Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

Practice

Use of flashing stop/slow paddle

Alabama DOT decided to try the flashing stop/slow paddle, which was developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program. Work crews in eight of Alabama DOT’s nine divisions were provided with flashing stop/slow paddles. The paddles were used to control traffic in 15 temporary work zones across the state. Three sites were in urban areas, the rest in rural areas. When a flagger saw that a motorist was not heeding instructions, the flagger activated the high-intensity flashing light to grab the motorist’s attention.

Assessment:

It was reported, on average, motorists responded more quickly to the new device than to the traditional stop/slow paddles. Most of the flaggers participating found the device easy to handle. Problems with interference from two-way radios and short batte

State/Agency: Alabama
Where Documented: Case study titled "A Better Way to Control Traffic"
Topics: