What action should you take to emphasize your position while flagging?

• A. Wave your free arm back and forth rapidly to draw attention.
• B. Raise and lower your free arm slowly in front of you with your palm parallel to the ground.
• C. Point at drivers with the paddle.
• D. Turn away from traffic to signal.

Answer: (B)

In flagging, your presence at the position should be reinforced with calm, deliberate body signals that drivers can clearly read along with the paddle. Raising and lowering your free arm slowly in front of you with the palm parallel to the ground creates a steady, highly visible cue that emphasizes exactly where you are and that you want drivers to pay attention and respond as directed. The slow, controlled motion is easy to notice from a distance and reduces ambiguity, which helps prevent sudden or confusing reactions from drivers.

Rapidly waving the arm can resemble random motion and distract or startle drivers rather than clearly communicating your position. Pointing at drivers with the paddle shifts focus to a single vehicle and can be misread, while turning away from traffic reduces visibility and safety. The chosen motion keeps your signaling consistent, professional, and easy to interpret, which is why it’s the best option.