What is the requirement for on-ground employee protection at a highway crossing?

The requirement for on-ground employee protection at a highway crossing is to give stop signals by day and night. This is essential for ensuring the safety of both the railroad employees and the general public as trains approach a highway crossing. The use of stop signals helps to alert drivers and pedestrians that a train is on its way, providing them with adequate notice to stop and avoid potential accidents.

Providing signals at all times, regardless of the time of day or visibility conditions, ensures a consistent and reliable system for preventing collisions. This protection is particularly important since visibility can change due to weather conditions or the time of day, and proactive measures must be in place to maintain safety. The lack of such signals could lead to dangerous situations where vehicle operators may attempt to cross the tracks at an inopportune moment. Therefore, the comprehensive approach of using stop signals at all times is a crucial part of maintaining safety at highway crossings.