In an Oregon work zone, what do the orange signs do?
-
A.
Warn drivers what to expect ahead in the work zone. Correct
-
B.
Guide drivers away from the construction area itself.
-
C.
End the work zone's reduced speed limit at that point.
-
D.
Direct drivers when to stop, slow, or change direction.
The answer is "Warn drivers what to expect ahead in the work zone."
In a work zone, orange signs warn you what to expect ahead, like a lane closure, a flagger station, or reduced speeds. They are warnings, not traffic-control commands. Different work-zone tools have different jobs: orange cones guide you away from the construction itself, flaggers (or automated flagger devices) tell you when to stop, slow, or change direction, and an End Work Zone Speed Limit sign marks where the reduced speed lifts. Treat the orange sign as a heads-up so you can adjust before you reach the work area.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. Guide drivers away from the construction area itself.
Guiding traffic away from the construction is the job of orange cones, not orange signs. Signs warn; cones channel. Misreading: Confuses the warning role of orange signs with the channeling role of orange cones, which the manual lists as a separate device.
C. End the work zone's reduced speed limit at that point.
The reduced speed limit ends at an End Work Zone Speed Limit sign or another posted speed limit sign, not at general orange warning signs. Misreading: Confuses generic orange warning signs with the specific End Work Zone Speed Limit sign that lifts the reduced speed.
D. Direct drivers when to stop, slow, or change direction.
Stop, slow, or change-direction instructions come from flaggers or automated flagger devices, not from orange warning signs. Misreading: Confuses the warning role of orange signs with the active traffic-control role of flaggers and automated flagger devices.
This question tests your knowledge of Construction Signs in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Work Zones," p.59..
Related Oregon questions
- What color marks construction and work zone signs in Oregon? →
- In Oregon, traffic fines for violations committed in a work zone are: →
- Orange cones placed through a work zone are used to: →
- A temporary speed limit posted in a work zone applies: →
- At an automated flagger device with the red light on and the stop arm down, you must: →
The Oregon book is on the way
Drop your email and we'll send the free Oregon cheat sheet now, plus a note the moment the book is available.