop signal, the key idea is controlling speed so you can stop within the distance you can see ahead. The range of vision is how far you can observe along the track, including the signal. You must be prepared to stop within half of that visible distance, not the full range, to have enough margin for reaction time, braking, and any less-than-ideal conditions. This approach keeps you from relying on the entire visible distance, which could be insufficient once you factor in braking distance and potential surprises on the track. If you can see the signal 1,000 feet ahead, you should be able to stop within about 500 feet of that point.

The other options don’t fit because speed is not fixed and depends on conditions, and there’s no universal one-mile rule or train-length rule for stopping in relation to a stop signal.