What should a train ensure before occupying a highway crossing with automatic warning devices?

Ensuring that warning devices have been operating for 20 seconds before a train occupies a highway crossing with automatic warning devices is crucial for safety. This 20-second rule serves as an important standard to give drivers and pedestrians sufficient time to be alerted to an approaching train. The automatic warning devices, such as lights and gates, are designed to warn road users of an oncoming train, and the 20 seconds allows for a clear indication that the train is about to cross. This safety measure helps to reduce the risk of collisions at crossings, where unexpected train movements can pose a significant danger to both road users and train passengers.

Other considerations, like seating passengers or confirming passage with the engineer, may relate to general train safety or operation but do not directly address the specific and immediate safety measures required at highway crossings. Reducing speed to below 10MPH could be a safety measure, but the timeframe for alerting the public is a priority, emphasizing the importance of the warning devices' operation before crossing. Thus, the focus on the duration of warning device activation becomes paramount in ensuring effective communication of the train's approach and enhancing overall safety at crossings.