What is the purpose of the engineer's checklist?

The purpose of the engineer's checklist is to ensure that all safety and operational procedures are followed before embarking on a journey. This checklist serves as a critical tool for locomotive engineers, enabling them to systematically verify that the train is in safe operating condition and that all necessary precautions are taken prior to departure. By completing the checklist, engineers can confirm that equipment is functioning properly, safety features are active, and all required procedures are adhered to, significantly minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting safe train operations.

While other options mention important aspects of train operation, they do not directly address the primary role of the checklist, which is focused on safety and operational readiness prior to beginning travel.