What is an appropriate action for flaggers when directing traffic?

Flaggers play a crucial role in managing traffic flow and ensuring the safety of both drivers and workers in work zones. One of their primary responsibilities is to communicate effectively with drivers. This communication is achieved through clear and visible gestures, which convey instructions regarding stopping, slowing down, or proceeding.

Using clear signals helps ensure that drivers can easily understand the flagger's directions, even from a distance or in varying weather conditions. This is essential for maintaining a safe environment in the work zone. Well-defined gestures contribute to the overall efficiency of traffic management, minimizing the potential for confusion and accidents.

Maintaining a stationary position, while relevant to alerting traffic, does not address the critical aspect of communication that flaggers must provide to facilitate safe passage through work zones. Ignoring speeding vehicles or turning their backs to oncoming traffic would compromise both the flagger's safety and the safety of other road users, making these actions inappropriate. Therefore, signaling with clear and visible gestures stands out as the best practice for flaggers.