What is considered a minimum distance for workers to clear the tracks?

The minimum distance for workers to clear the tracks being 15 seconds before a train moving at maximum speed can pass is grounded in the principles of safety and preparedness in the Rail Worker Protection Program. This time frame allows sufficient margin for workers to evacuate the track area safely, assuming a train's maximum speed and potential stopping distance.

When trains operate at high speeds, they can close in on a worker quickly, making it crucial to anticipate the arrival time of the train accurately. The 15-second rule aims to provide a standardized buffer to ensure that all personnel have ample time to move to a designated safe area, helping to minimize the risk of accidents.

Other options either provide insufficient time for safety or reference practices that don’t account for the varying speeds of trains, potentially leaving workers at risk. Thus, 15 seconds is an established guideline designed to enhance the safety and well-being of roadway workers in their operational environment.