MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

To signal a driver to stop, how should you blow your whistle when directing traffic?

1. 2 short blasts.

2. 3 long blasts.

3. 1 long blast.

The correct answer is: 1 long blast.

When directing traffic, blowing your whistle one long blast is the recognized signal to indicate that a driver should stop. This practice is standardized in traffic control to ensure clarity and consistency for drivers. The single long blast is distinct and easily noticeable, making it effective in grabbing attention, particularly in noisy environments or when visibility is compromised. The other options propose different patterns of blasts which may not convey the same clear directive to stop. Two short blasts could be confused with a signal for caution or to pay attention, while three long blasts typically might indicate a more urgent evacuation or emergency context rather than a stop command. Thus, the long single blast is purposefully used to minimize confusion and enhance safety during traffic direction.