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REVIEW NOTES IN TRAFFIC MGMT

& ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
DBG Delizo

THE FIVE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC

A. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
 Is the science of measuring traffic and travel the study of the basic laws relative to the
traffic law and generation. The application of this knowledge to the professional practice
of planning, deciding, and operating traffic system to achieve safe and efficient
transportation of persons and goods.

Function of Traffic Engineering

1. Fact finding survey and recommendation of traffic rules and regulations
2. Supervising and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices.
3. Planning of traffic regulations

Objectives of Traffic Engineering

1. To achieve traffic efficiency free and rapid flows of traffic.
2. To prevent traffic accident
3. To simplify police enforcement actions and performance.
4. To show that good police actions and performance make engineering plans effective.
5. To present the close relationship of the pillars of traffic in the improvement of traffic
problems.

Methods in Achieving the Objectives of Traffic Engineering

1. Planning and Geometric Design
 Composition of traffic streams
 Traffic volumes for capacity
 Origin and destination
2. Factors Influencing Design
 Composition of traffic
 Volume of traffic
 Speed of vehicles
 The turning, stopping abilities of traffic units.
 Performance values.
3. Regulations and Control
 Base and confined within the boundaries of safety, public welfare and convenience.
 Limitations impose on road users and their load.
 Basic general rule of road use and conduct.
1. Speed
2. Overtaking and passing
3. Right of way
4. Lateral placement
5. Pedestrian rights and duties
6. General parking rules and regulations

 Prohibition and restrictions.

1. One way regulation

2. Speed control
3. Curb parking control
4. Turning regulation
5. Stop rules and others

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND AIDS

Types of Traffic Devices and Aids

1. Traffic Signs
 A device mounted or on portable support where a message is conveyed by
means of words or symbols, officially erected or installed for the purpose of
regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
2. Pavement Markings or Markers
 All lines, patterns, words, colors, or other gadgets except, signs, set into the
surface of applied or attached to the pavement of curbing, or to objects within
or adjacent to the roadway, officially placed for the purpose of regulating,
warning or guiding traffic.
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3. Traffic Light Signals

 Is defined as a signal operated manually, electrically by which traffic is
alternatively commanded to stop and permitted to proceed.
4. Traffic Island
 Areas within the roadway construct in a manner to establish physical
channels through which vehicular traffic is guided.

The Three Primary Aims of Signal Control

1. To reduce traffic conflicts and delay.

2. To reduce accidents
3. To economize police time

Elementary Requirements
1. They should compel attention
2. They should convey a simple, closer meaning at a glance
3. They should allow time for response
4. They should command respect

Fundamental Traits
1. Design and outward aspect of the device
2. Position or placement with respect to the normal line of vision of road users
3. Maintenance of the condition, appearance and visibility

Criteria for signal volume

1. Minimum vehicular volume

2. Interruption of continues traffic
3. Minimum pedestrian volume
4. School crossing
5. Progressive movement
6. Accident experience
7. System
8. Combination of warrant

B. TRAFFIC EDUCATION

 The process of giving training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety
knowledge.

Four Basic Types of Instruction Methods Used in Driver Education Program

1. Comprehensive
 This method places the student into real life of driving situations from the beginning.
2. Traditional Instruction
 This type of instruction depends on instructor student communication.
3. Commentary Driving Method
 The instructor has to give commentary on his driving.
4. Simulated Conditions and Off the Road Training
 The subject is placed in condition will be relatively analogous to normal behavior.

Essential Component of the Driving Task

1. Collection of Information
 Perceptual Scanning
 Identification
2. Processing of Information
 Predicting
 Decision Making
3. Action
 Motor Skills and Control of Vehicles
4. Knowledge and Subjective Interpretation

C. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

Why people violate traffic laws?

