What safety equipment should a peace officer wear while directing traffic at a crash site?

A high visibility safety vest is essential for a peace officer directing traffic at a crash site because it significantly enhances their visibility to oncoming drivers and can reduce the risk of accidents. The vest is designed to reflect light and make the officer stand out in various lighting conditions, including fog or nighttime. This increased visibility not only helps to protect the officer but also ensures the safety of other road users by alerting them to the presence of emergency services on the scene.

In contrast, while standard uniforms may offer some level of identification, they typically do not offer the necessary visibility features that a safety vest provides. Reflective gloves, while helpful for some level of visibility, do not cover enough area to be effective on their own. A helmet with a visor, while it may offer some protection, is not a standard requirement for traffic direction and doesn't address visibility of the officer's entire body as effectively as a high visibility vest. Therefore, the vest is the most practical and critical piece of safety equipment for directing traffic in such situations.