What are the basic flagging functions?

• A. Releasing traffic, slowing traffic, and stopping traffic.
• B. Detouring traffic, speeding traffic, and guiding pedestrians.
• C. Blocking traffic entirely.
• D. Directing traffic only.

Answer: (A)

The basic flagging functions revolve around controlling how vehicles move through a work zone to keep workers safe. This means three core actions: releasing traffic to let vehicles go through when it’s safe, slowing traffic to create a safe buffer and give drivers time to react, and stopping traffic when the lane or area must be closed to protect people and equipment. Flaggers use these actions in combination as conditions change, communicating clearly with hand signals and flags so drivers understand what to do.

Detouring traffic, guiding pedestrians, or blocking traffic entirely are not the fundamental flagging actions. Detouring is a broader traffic-management task that may be planned, guiding pedestrians is important for safety but not a primary flagging function, and blocking traffic entirely is a special-case scenario, not the standard trio of basic flagging actions.