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The reason are varied and complex, some of these are

1. Physical disabilities and infirmities
2. Ignorance of traffic laws, rules and regulations
3. Mental Disorder
4. Lack of training and experience
5. Wrong attitude towards driving
6. Habitual traffic violator
7. Drivers of public utility vehicles for increase compensation

Consideration which act as deterrent to motorist and pedestrian

1. Fear of fine and punishment
2. Loss of driving privilege
3. Possibility of being involved in accident
4. Positive area of good citizenship, doing what is right and setting an example

Decision of Enforcement Action

1. Necessity of establishing policies including tolerance
2. Factors considered
 Degree of violation
 Accuracy of observation
 Continuous or momentary action
 Traffic and weather condition
 Evidence gathered
 A new law or not

ENFORCEMENT THEORY:

1. Traffic Law Enforcement:

 Is the action taken by the police and the court to compel obedience to traffic laws and
ordinances regulating the use and movement of motor vehicles for the purpose of
creating a deterrent to unlawful behavior by all potential violators.
2. Enforcement of Traffic Enforcement
 Is the area of activity aimed at controlling road user behavior by preventive, persuasive,
and punitive methods in order to effect the safe and efficient movement of traffic.

Functions of Traffic Enforcement

1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement
 The part of traffic law enforcement performed by the police and other agencies with
police power including deterrent to law violation created by the presence of uniformed
police officers and their special equipment, special assistance to courts and prosecutors
and incidental services t highway users.

2. Court Traffic Law Enforcement

 The part of traffic law enforcement performed by the court by adjudication and
penalization.

3. Police Court Enforcement Process

 Involves five essential steps to which the police provides varying responsibilities and
influence:
A. Detection
B. Apprehension
C. Prosecution
D. Adjudication
E. Penalization

Objectives of Traffic Law Enforcement

1. Preventive Activities
 Such as preventive patrol, directing, supervising, investigating accidents and eliminating
road hazards.
2. Persuasive Activities
 Such as oral, written warning or visible patrols
3. Punitive Activities
 Normally dealt with by the courts, police or traffic authorities.

Traffic Enforcement System

 The major elements in the traffic enforcement system are:
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1. The Enforcement System

 Consist of the legislation, police, courts and penalties.
2. Road User
 Include pedestrians, drivers and passengers.
3. Traffic System
 Consist of the entire road and vehicle complex.

Goals of Enforcement Activities

1. To increase safety level

2. To increase traffic efficiency
3. To insure harmonious and comfortable environment

Police Traffic Enforcement Action

1. Prevent such violation from endangering persons or property.
2. Prevent continued violation
3. Discourage future violation

Kinds of Enforcement Action

1. Traffic Arrest
 Is an enforcement action that consists of taking a person into custody for the purpose of
holding or detaining him to answer a charge of law before a court.
2. Traffic Citation
 Is made of having a violator appear in court without physical arrest
3. Traffic Warning
 Is an enforcement action which does not contemplate possible assessment of penalty by
the court or otherwise a s a result of warning alone.

Traffic Patrol
 Is commonly by mobile and foot patrol to provide traffic patrol services for the safety of
the motorist, pedestrians, and the public in general.

Objectives of Traffic Patrol

1. Detecting and apprehending violators
2. Deterring violators and dangerous driving
3. Observing and reporting traffic conditions
5. Maintaining order and traffic disciplines
6. Handling traffic emergencies

Types of Traffic Patrol

1. Line Patrol – Moving patrol or stationary observation on a specified road between two points
usually on one city street.
2. Area Patrol – Stationary observation in an area or beat, which includes a number of streets.
3. Stationary Patrol – Traffic observation at a selected place usually one with an unfavorable
accident experience and traffic flow problem for traffic law enforcement purposes to detect
violations and deter violators.
4. Conspicuous Patrol – Stationary observation in which the observer tries to attract attention by
keeping in full view of traffic.
5. Visible Patrol – Traffic observation in which the observer is in full view but so located, for
instance on a side street, as to require effort on the part of the traffic to discover the observer.
6. Concealed Patrol – Stationary observation in which observer is not visible to persons using
ordinary powers of observation from the roadway being observed.

Traffic Road Check

 The conducting of actual inspection of vehicles, and motorist on the road.
 To detect or inspect the following:

1. Faulty vehicle equipment

2. Registration and licensing violation
3. Intoxication and cargo of commercial transportation for load weight.

Types of Road Check

1. Physical Barrier
2. Officer-Directed Road Check

Considerations During Road Check

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1. Minimum delay to motorist

2. Thorough checking procedure
3. Protection and safety of both motorist and officer
4. Timing, location and frequency

D. TRAFFIC ECOLOGY/ENVIRONMENT
 The study with potentially disastrous population explosion, changes in urban environment
due to the scale and density of new urban concentration and new activities carried out,
air pollution, water pollution and crowding, especially transport congestion that result
therein.

