What must the current RWIC ensure when transferring authority to another RWIC?

The correct answer focuses on the requirement that all workers and equipment must be clear of the tracks when transferring authority from one Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC) to another. This is critical for ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment on or near the tracks, as it mitigates the risk of accidents and enhances situational awareness during the transition of authority.

When authority is being transferred, it is essential that the area is free of any potential hazards related to workers or equipment inadvertently left on the tracks, which could create dangerous conditions. This requirement aligns with the primary goal of the Roadway Worker Protection Program, which is to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

While ensuring that all workers and equipment are stored safely, reviewing all safety protocols, and confirming the functionality of communication devices are all important safety considerations, they serve different roles in workplace safety. Safety protocols will help establish a culture of safety, communication devices ensure effective coordination, and safe storage enhances overall operational readiness, but none of these are as critical at the exact moment of transferring authority as ensuring that the tracks are clear of all personnel and equipment.