Question

Difficulty: MediumEmergency Vehicles, School Buses, and Work Zones

While driving through a highway construction work zone, a motorist approaches a point where an authorized flagger displays a hand-held STOP sign, but the temporary traffic signal overhead shows a solid green light. Which action is legally required of the driver?

  1. Stop completely before reaching the flagger and wait until directed to proceed.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed without stopping because an overhead green signal legally overrides a flagger's hand signal.
  3. C
    Slow down and yield to oncoming traffic, but continue through the work zone without coming to a full stop.
  4. D
    Maintain the posted work zone speed limit and travel through the signalized intersection normally.

Answer

The driver must bring their vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the flagger and await further instructions, as manual directions given by authorized work zone flaggers supersede automated traffic signals.
Manual directions provided by authorized traffic control personnel, such as police officers and construction zone flaggers, take precedence over electronic signals and written traffic signs. Drivers must follow the flagger's instructions directly and bring their vehicle to a complete stop.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between traffic control devices.
Recognize that the temporary overhead light shows solid green while an authorized flagger displays a manual STOP sign.
Traffic control conflicts require knowing the legal order of precedence.
2
Apply the rule of authority precedence in work zones.
Determine that manual signals from law enforcement officers and authorized work zone flaggers take precedence over electronic traffic signals and static signs.
Flaggers adjust traffic flow dynamically to protect workers and manage unpredictable hazards.
3
Select the proper driving response.
Bring the vehicle to a safe, complete stop prior to the flagger's position and wait for explicit clearance to move.
Complying with the flagger's STOP sign fulfills legal safety requirements in construction zones.

Key Concept

Priority of Work Zone Flagger Directions Over Traffic Signals
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