What are "flaggers" responsible for in rail safety?

Flaggers play a critical role in ensuring safe interactions between rail operations and vehicular or pedestrian traffic at crossings. Their primary responsibility is to signal to vehicles and pedestrians, guiding them to stop or proceed safely depending on the circumstances. This role is essential in preventing accidents at crossings, particularly in areas where visibility may be limited or where additional caution is necessary due to train schedules. By directing traffic and providing clear signals, flaggers help maintain the safety of both rail operations and the public.

Monitoring train speeds, counting passengers, and performing maintenance checks are important functions within the railroad system, but they are not the responsibilities assigned to flaggers. Flaggers focus specifically on direct safety communications at crossing points, making their role essential in avoiding mishaps involving trains and other forms of transportation.