When shoving equipment into a coupling, riding the leading end of the locomotive at the point of impact is prohibited. Is this statement true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only allowed if a supervisor approves.

Answer: (A)

The safety rule here centers on your position during shove operations. When you push equipment into a coupling, the moment of impact between the locomotive and cars is highly unpredictable. If you ride the leading end at that point, you can be crushed, drawn into the gap between cars, or struck by moving equipment if the coupling shifts, latches, or if slack runs out unexpectedly. Those risks make being at the point of impact extremely dangerous, so you must not be there. The correct approach is to guide the shove from a safe distance with proper signals or a lookout, staying clear of the coupling area. This rule isn’t conditional on supervisor approval; it’s a fundamental safety practice.