What procedure should be followed when entering a yard area?

When entering a yard area, adhering to specific speed limits is crucial for safety and operational efficiency. Yard areas are typically high-traffic zones where trains maneuver in and out of storage tracks, requiring operators to remain vigilant and responsive to changing conditions. Speed limits are established for several reasons: they help to ensure the safety of personnel working on the ground, reduce the risk of accidents, and allow train operators to maintain better control when navigating through crowded environments.

Maintaining appropriate speed enables operators to react promptly to any obstacles or unexpected situations, such as workers on the tracks, equipment, or other trains. The lower speeds in yard areas also accommodate the gradual stopping and starting that is often required when dealing with loading or unloading activities, making the environment safer for everyone involved.

In contrast, running at maximum speed, proceeding without stopping, or speeding up when approaching a switch could lead to dangerous situations, including collisions or derailments, as these actions do not take into account the unique challenges posed by the yard environment. Therefore, following the established speed limits in yard areas is essential for safe train operations.