PTS Train Speeds and Stopping Distances

Question 1

Approximately how far does a train travelling at 125 mph require to stop under emergency braking?

Accepted Answer

Around 2,500 metres

Answer

Around 500 metres

Answer

Around 1,500 metres

Answer

Around 4,000 metres

Question 2

A key reason track workers must NEVER rely on a train driver seeing them and stopping is:

Accepted Answer

Train stopping distances are far too great to protect a worker who has been spotted late

Answer

Drivers are not trained to use emergency brakes

Answer

Drivers are prohibited from sounding the horn near worksites

Answer

Most trains travel with their headlights switched off during daylight

Question 3

Which statement about train speeds is CORRECT for someone working on or near the line?

Accepted Answer

Trains may travel at full line speed even past an active worksite unless a specific speed restriction is in place

Answer

Trains always slow down near active worksites

Answer

All trains automatically reduce to 20 mph when approaching a trackworker

Answer

Drivers must stop their train before passing any person on the track

Question 4

The concept of 'warning time' in PTS is directly related to train speeds because:

Accepted Answer

Warning time must allow all workers to reach a position of safety before the train arrives

Answer

Warning time determines when the driver must sound the horn

Answer

Warning time only applies to trains travelling above 100 mph

Answer

Warning time is set by the train driver based on their visibility

Question 5

On a line with a 60 mph maximum speed, which best describes the stopping distance of a typical passenger train under emergency braking?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 600–900 metres

Answer

Approximately 50–100 metres

Answer

Approximately 200–300 metres

Answer

Approximately 5,000 metres

Question 6

Why is it dangerous to assume a train you can see in the distance will stop before reaching you?

Accepted Answer

The train's stopping distance at speed may be many hundreds of metres greater than the current gap between you

Answer

Trains always accelerate when a driver sees an obstruction

Answer

Signal failures mean drivers receive no warning of workers on the track

Answer

Train brakes are only effective on dry rail in daylight