Kinds of Environmental Effects of Urban Transportation

1. Noise 7. Changes in the amount of light
2. Vibration 8. Neighborhood Severance
3. Air Pollution 9. Relocation
4. Dirt 10. Distraction during planning, and construction
5. Visual Intrusion 11. Pedestrian Journey
6. Loss of Privacy 12. Congestion

External Factors That Influences the existing and future behavior of population:
1. Rapidly increasing population growth.
2. Rapidly increasing urbanization.
3. Rapidly increasing motorization.
4. Industrialization and technical modernization.
5. Improvement of the transportation network.

Presidential Decree 1181

 Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles
and for other purposes.

Letter of Instruction 551

 Directing the Law enforcement Agencies to implement the pollution control program.

E. TRAFFIC ECONOMY

 It deals with the benefit and adverse effects of traffic to our economy. Traffic operation is
designed to expedite the movement of traffic. However, with the prevailing traffic
congestion during rush hours in any given locality adversely affect the economic status of
the commuting public.

TRAFFIC SUPERVISION, DIRECTION AND CONTROL

Traffic Supervision
 Keeping order on the street and highway within existing regulations to make their
use safe and expeditious.

Police Traffic Direction

 That part of police traffic supervision that involves telling drivers and pedestrians
how and where they may or may not move or stand at a particular place,
especially during periods of congestion or emergencies, it generally involves all
police activity that is necessary to insure the smooth flow and orderly flow of
traffic.
Point/Area Traffic Control
 That part of police direction that is concerned with the control of vehicular and
pedestrian movement at a particular area or point on the street or highway, such
as an intersection.

Police Traffic Escort

 That part of police traffic direction that involves mobile supervision of the
movement of one or more traffic units from one point to another.
 This may include directing the movement of surrounding vehicles and pedestrian
by means of audible and visible signals in such a manner as to permit free and
safe movement of the vehicle or vehicles being escort.
Traffic Direction and Control
 An activity of a traffic by which the movement of traffic units at a particular
intersection are controlled and allocated according to proportionate time to
prevent traffic accident and to maintain the smooth flow of traffic.
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ROAD SIGNS

The messages and type of responses that road signs convey to the drivers as well as to
the pedestrians alike fall under different categories. They are as follows:

1. CAUTION SIGNS, WARNING SIGNS, AND DANGER SIGNS:

 These signs convey messages that certain road conditions exist on a certain stretch of
the road or on street requiring the driver to more ATTENTIVE and are prepared for such
road conditions.
 Warn motorist of approaching hazardous road conditions.
 Seek caution for approaching road hazards.
 Call the reduction of speed.
 These signs have an equilateral triangular shape with one shape horizontal.
 Triangular in shape and have a red colored border.

Examples:
1. Dangerous bend
2. Turn Left/Right
3. Double Left bends
4. Double Right Bend
5. Animal Crossing
6. Pedestrian Crossing
7. Road Works
8. Slippery when wet
9. Road Narrow
10. Steep Ascent
11. Rail Road Crossing
12. Falling Rocks
13. Two Way Traffics
14. One Way Traffic
15. Driver/Water way Ahead
16. Rotunda Ahead
17. Intersection Ahead

2. GUIDE SIGNS, INFORMATION SIGNS AND DIRECTION SIGNS

 These signs are modified signs that actually give spatial or DIRECTIONAL
INSTRUCTIONS for the driver to take.
 These signs are designed to provide the driver with information that MAY OR MAY NOT
use but will assist him in one-way or another.
 Guide motorist along established routes.
 Inform the driver of the proper routes.
 Help motorist along the way in the most simple and direct method.
 Round/Rectangular, white on blue background.

