What is the primary responsibility of the operator of on-track equipment?

The primary responsibility of the operator of on-track equipment is to maintain safe braking distances. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the crew operating the equipment and any other trains or personnel that may be on or near the track. When operating on-track equipment, it's vital to allow adequate stopping distance to respond to any unexpected obstacles or emergencies.

Maintaining safe braking distances ensures that the operator has enough time to react to signals, changes in the track conditions, and the presence of other equipment or workers, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

While operating at high speeds may be a factor in specific scenarios, the emphasis on safety and the ability to stop in time is paramount. Collaboration with the dispatcher and inspecting adjacent tracks are important aspects of overall operations, but they support the primary responsibility of ensuring safe equipment operation on tracks.