What is the meaning of a steady white light?

A steady white light in the context of railway signaling indicates that the signal is clear, and the operator is aware of the approach. This means that train crews can proceed confidently, knowing there are no immediate hazards on the track or issues ahead that would require them to stop or slow down.

This interpretation is vital for maintaining safe operations on the railway, as it provides clarity to the train crew about the state of the track. Operators rely on these signals to make informed decisions about how to proceed, and a steady white light serves as a clear communication that the path is safe.

The other choices represent different signaling conditions that would indicate various levels of caution and action required from the train crew. For instance, preparing to stop or proceeding with limited speed indicates there are potential hazards or conditions that require additional caution and adherence to safety protocols.