How do you read an automatic signal?

How do you read an automatic signal?

• A. Mile Post, Even-East, Odd-West
• B. Mile Post, Odd-West, Even-East
• C. Distant signal status
• D. Home signal status

Answer: (A)

When reading an automatic signal, you identify exactly which signal to read by its location and the direction you’re traveling. The key mapping is that you use the milepost where the signal sits, and you apply the direction rule: even-numbered mileposts are read for eastbound movement, and odd-numbered mileposts are read for westbound movement. So the proper method is to note the milepost and then know which parity applies based on your direction. This is the most reliable way to locate and interpret the automatic signal you’re approaching. Distant signal status or home signal status describe what the signal is showing, not how to locate or identify which signal to read from a distance.

When reading an automatic signal, you identify exactly which signal to read by its location and the direction you’re traveling. The key mapping is that you use the milepost where the signal sits, and you apply the direction rule: even-numbered mileposts are read for eastbound movement, and odd-numbered mileposts are read for westbound movement. So the proper method is to note the milepost and then know which parity applies based on your direction. This is the most reliable way to locate and interpret the automatic signal you’re approaching.

Distant signal status or home signal status describe what the signal is showing, not how to locate or identify which signal to read from a distance.