At what speed should cars be brought together when coupling?

Bringing cars together for coupling at a speed of 1 MPH is advisable because it minimizes the risk of damage to the coupling mechanisms and reduces the possibility of injury to personnel involved in the process. Coupling involves aligning two train cars precisely, and a slow approach allows for better control and reaction time to make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, a lower speed ensures that any impact will be gentle, promoting safer operations and reducing wear and tear on the equipment.

Higher speeds, such as 5 MPH, 10 MPH, or 15 MPH, can lead to jolts that could misalign the couplers and create a hazardous situation, potentially causing damage to both cars and increasing the risk of accidents during the coupling process. Therefore, a speed of 1 MPH is the safest and most efficient choice for coupling train cars.