The Government of Saskatchewan unveiled a new device intended to cut down on the risks faced by flag persons during highway construction season. It is a made-in-Saskatchewan device initiated through a pilot program in which three remote-controlled “Guardian Angel” automatic flagging assistance devices (AFAD) are operating in work zones. They are truck-mounted, remote-controlled devices that allow the flag person to be off the roadway while controlling traffic, minimizing their risk of injury.

It was unveiled in Moose Jaw on Tuesday where Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said flag persons often have close calls with motorists who do not slow down or pay adequate attention while traveling through work zones.

Trailer-mounted or stand-alone AFAD models have been used for larger construction sites, but their size and weight make them more difficult to move. This truck-mounted model is geared to projects like patching or other maintenance where workers are moving frequently because the truck can simply be driven forward as needed.

The Guardian Angel is manufactured in Watrous, Saskatchewan by Guardian Angel Auto Flagger Manufacturing. The devices are being used by crews in the Moose Jaw, Outlook and Prince Albert areas. This pilot program will evaluate the number of near misses, miscommunications and feedback from flag persons in these work zones.