Where should you position yourself to warn traffic about construction ahead without greatly slowing them down?

• A. Stand on the side of the road facing traffic and display the 'SLOW' side of your paddle.
• B. Stand in the middle of the road to guide traffic.
• C. Stay behind a barrier and use hand signals.
• D. Walk along the shoulder while shouting directions.

Answer: (A)

Positioning yourself to be clearly visible and to communicate a standard speed-reduction signal to approaching drivers is the key idea here. Standing on the side of the road facing traffic and holding the paddle with the SLOW side facing them gives drivers an immediate, universally understood cue to reduce speed while you remain out of the travel lane. This setup keeps you in view, allows you to react if a vehicle doesn’t slow, and helps maintain a safer work zone for everyone.

Blocking the lane by standing in the middle of the road makes you a hazard and slows traffic more than necessary. Being behind a barrier and using hand signals lacks visibility and clear interpretation for drivers, increasing risk and confusion. Walking along the shoulder while shouting directions isn’t a standardized, reliable signal and can be hard to hear or read at distance, again compromising safety.