What must be pronounced digit by digit in a Form D?

• A. Numerals in lines 1-13
• B. Numerals in lines 14-20
• C. Words in lines 1-13
• D. All numerals in lines 1-5

Answer: (A)

Digits that appear in the first thirteen lines of Form D must be spoken one at a time to ensure the message is understood exactly as written. This digit-by-digit pronunciation helps prevent mishearing numbers, which is crucial in railroad communications where a small error can cause a safety or operational issue. The rule focuses on the numerals in those early lines because they typically contain the most critical identifiers—train numbers, mileages, times, and other key figures that need precise transmission. Other parts of the form may contain numbers or words that aren’t required to be voiced digit by digit, so the standard emphasis remains on the numerals in those initial lines. For example, if a line reads 205, you’d say “two zero five” to avoid confusion with similar sounding numbers, rather than a potentially ambiguous quick reading.