Question

Difficulty: HardTraffic Officer Signals and Temporary Control Devices

During a nighttime road maintenance operation, you approach an intersection where an illuminated temporary arrow board displays a flashing left-turn caution signal, while an overhead traffic light shows a steady red signal. Simultaneously, a uniformed traffic officer standing in the intersection uses a lighted baton to signal you directly to proceed straight through. Which action must you take in this scenario?

  1. Obey the traffic officer's baton signal and proceed straight through the intersection regardless of the red light and arrow board.Answer
  2. B
    Stop completely for the steady red light and wait until the overhead signal turns green before following any officer instructions.
  3. C
    Follow the temporary flashing arrow board and make a left turn since temporary control devices override both officers and permanent lights.
  4. D
    Treat the situation as a flashing yellow signal, yield to oncoming traffic, and proceed with caution without stopping.

Answer

Obey the traffic officer's baton signal and proceed straight through the intersection regardless of the red light and arrow board.
In any traffic situation where a uniformed law enforcement officer or authorized traffic controller is directing traffic, their manual directions supersede all automatic traffic signals, regulatory signs, and temporary work zone signs or arrow boards. Drivers must follow the officer's instructions immediately and safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between active control elements
Recognized three conflicting directions: steady red overhead light (stop), temporary arrow board (left turn caution), and human traffic officer (proceed straight).
Traffic law dictates a strict hierarchy of control when multiple control devices or signals conflict.
2
Apply the statutory precedence rule for traffic control
Determined that manual gestures and directives from a uniformed officer supersede all signs, signals, and temporary devices.
Traffic officers assess real-time emergency or roadway conditions that static or automated devices cannot account for.
3
Formulate the required driving response
Safely follow the officer's lighted baton gesture to proceed straight through.
Drivers are legally obligated to follow officer directives over standard traffic control signals.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Signal Precedence over Electronic Signals and Temporary Control Devices
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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