What is a primary reason for prohibiting unauthorized use of electronic devices?

The primary reason for prohibiting unauthorized use of electronic devices is to avoid interference with safety-related duties. Safety is of utmost importance in rail operations, where the focus must remain on the tasks at hand to ensure the safety of personnel and the public. Unauthorized use of devices can lead to distractions, reduce situational awareness, and potentially result in accidents or failures to respond to critical situations.

Maintaining concentration on operational duties is essential for ensuring that all regulations and protocols are followed correctly, which directly affects safety. While protecting proprietary information and maintaining distraction-free environments are important considerations, they are secondary to the fundamental need to uphold safety standards during operations.