Virginia Law

A. While an employee is functioning as the designated observer/ground guide during reverse signaling activities (e.g., collecting tickets from drivers, giving verbal instructions to drivers, signaling to drivers once reverse operation of the covered vehicle has begun), the designated observer/ground guide shall:

1. Not engage in any activities other than those related to the covered vehicle being signaled;

2. Not use personal cellular phones, personal head phones, or similar items that could pose a distraction for the designated observer/ground guide;

3. Be provided with and wear during daytime operations a safety vest or jacket in orange, yellow, strong yellow green, or fluorescent versions of these colors;

4. Be provided with and wear during nighttime operations a safety vest or jacket with retroreflective material in orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow green, or a fluorescent version of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet;

5. Not cross behind in close proximity to a covered vehicle while it is operating in reverse;

6. Always maintain visual contact with the driver of the covered vehicle while it is operating in reverse; and

7. Maintain a safe working distance from the covered vehicle.

B. When using a designated observer/ground guide, no driver of a covered vehicle shall operate in reverse unless they maintain constant visual contact with the designated observer/ground guide. If visual contact is lost, the driver shall immediately stop the vehicle until visual contact is regained and a positive indication is received from the designated observer/ground guide to restart reverse operations.

C. Except as provided for in subsections A and B of this section, employees shall not enter or cross the path in close proximity to a covered vehicle while it is operating in reverse.