When a yellow-red flag is displayed without written restriction, what must crew members be prepared to do?

When a yellow-red flag is displayed without a written restriction, crew members must be prepared to stop short of a red flag that is positioned 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. This practice is important for ensuring safety on the railway. The yellow-red flag acts as a caution signal indicating that there are potential restrictions or hazards ahead, specifically warning that the crew should be ready to stop for the upcoming red flag, which typically indicates a more serious condition or stop signal.

The advance notice of the red flag allows crew members to prepare adequately and avoid any potential accidents. In this scenario, stopping short of the red flag is essential because it provides the crew with the opportunity to assess the situation and react accordingly to ensure the safety of both the train and its passengers. This practice aligns with operational protocols designed to enhance safety on the railways.