What action is crucial to prevent accidents during aircraft movement?

Proper signaling is crucial in preventing accidents during aircraft movement because it facilitates clear and effective communication between ground personnel, pilots, and air traffic controllers. Signaling ensures that everyone involved in the aircraft's movement is aware of what actions are being taken, such as taxiing, stopping, or taking off. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to dangerous situations.

In busy and complex environments like airports, where multiple aircraft and vehicles are moving simultaneously, well-defined signals—whether through light signals, visual aids, or hand signals—create a standardized method of communication. This reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by miscommunication and ensures that all parties can act safely and efficiently.

While keeping a lookout is important, and a pre-flight briefing helps establish safety protocols, signaling specifically addresses the real-time need for coordination and awareness during aircraft movement. Lowering hand signals, while relevant, does not encompass the full spectrum of communication practices necessary for safe operations. Overall, proper signaling serves as the foundational practice in maintaining safety during aircraft movement.