Evaluation of Flagger Training Session on Speed Control in Rural Interstate Construction Zones

A study was conducted on the evaluation of a flagger training session on speed control in rural Interstate construction zones. Two flaggers were randomly selected to participate in a training session, in which they were taught the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” procedures for flagging on rural Interstates. Speeds of traffic outside of the construction zone, inside of the zone but far from the flagger, and inside the zone near the flagger were observed to determine the effectiveness of the flaggers before and after training and to note any increased effectiveness after training. The findings indicate that both cars and trucks have speeds exceeding the speed limit outside the construction zone and far from the flagger, but speeds near the flagger are lower than the speed limit. For both flaggers, the average speeds near the flagger were 4 to 9 mph lower after training than before. For the first flagger, it is not clear whether or not this is a result of an increased effectiveness due to training. However, for the second flagger, it is likely that the reduced speeds are caused by an increased effectiveness after training.