Flaggers announce springtime

MAT-SU — Along with the sounds of ATVs and lengthening of the days, a sure sign spring has arrived in the Valley can be seen along local roadways. Construction season has begun, and that means plenty of flaggers are out controlling traffic with their “slow/stop” signs.

Those behind the signs, or “boards,” generally wave their boards with a smile and a friendly greeting for motorists slowed by construction work, said Becky Haitt, an 18-year flagger working for QAP construction. Although the work can be dangerous — a Valley flagger was injured last August by a hit-and-run motorist — flaggers perform a vital and necessary service in keeping construction areas safe, she said.

Along with Vivian Weaver, Haitt is part of a crew regulating traffic along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at the intersection of Westside Drive. The pair took time Monday while flipping their boards to answer some questions about their job.

Frontiersman: What got you interested in being a flagger?

Haitt: Well, I had just gone through a divorce and this seemed like it would be an interesting job. I like it.

F: What’s your main responsibility as a flagger?

H: It’s to get the traffic and pedestrians through the area safely and still have the equipment be able to work. We’re here for the safety of everybody.

F: You hear about flaggers sometimes being hurt or killed on the job. Is this a dangerous profession and do you ever fear for your safety?

H: If you’re not paying attention, it can be dangerous. We’re at the mercy of drivers paying attention. Sometimes you see people are talking on their cell phones and don’t pay attention to the signs. That’s why we have to be on our toes.

F: Have you ever been injured while working as a flagger?

H: No, never. Although, there was this one time somebody took a slingshot and hit my sign. I guess that could’ve hit me and been bad.

F: What’s your biggest pet peeve with drivers in construction zones?

H: Not using their turn signals, because we’ve got to be doing a lot of things out here. I hope people know we’re not out here to make their lives miserable.

F: As you work, you have a big smile and wave for people driving by. Is that intentional, or are you really that friendly?

H: Oh, I’m pretty friendly, but it is intentional. People are going to be more cooperative if you’re nice to them.

F: What advice do you have for drivers in construction zones?

Weaver: Always look out for the signs. We’re out here to keep everyone safe. A lot of people are used to driving through here every day and get used to a regular (routine). Just look for the signs and watch out.

F: What kind of training do you have to do to be a flagger?

W: We have to take a flagger certification course, then you have to wear all the necessary equipment and use it properly. Also, we take an eight-hour refresher course.

F: This is seasonal work, so what do you do during the off season?

W: Pretty much the work is from May through October. This is the earliest I’ve ever started. When not here, I work at Providence Hospital in the emergency room as a secretary.

F: What’s the closest call you’ve had or what’s made you the most nervous while controlling traffic?

W: You should’ve been here last week. I almost got taken out by a moose. He was eyeing me. We stopped traffic so it could cross without getting hit, but it was coming for me. I hid behind a guy’s truck.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.