While flagging a signal at a manual interlocking, the dispatcher calls you to pick up a repaired bad-order car off the next siding. Your train is operating at restricted speed. How should you answer?

• A. Tell dispatcher you are in a cab red zone and cannot respond
• B. Proceed to pick up the car
• C. Ignore the dispatcher
• D. Slow down and continue

Answer: (A)

When you’re flagging a signal at a manual interlocking, you must keep the dispatcher informed, especially under restricted conditions. A cab red zone means your radio or communications are temporarily constrained, so you can’t safely acknowledge or coordinate a new instruction at that moment. The correct action is to tell the dispatcher that you are in a cab red zone and cannot respond. This communicates your status clearly, prevents the dispatcher from thinking you’ve ignored the call, and keeps you in compliance with safety rules. You would address the request again once you’ve left the red zone or once you can respond and have clearance. Other options would risk unsafe movement or noncompliance with the dispatcher.