Answer:
The answer to this question is: that this is correct. When placing (or picking up) traffic control equipment in the street, you should be facing oncoming traffic- even if it means walking backwards.
Explanation:
The reason lies in the guidelines and regulations for safety, especially when dealing with pedestrians, hitchhikers, and traffic. This is because when a car is moving along a road, it becomes easier for the driver to predict what a pedestrian, or person on the street, will do, when the two are facing each other, than when they are going in the same direction. So for example, in the case of a hitchhiker, and especially if there is a bend, the oncoming car can see the pedestrian from a longer distance and can measure the reactions the pedestrian will have, as the car moves along and looks for a way to avoid him. It also becomes true that the pedestrian, by being able to see what is coming, can take measures to prevent himself from becoming an obstacle for the oncoming car, and thus can prevent himself from getting in the car´s way. When both pedestrian, and driver, head the same way, the pedestrian may either get astounded, or startled by anything, and may rush towards the oncoming car, instead of being able to avoid it because the pedestrian can see it.
