In what situation should flaggers be used in a work zone?

The use of flaggers in a work zone is essential when traffic needs to be controlled in a manner that cones or barricades cannot adequately address. Flaggers play a crucial role in communicating directly with both drivers and workers, managing safety and directing traffic flow effectively. This is particularly important in situations where the work area is complex, visibility is limited, or the nature of the work requires vehicles to be directed through the area rather than simply relying on static traffic control devices.

While flaggers can be beneficial at nighttime or during light traffic, these conditions do not inherently mandate their use. The presence of flaggers becomes critical in situations where the dynamic nature of traffic presents a higher risk to both workers and motorists that cannot be managed through fixed signage or barriers alone. Therefore, employing flaggers whenever cones or barricades are insufficient for ensuring safety is the correct guideline, reinforcing the importance of active human control in navigating traffic within work zones.