Traffic Control & Flagging Crews

Flaggers and traffic control crews stand between moving traffic and the work zone. Their job is to protect everyone else, and the biggest danger to them is a distracted or speeding driver.

• Construction
• Road work
• Utilities

Top hazards

• Being struck by passing vehicles
• Being struck by construction equipment backing inside the zone
• Setting out and picking up cones and signs in live traffic
• Night work and poor visibility
• Heat, cold and long hours standing
• Angry or aggressive drivers

Flagger basics

• Get trained. Many states require flagger certification through a state-approved course.
• Wear high-visibility clothing: ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 in the day, Class 3 recommended at night and on high-speed roads. See High-Visibility Clothing.
• Use a STOP/SLOW paddle, not hand signals alone, and use the standard signals.
• Stand on the shoulder, visible to approaching traffic, never in the travel lane.
• Plan an escape route and keep it clear.
• Face traffic and never turn your back on it.
• Stand alone; don’t let coworkers gather around the flagger station.
• Light your station at night without blinding drivers.

Setting up and taking down

• Follow the traffic control plan and the federal MUTCD layout for the road type and speed.
• Place advance warning signs first, then the taper, then the work area. Remove them in reverse.
• Use a truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) or shadow vehicle to protect crews placing cones on high-speed roads.
• Keep a buffer space between the taper and the workers.

Station checklist

• Advance warning signs in place (“Flagger Ahead”)
• Paddle, radio and hi-vis on
• Visible from far enough away for the speed of the road
• Escape route clear
• Water and shade or warm gear available; relief scheduled

Last updated: October 2, 2026