CSX Freight Conductor Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The maximum speed allowed for a train leaving the main through a hand-operated switch into a non-signaled siding is set for safety reasons, ensuring that the train has sufficient time to adjust to the change in track alignment and the potential for unseen conditions ahead. Allowing a speed of 15 MPH strikes a balance between operational efficiency and the need for caution.

At this speed, it provides an adequate margin for the crew to react to any potential hazards while also ensuring that the equipment can safely navigate through the switch. The choice of 15 MPH reflects industry-wide standards that prioritize the safety of both the train crew and any potential objects or personnel near the siding. Higher speeds could increase the risk of derailment or accidents, especially since non-signaled sidings may lack the safety features found on mainline tracks.

Understanding these limits is crucial for the safety protocols that conductors and crews must follow to maintain a secure operating environment.