What must employees do to recognize and follow signals correctly?

Recognizing and following signals correctly is a critical aspect of maintaining safety and operational efficiency on the railroad. Employees must be proactive by being vigilant and attentive to the signals in their work environment. This proactive approach ensures that they interpret the signals accurately and comply with their intended meaning.

By being on the lookout for signals and understanding their purpose, employees can make informed decisions that are essential for safe movement within the work zone. It emphasizes the importance of not just seeing the signals but comprehending what they signify in terms of actions to be taken or precautions to observe. This contributes to the overall safety culture and operational reliability on the railroad.

The other options focus on actions that may not ensure proper recognition and understanding of signals. For example, waiting for verbal commands or following instructions from colleagues may be useful in certain situations but does not address the immediate need to observe signals independently. Reacting quickly to visible signals can be beneficial; however, it is crucial that the response aligns with the intended meaning of the signal, rather than just a hurried reaction. Thus, the focus on awareness and compliance with the intended message of the signals is key to the correct answer.