What is the required train speed when passing yellow caution lanterns?

When passing yellow caution lanterns, the required train speed is 10 mph. This speed is established as a safety measure to ensure that operators can react appropriately to any potential hazards in the vicinity of the track. Yellow caution lanterns typically indicate that there may be a condition requiring the train crew to be alert, such as a nearby work crew or a track obstruction. By maintaining a speed limit of 10 mph, train operators can ensure they have enough time to assess their surroundings and respond to any issues that may arise, significantly enhancing overall safety during operations.

Other speeds listed, such as 5 mph or 15 mph, while they may also facilitate caution, do not align with the established guidelines for yellow caution signals. A speed of 5 mph may be unnecessarily slow for certain situations, and 15 mph exceeds the speed limit intended to maintain safety in such caution zones. Thus, 10 mph strikes the optimal balance between caution and efficiency when responding to yellow caution lanterns.