Division of Informative Signs:

1. Advance Sign
 These are the names and distances of the principal destination served by the intersecting
road.
2. Direction Signs
 Direction sign shall be placed at the right of intersections to show the direction and
destination of a route.
3. Place Identification Signs
 These maybe used to show the frontier between two countries or for the purpose of
showing the beginning and or end of built-up areas.
4. Confirmatory Signs
 These are used to confirm the direction of a road. They shall bear the name of one or
more places. Where distances are shown, the figures expressing them shall be placed
after the name of the locality.

Examples:
Bus Stop - Jeepney Stop - Pedestrian Crossing - Distance/ Destination Sign

3. INSTRUCTION SIGNS OR REGULATORY SIGNS

 These signs require the driver not only to be more attentive as in caution signs but also
require the driver to ACTUALLY PERFORM OR NOT TO PERFORM a specified act.
 Intended to inform the road user of special obligations, instructions or PROHIBITIONS
which they must comply.
 Round, Inverted Triangle or Octagonal and color are Red.

Division of Regulatory Signs:

1. Priority Signs
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 These are intended to regulate priority over a particular road section of roadway
intersection.
2. Prohibitory Signs
 These signs can be used on specified section of the road, which will be easily seen by
motorist to indicate regulation, which is prohibitive or restrictive in nature.
3. Mandatory Signs
 These signs are intended to notify the road users of special rules in which they must
comply for the safety and convenience and smooth flow of traffic.
Examples:
Stop - Speed Limit – Yield - No Blowing of Horns - No Entry - No Parking - No Left/Right Turn
- Width, Length, Height, Weight Capacity - No U Turn - No Overtaking

The color and shape symbolism of international standard signs are based largely on the
following principles:

1. Signs surrounded by a red triangle gives waning of some hazards.

2. Signs surrounded by a red ring sometimes also with a red diagonal bar, normal indicate
prohibition.
3. Signs on blue and green rectangular background give information.
4. Signs on blue disc give positive instruction.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS

Types of pavement markings:

1. Pavement Markings
2. Curb Markings for Restriction
3. Object Markings
4. Reflectories Markings

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

All lines, patterns, words, colors, or other gadgets except signs set into the surface or
applied upon or attached to the pavement or curbing or to objects within or adjacent
to the roadway, officially placed for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding
traffic.

1. SINGLE WHITE DOTTED LINE

 On two-lane road, separates traffic moving in separate directions.
 On a one-way street, separates traffic moving in one direction.
 Overtaking is possible when other lane is clear of oncoming vehicle.

2. SINGLE WHITE CONTINUOUS LINE

 Separates traffic moving in opposite direction.
 Could be find in road sections that are dangerous.
 Passing and overtaking can be made but only after under circumstances when
there are no oncoming vehicles.
3. DOUBLE YELLOW LINE
 Absolutely no parking.
 Overtaking is extremely dangerous.
 Stay in your lane until you pass the end of the solid lines.
4. SINGLE YELLOW LINE
 A yellow or white line with a dotted white line means that you cannot overtake if
the solid is in your side.
 If you overtake, return to your lane before the solid line.
5. YELLOW CONTINUOUS LINE ON ROAD PROVIDED WITH A PASSING LANE
 Are common on mountain roads.
 Slow moving vehicles such as buses and heavy trucks should always use the
outer lane.
 Inner lane is for vehicles to pass without having to use the other lane for vehicles
coming from the opposite direction.
 Vehicles coming from the opposite direction should not use the inner lane at the
other side for overtaking.
6. CROSS WALK/ PEDESTRIAN LANE
 Stop for pedestrians on an intersection with no traffic light.
 Do not stop on pedestrian lane especially to load or unload passengers.
 Pedestrian should always cross a street on a cross walk.

7. DIRECTIONAL ARROWS
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 Indicates direction of permitted traffic movement.

