What does an orange sign featuring a little man holding a flag indicate?

An orange sign featuring a little man holding a flag specifically indicates that a construction flagger is ahead. This sign alerts drivers that they should be prepared to encounter a flagger who is directing traffic through a work zone. Flaggers are present to ensure safety and to manage the flow of vehicles around construction activities. Recognizing this sign is crucial for safe driving, as construction zones can have altered traffic patterns, lane closures, or reduced speed limits.

In contrast, signs indicating a construction worker nearby would not necessarily feature a flagger, as they might simply denote general construction activity without specifying the presence of someone directing traffic. A sign indicating a detour would typically convey instructions for an alternate route rather than signal a flagger's presence. Likewise, a sign that indicates the road is closed would communicate a barrier to travel, distinct from the indication of a flagger managing ongoing construction traffic. Understanding these specific meanings helps keep both drivers and workers safe.