If a driver asks a question while you are flagging, what should you do?

• A. Direct drivers to the nearest police station
• B. Refuse to answer and walk away
• C. Be polite, answer to the best of your knowledge, and attempt to help
• D. Yell at them to stay back

Answer: (C)

In flagging, your job is to keep traffic safely through the work area and communicate clearly within what you’re authorized to share. When a driver asks a question, the best approach is to be polite, answer to the best of your knowledge, and try to help. This keeps drivers informed, reduces confusion, and supports safe, orderly movement through the zone. If you don’t have the information or it’s beyond what you can provide, guide them to posted signs or to the site supervisor for more detail. Always avoid giving incorrect directions, and keep the interaction brief so you can stay focused on directing traffic. For example, point to detour signs and say to follow those signs, and offer to get you or the supervisor for more specific questions if needed.