What does an employee do with a flag to signal a maximum speed limit of 5 MPH?

To signal a maximum speed limit of 5 MPH, the correct action is to move the flag steadily away from the body. This specific signaling method is universally recognized in the operating rules for train operators, where the motion of the flag serves to convey the instruction clearly.

When the flag is held in this manner, it indicates to the train crew that they must reduce their speed to the designated limit of 5 MPH. This technique ensures that the signal is visible and communicated effectively, allowing for proper adherence to safety protocols.

Other actions such as waving the flag at ground level, holding it vertically, or throwing it onto the tracks do not conform to established signaling protocols and would not convey the same clear instruction regarding speed limits. Each of these incorrect options lacks the necessary visibility and clarity that moving the flag away from the body provides, thus making the correct method essential for effective communication in train operations.