Traffic guard explained

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:

• 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

• Traffic police
• State police
• Security police
• Security guard
• Parking enforcement officer
• Highway patrol
• Crossing guard
• Level crossing
• Road traffic control
• Road traffic safety
• Roadworks
• Traffic barrier
• Traffic cadet

Notes and References

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