Chapter 7 · Lesson 22 of 38
Work zones and flaggers
4 min read · Safe Vehicle Operation
Figures in this lesson
Explanation
Arrow boards. A flashing arrow board usually marks a lane closure or crossover; markings, cones, barrels or barricades outline your path. A board that shows no direction means caution only — you don’t have to change lanes.
Flaggers.
- A flag (fluorescent orange/red) held straight out into traffic: stop. Go at a reduced speed only when the flagger directs you.
- A sign paddle: stop or proceed slowly as the STOP or SLOW side shows.
- Automated Flagger Assistance Devices let the flagger stand out of traffic. They show STOP or SLOW like a paddle, or use red and yellow lights.
Safety tips. Stay alert for lower limits, narrow lanes and workers; read the signs; merge early; slow down (speeding into a work zone puts you on top of stopped traffic within seconds); don’t tailgate; minimize distractions; expect delays or take another route. Where signs direct it, use a late or zipper merge — merging toward the lane closure — to shorten the back-up.
Example
A flagger ahead holds a paddle showing STOP. You stop and wait. The flagger turns it to SLOW and waves you on, and you drive through slowly, watching for workers.
Common mistake
Treating an arrow board with no direction as a lane closure and cutting across lanes. It only means caution.
What the manual says
A flashing arrow board not indicating a direction either way is a signal to use caution but does not require a driver to move to another lane.
You must stop when a flagger extends a fluorescent orange/red flag in a horizontal position into the line of traffic. You may proceed at a reduced speed only when directed to by the flagger.
At some locations traffic is encouraged to merge towards the lane closure, this is known as late or zipper merging, which may be used to reduce the length of a traffic back-up. Signs will be used in these cases.
Sources
- Manual p. 47
“Flashing arrow boards are often used to indicate a lane closure or "crossover."”
- Manual p. 47
“A flashing arrow board not indicating a direction either way is a signal to use caution but does not require a driver to move to another lane.”
- Manual p. 47
“You must stop when a flagger extends a fluorescent orange/red flag in a horizontal position into the line of traffic. You may proceed at a reduced speed only when directed to by the flagger.”
- Manual p. 47
“If a flagger uses a signal paddle, you must stop or proceed slowly according to the "STOP" or "SLOW" message displayed on the sign.”
- Manual p. 47
“Automated Flagger Assistance Devices are used to enable the flaggers to be positioned out of the lane of traffic.”
- Manual p. 47
“These devices display a "STOP" or a "SLOW" sign just like the flagger-held sign paddle or use red and yellow lights.”
- Manual p. 47
“Stay alert. Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.”
- Manual p. 48
“If you are speeding when you approach a work zone you will encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.”
- Manual p. 48
“Don't tailgate. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.”
- Manual p. 48
“At some locations traffic is encouraged to merge towards the lane closure, this is known as late or zipper merging, which may be used to reduce the length of a traffic back-up. Signs will be used in these cases.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3