Maryland highway officials will test new technology to reduce the risk to human flagging crews in road work zones.
WTOP-FM reports the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration will use an automated flagger assistance device instead of someone with a long pole with "Stop" and "Slow" signs attached.
Charlie Gischler with the state highway agency said the new system is going to eliminate the need for somebody to stand in the road next to traffic.
The AFAD will be tested at a drainage project just north of Cumberland. Drivers will see a device on the side of the road with the Stop and Slow signs used in human operations. They'll also see signs reading "Wait on Stop" and "Go on Slow."
Copyright The Associated Press
