What role do railway signals play in preventing accidents?

Railway signals play a crucial role in informing workers about train movements and statuses, which is vital for ensuring the safety of personnel working on or near the tracks. By providing clear visual indications of whether a train is approaching and its operational status (such as stop, caution, or go), signals enable roadway workers to make informed decisions about safety protocols and their movements on the tracks. This communication is essential, as it helps prevent accidents that could occur due to a lack of awareness about oncoming trains.

While other aspects like automatic gates, real-time updates on train positions, and speed control are important for overall railway operation safety, they do not directly address the need for workers on the ground to have clear and immediate knowledge of train activity, which is the primary function of railway signals in this context. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of signal communication in maintaining the safety of railway workers.