Traffic guard

"Flagger" redirects here. For other uses, see Flagger (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Traffic officer.
Traffic guard
Japanese traffic guard
Occupation
NamesFlagger, Traffic Controller
Occupation type
Employment
Activity sectors
Traffic, law enforcement, security, civil engineering
Description
Related jobs
Construction worker, guard, police
Flagger on M-124, Hayes State Park, Michigan
Traffic guard on Michigan Avenue in Chicago

Traffic guards, also known as traffic controllers and flaggers, are trained to set up warning signs and barricades to slow down the speed of traffic in a temporary traffic control zone. When they are on scene they will set up equipment to warn approaching traffic about the incident.[1]

Equipment

Traffic guards use a variety of equipment:[1]

  • Signal flags.
  • Signal hand sign; called stop/slow paddles in the United States, these are a sign that has 'stop' on one side and 'slow' or 'go' on the other side.
  • Traffic vest.
  • Helmet (or a hard hat); protecting the head from hazards.

Automated traffic controls

In some cases, alternatives to human traffic guards are used for traffic control. Traffic guards may be assisted by Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) so that they can stay out of the roadway when directing traffic.[2] Temporary traffic lights or yield signs may also be used as an alternative to human traffic guards.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Traffic Controllers (Flagger)". ny.gov. New York State DOT. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  2. ^ Finley, Melisa D (January 1, 2013). "Field Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices in Work Zones on Two-Lane Roads". Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 2337 (1): 1–8. doi:10.3141/2337-01. S2CID 109343882. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  3. ^ Ullman, G L; Levine, S Z; Booker, S C (April 1987). "Flagger safety and alternatives to manual flagging". Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (406–1F): 56. Retrieved 20 September 2021.