What action should an employee take upon receiving unclear signals?

When an employee receives unclear signals, the appropriate action to take is to stop and seek clarification. This response is essential because unclear signals can represent a potential safety hazard on the railroad. The priority in railroad operations is to ensure the safety of the crew, the train, and any equipment involved. By stopping, the employee allows the situation to be assessed and ensures that proper procedures are followed before proceeding.

Seeking clarification from the proper authority—such as a dispatcher or signal operator—ensures that the employee is correctly informed about the intended meaning of the signals. This also helps prevent any misinterpretation that could lead to accidents, derailments, or other safety incidents.

Other actions, such as proceeding with caution or asking fellow employees for interpretation, may lead to an increased risk because they don't directly address the source of the uncertainty and could lead to further confusion or danger. Continuing as per previous instructions assumes there is no change in conditions, which may not be the case when signals are unclear.