What must an officer ensure before starting traffic in another direction?

Before initiating traffic in another direction, the officer must ensure that traffic from all directions is stopped. This is crucial for public safety, as moving vehicles could pose a significant risk to both the officer and drivers if traffic is not halted first. Stopping traffic provides a safe environment for any necessary changes to be made, whether that involves directing vehicles or allowing pedestrians to cross the roadway.

While drivers having awareness of changes, pedestrians crossing, and compliance with signals are also important considerations in managing traffic, the immediate priority is ensuring that all traffic is indeed stopped. This step is fundamental to preventing accidents and ensuring that everyone on the roadway can react appropriately to the new traffic conditions.