What safety feature assists in preventing collisions at track junctions?

The correct choice highlights the role of interlocking systems as a crucial safety feature in railway operations, particularly at track junctions. Interlocking refers to a system of signals and track switches that work in unison to ensure that trains operate safely through complex junctions or crossings. The primary function of interlocking is to prevent conflicting movements of trains, which could lead to potential collisions.

When a train approaches a junction, the interlocking system ensures that the signals display the correct aspects based on the current position of track switches, safeguarding against any train entering a junction unless it is safe to do so. This mechanism not only enhances operational efficiency by managing traffic flow at busy intersections but also significantly mitigates the risk of accidents by ensuring that only one train can occupy a specific route at any given time.

In contrast, other options like a functioning speedometer, random checks of train schedules, or constant noise from train horns do not provide the same level of direct collision prevention at junctions. The speedometer is crucial for monitoring speed but does not interact with other train movements. Random checks of schedules do not prevent collisions; they are more about ensuring adherence to operational protocols. Similarly, train horns serve as a warning device but do not prevent accidents; their effectiveness relies on the