Which railroad switch is responsible when driving on/under the switch points?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. The right-handed facing switch.
Explanation
In the photo we see tram points (a switch) built into the roadway, with a switch blade and a plate covering the drive mechanism. Running onto the switch blade, also called running "under" the switch blade, happens when driving over right-hand facing points - the answer is B.
Facing points are points that the tram enters from the side of the tip of the switch blade, where the track splits. The wheels then run onto the switch blade, and its position decides which way the tram will go. At trailing points the tracks join, so the wheels run off the switch blade. Spring points (answer A) are not the only case, and left-hand trailing points (answer C) mean running off the switch blade, not onto it. Before facing points, you always check the position of the switch blade.
Legal basis: Art. 3 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)