Raudteesignaale

Raudteesignaale, often translated as railway signals, are visual devices used on railway lines to indicate to train drivers whether it is safe to proceed or if they must stop. These signals are crucial for maintaining the safe and orderly operation of trains, preventing collisions and ensuring efficient traffic flow.

The most common types of railway signals are color light signals, which employ a system of colored lights to convey their meaning. Red typically indicates stop, yellow means caution or prepare to stop, and green signifies that it is safe to proceed. Other colors or combinations might be used to convey more nuanced instructions, such as a flashing yellow for an approaching diverging route.

In addition to color light signals, older semaphore signals, which use movable arms to indicate position, are still found on some heritage or less modernized lines. The position of the arm, whether horizontal, at an angle, or vertical, corresponds to different signal indications.

The operation of railway signals is often controlled by a signaling system, which can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. In more advanced systems, signals are interlocked with track circuits that detect the presence of trains, ensuring that a signal cannot display a proceed aspect if the track ahead is occupied or if a conflicting route is set. The proper functioning and understanding of raudteesignaale are paramount for railway safety.