Night Work Zone With Flagger and Temporary Signal
You are driving at 10:30 PM on a two-lane US route in Maine. A work zone has orange signs: ROAD WORK AHEAD, LANE CLOSED AHEAD, and a flashing arrow board pointing traffic to the left. Plastic drums channel the right lane closed. A flagger in a reflective vest is facing you and holding a STOP paddle. At the same time, a temporary traffic signal ahead shows a green light for your direction. A barricade with diagonal orange-and-white stripes blocks the far right shoulder. The flagger is standing about 40 feet before the barricade. You are the first vehicle in line. The signal stays green. You need to decide whether to drive on, stop, or move into the open lane.
1. Which control should you obey: the green temporary signal or the flagger's STOP paddle? Why?
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Obey the flagger's STOP paddle. In a work zone, a flagger is a traffic control device with authority to stop and release traffic. The temporary green signal may be controlling a different movement, may be out of sequence, or may not be coordinated with the flagger. A green light does not override a flagger holding STOP. You should stop before the flagger and wait. Do not creep forward or move into the closed lane. When the flagger turns the paddle to SLOW or waves you through, proceed at a walking pace and follow the channelizing devices. If the signal and flagger conflict, the flagger's direction controls.
2. What do the orange signs and the diagonal-striped barricade tell you about the work zone?
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Orange is the standard color for work-zone warning and guidance. ROAD WORK AHEAD and LANE CLOSED AHEAD warn you to slow and prepare to merge. The flashing arrow board directs traffic to the left, so the right lane is closed. The plastic drums are channelizing devices: they guide your path and should not be crossed. The barricade with diagonal orange-and-white stripes marks a closed area-do not drive past it. Together, these devices mean the normal lane is unavailable and workers may be nearby. Slow down, increase following distance, and avoid distractions.
3. How should you proceed once the flagger signals you through?
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Once the flagger signals you through, move into the open lane indicated by the arrow board and drums. Keep speed low-often 10–20 mph or as posted-and stay alert for workers, equipment, and uneven pavement. Do not pass other vehicles in the work zone unless a flagger or sign directs you. Do not cross the striped barricade or drive on the shoulder to bypass the queue. If a pilot car is present, follow it at a safe distance. At night, use low beams if workers are present and watch for reflective clothing. The green signal may now be irrelevant; continue to obey the flagger and posted work-zone signs.