ODOT rolls out ‘auto flaggers’ to protect highway workers

Every year, flaggers and other highway workers are injured and killed on highways in Oregon and across the nation. The Oregon Department of Transportation said Wednesday it has begun deploying new flagging technology — auto flaggers — that takes work zone flaggers out of the line of traffic, making them safer.

An auto flagger is a device with lights and a flagging arm. Auto flaggers are more visible to drivers than traditional flaggers and allow a person to operate the device at a safe distance from traffic, officials said.

A flagger still operates the auto flagger. They’re just outside the line of traffic and away from the hazards of oncoming vehicles approaching the work zone.

What to do when you see an auto flagger:

Stop when the light is red and the arm is down. Proceed with caution when the light flashes yellow and the arm is up. Know that there IS someone nearby, operating the device. See how the auto flaggers work

“Everyone knows what the red light means,” said ODOT Transportation Maintenance Manager Rolon Williams. “In every country in the world, red means stop.”

Distracted drivers endanger themselves, highway workers and others. ODOT said 90% of Oregon work zone crashes are caused by bad driving such as drivers following too close, driving too fast, not yielding or driving under the influence.

“Please be patient and remember, highway crews are working to create a safer, more efficient transportation system for all of us,” the agency said. “Pay attention to work zone signs. Slow down in work zones and obey all flaggers.”