 When approaching intersections where pavement arrows are used, you should
enter the lane where the arrow points in the direction you want to go.
 Some have doubled headed arrows that means the lane is for traffic going in the
two directions indicated.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

1. Steady Red
 STOP at designated line.
 Vehicles will be crossing from the other side.
 Expect pedestrian to cross at the pedestrian lane.
 Unless specified you can TURN RIGHT after a FULL STOP to clear traffic coming from
the left.
2. Steady Green
 GO
 It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side to STOP.
 Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the pedestrian lane in front of you.
 Unless specified, you can move up to the middle of the intersection and make a left turn
when clear.
 Vehicles going straight have the right of way
 Do not anticipate a green light.
3. Steady Green Arrow
 GO
 Vehicles turning left can do so.
 On coming straight traffic is still on red t give way for vehicles turning left.
 Do not anticipate a green arrow.
4. Steady Yellow (Amber)
 Prepare to stop
 It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side and will be given the GO signal shortly.
 Do not beat a yellow light.
5. Flashing Red
 This is the same as a STOP SIGN
 Stop at the designated line
 Vehicles will be crossing from the other side
 Expect pedestrian to cross at the pedestrian lane
 Proceed when clear
6. Flashing Yellow
 This is the same as the yield sign
 Proceed through the intersection with caution
 You have the right of way over a flashing red light
 Vehicles on the other side will proceed after coming to a full stop
7. Steady Green and Steady Left/Right Arrow
 Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the left lane can make a left turn
 Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the right lane can make a right turn
 The RIGHT GREEN signal might or might NOT have a road sign disallowing a right turn
while the Red light is ON

Definition of Terms

1. Traffic – Refers to the movement of persons, goods or vehicles either powered by

combustion system or animal drawn, from one place to another for the purpose of travel.
2. Accident – is that occurrence in a sequence of events, which usually produces unintended
injury, death or property damage.
3. Traffic Accident – An accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way.
4. Motor Vehicle Accident – Is any event that results in unintended injury or property damage
attributable directly or indirectly to the action of a motor vehicle or its load.
5. Traffic Way – It is the entire width between boundary lines of every way or place of which any
part is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic as a matter of right or
custom.
6. Roadway – The portion of a traffic way that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for
vehicular travel, EXCLUSIVE of the shoulder.

7. Key Event – An event on the road, which characterizes the manner of occurrence of a motor
vehicle traffic accident.
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8. Debris – Is the accumulation of broken parts of vehicle rubbish, dust and other materials left
at the scene of the accident by a collision.
9. Skid Marks – Are marks left on the roadway by tires, which are NOT free to rotate, usually
because brakes are applied strong, and the wheels locked.
10. Scuff Marks – Are signs left on the road by tires that are sliding or scrubbing while the wheel
is still TURNING.

KINDS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

1. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident – is any motor vehicle accident occurring on a traffic way.
2. Motor Vehicle Non Traffic Accident – Is any motor vehicle accident which occurs entirely in
any place other than a traffic way.
3. Non Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident – Is any accident occurring on a traffic way involving
persons using the traffic way or travel or transportation but not involving a motor vehicle in
motion.

CLASSIFICATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC

ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO KEY EVENT

1. Running off road

2. Non Collision on road
3. Collision on road

CLASSIFICATION OF ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO SEVERITY

1. Property Damage Accident – Is any accident where there is no fatal or injury to any person
but only damage to the motor vehicle or to other property.
2. Slight – Accident causing slight damages to properties.
3. Non Fatal Injury Accident – Any motor vehicle accident that results in injuries other than fatal
to one or more persons.
4. Fatal Accident – Any motor vehicle accidents that results in death to one or more persons.

CHAIN OF EVENTS IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

1. PERCEPTION OF HAZARDS – Is seeing, feeling, or hearing and understanding the usual or

unexpected movement or condition that could be taken as a sign of the accident about to
happen.

2. START OF EVASIVE ACTION – Is the first action taken by a traffic unit to escape from a
collision course or otherwise avoid a hazard.

3. INITIAL CONTACT – Is a first accidental TOUCHING of an object collision course or

otherwise avoid a hazard.

4. MAXIMUM ENGAGEMET – Is GREATEST COLLAPSE or OVERLAP in a collision the force

between the traffic unit and the object collided with are greatest at maximum engagement.

5. DISENGAGEMENT – The separation of the traffic unit I motion from an object with which it
has collided, force between the object ceases at this time.

6. STOPPING – Is coming to rest, it usually stabilizes the accident situation.

7. INJURY – Is receiving bodily harm.

* Final Position – Is the place and time when objects involved in an accident finally come
to rest without application of power.