What are adjacent tracks?

Adjacent tracks are defined as the track(s) that are next to and parallel with the track where a worker is located. This definition is important in Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) training because workers need to be aware of the hazards posed by trains or equipment using these nearby tracks. Understanding which tracks are adjacent allows workers to take appropriate safety precautions, such as securing an understanding of the movement of rail traffic on those tracks, ensuring effective communication with other workers, and complying with safety protocols established for working around these areas.

In contrast to other choices, tracks that are a mile away would not pose an immediate threat, while tracks that cross each other or that are in the opposite direction do not necessarily fall into the category of being adjacent. The focus on parallel tracks reflects a specific safety concern in the context of worker protection and situational awareness on the railways.