What general action should operators take when seeing signals or signs while operating a train?

Operators are mandated to follow signals and signs while operating a train as part of established safety protocols. These signals and signs provide critical information about track conditions, speed limits, and other operational instructions essential for the safe journey of the train. Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent accidents and ensures that all safety measures are observed to protect both the passengers and the crew.

Familiarity with a route does not supersede the necessity to obey current signals and signs, as conditions can change unexpectedly due to various factors such as weather, track maintenance, or unforeseen obstructions. Personal judgment regarding speed adjustments is also discouraged since it could compromise safety by disregarding the regulations set forth by railway authorities. Likewise, while instructions from dispatch are important, they do not negate the need to respond to signals and signs that govern real-time operational decisions. Thus, following signals and signs is a fundamental responsibility of train operators, intertwining safety with operational efficiency.