What is crucial to maintaining safety according to the rules?

Obedience is crucial to maintaining safety according to the rules because it ensures that individuals follow established protocols and procedures designed to protect both workers and passengers. Adhering to rules minimizes the risk of accidents and incidents that can occur when protocols are ignored or not followed correctly. This level of compliance is necessary in an environment where safety is paramount, such as railway operations, where the consequences of disobedience can be severe.

While knowledge of the rules is important, it is the act of obeying those rules that translates into safe practices in real-world situations. Additionally, while patience and supervision can contribute to a safe working environment, they do not hold the same direct responsibility as obedience to established safety rules. Hence, obedience becomes the key factor that directly influences the safety outcomes within railway operations.