Abstract: The present invention provides an alert mechanism for directing non-responding traffic away from a responding vehicle and personnel. A first member is fixed to a vehicle and a second elongated member is movably attached to the first member. A deployment mechanism permits movement of the second elongated member relative to the first member from a retracted position to a deployed position. A set of alert indicators are affixed to the second elongated member and comprise illuminating elements to give visual indication on deployment. An actuator electromechanically moves the second elongated member from a retracted position to a deployed position and back. The invention may be used to alert approaching traffic to traffic stop situations and to presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in times of emergency.