CONCEPT

• Traffic Management is best understood by understanding the following commonly used words
and terminologies.

• ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS/ROADS. These are high-capacity urban roads that direct traffic from
collector roads to expressways or freeways. It also refers to a highway that is used primarily by

through traffic.

• COLLECTOR HIGHWAY. It is also known as collector road or distributor road which connects low-
to-moderate highways or roads to arterial highways such as those entering residential
properties. It also refers to a highway that serves primarily to funnel traffic from one local
highway to another or between arterials and local highways.

• HIGHWAY. It means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way dedicated to a
public authority wherni any part of the way is open to the use of the public for purposes of
vehicular traffic, whether or not the public authority is maintaining the way. Or, highway refers
to any roads, streets, boulevards, or avenues used as public thoroughfare.

• MANAGEMENT. It refers to the skillful use of means to accomplish a purpose.

• OPERATION. Pertains to a course or series of acts to effect a certain purpose; manner of action;
or a vital or natural process of activity.

• ROADWAY. Refers to that part of the traffic way over which motor vehicles pass. For purposes of
construction, repair, and/or maintenance, roads are classified as:

• 1. National Roads - Interconnecting provinces and/or cities. These are roads/streets.

• 2. Provincial Roads- These are roads/streets

interconnecting municipalities and/or cities within a province

• 3. City Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting barangays with a city.

• 4. Municipal Roads- These are Interconnecting barangays within a municipality. roads/streets

• 5. Barangay Roads - These are roads/streets located within a barangay which connect sitios or
places within a barangay.

• SHOULDER. It refers to either side of the roadway,especially along highways.

• SIDEWALK. It refers to the paved walkway along the side of a street. It also means the area
determined as follows:

(1) On the side of a highway which has a shoulder, a sidewalk

is that portion of the highway between the outside lateral

line of the shoulder and the adjacent property line capable

of being used by a pedestrian.

(2) On the side of a highway which has no shoulder, a

sidewalk is that portion of the highway between the lateral

line of the roadway and the adjacent property line capable

of being used by a pedestrian.

• THROUGH HIGHWAY. It means every highway or portion

thereof on which vehicular traffic is given the right-of-way, and at

the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting

highways Is required by law to yield right-of-way to vehicles on

such through highway in obedience to either an authorized stop

sign or a yield sign, or other official traffic-control device.

• THRUWAY OR THROUGHWAY. It is a highway that has

limited entrances and exits such as the expressways, freeways, or

motorways. It is known as autobahn In German-speaking

and autostrada in' Italian-speaking

countries

• TRAFFIC. It 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. [Early 16th

century. Via obsolete French trafique from Old Italian trafflico,

from traffic care 'to carry on trade', of uncertain origin.]

• TRAFFIC WAY. Refers to 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. It is also synonymous to public way. (Moriyama, 1943)

The Intersection

In most American State laws, intersection is defined as the

area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral

Curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the

roadways of two highways which join one another at, or

approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles

traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may

come in conflict. (leg.state.nv.us) It is synonymous to crossroads,

junctions, or crossings.
In a simpler language, intersection refers to the area of a

roadway created when two or more roadways join together at any

angle, as described in one of the following (oregonlaws.org):

(1) If the roadways have curbs, the intersection is the area

embraced within the prolongation or connection of the

lateral curb lines.

(2) If the roadways do not have curbs, the intersection is the

area embraced within the prolongation or connection of

the lateral boundary lines of the roadways.

Classifications of Intersections According to Number of

Intersecting roads:

• 1. 3-way Intersection - It is commonly known as the T or Y

crossroad which links three roads.

• 2. 4-way Intersection - It is the most common type which involved the crossings of two
roadways. It is either a regular Intersection when the two roads cross perpendicularly and it
is called skewed intersection when the two roads cross at different angles.

• 3. 5-way Intersection - It involves the crossing of five roads.

This type is the least common.

• 4. 6-way Intersection - It involves the crossing of three streets most often two perpendicular
roads and one diagonal road. This type is very rare.

• 5. Staggered Intersection - It involves two successive T crossroads.

Classifications of Intersections According to Traffic Control:

• 1. Controlled Intersection - It is controlled by any traffic control devices.

a. Yield-controlled Intersection - It is usually controlled

by a Yield sign or Give Way sign.

b. Stop-controlled Intersection - A Stop sign is usually

installed. Most common are the two-way stops

most countries use the four-way stops or the first-to

stop first-to-go rule.

C. Traffic Circle - Traffic flow here is directed by a circle

rotary island, or a runabout sign.

• 2. Uncontrolled Intersection- This intersection has no traffic signals or traffic signs. Crossing
is by observing the right of-way rule.
• 3. Box Junction - This type generally prohibits entry unless the exit is clear.

• 4. Cloverleaf- A highway Interchange at which two highways, one crossing over the other,
have a series of entrance and exit ramps resembling the outline of a four-leaf dover and
enabling vehicles to proceed in either direction on either highway.

• Traffic management is the application of the processes and

skills In planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and

budgeting to traffic affairs. (Bragado, 1998) Traffic Management

also refers to the activities undertaken by a highway

transportation agency to improve roadway system safety,

efficiency, and effectiveness for both providers and consumers of

transportation services. (Sigua, 2008)

Considering these two definitions, it can be concluded that

traffic management is for the attainment of traffic efficiency.

• Types of traffic management. The two distinct types of traffic management are the used or
utilization of:

• 1) traditional traffic engineering tools or devices, to regulate

or control traffic, such as traffic lights, traffic signs, or pavement

markings, traffic islands, and other devices that could control or

direct the flow of traffic (these will be discussed in latter

chapters/modules); and

• 2) advanced technology, like the Intelligent Transportation

System (ITS). Examples of the ITS are the installation of road

sensors for emergency cars, global positioning devices on motor

vehicles, and road sensors attached to traffic signal lights.

In every traffic management, three elements are necessary to he considered. These are the road
(trafficway) system, road (users, and the enforcement (and/or control) procedures. Failure to
coordinate these elements in a particular highway and/or Intersection may cause traffic-related
problems. With the advent of science and technology, new and modernized traffic facilities are
introduced. However, despite of these modernizations, traffic congestions persist to exist. The
only way to at least cope up with the prevailing traffic related (problems is a coordinated traffic
management. Traffic management is therefore designed to make the trafficway safer for
travelers, expedite the movement of traffic, and to provide convenience to the traffic facilities
users. In short, traffic management aims to attain efficiency in the utilization of the trafficway.

• A. MAJOR CAUSES OF TRAFFICE CONGESTION- Based on studies conducted by authorities.

• 1, Physical Inadequacy. This is characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad
crossings, lack of traffic facilities, etc.

• 2. Poor Control Measures. This is characterized by

ineffective mechanical control devices, inefficient traffic

officers, and poor implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.

• 3. Human Errors. Many traffic congestion are caused by slow drivers or poor driving habits,
pedestrian mistakes, officers’ errors, poor planning, p0or legislation; and traffic accidents
which are mostly attributed to human errors.

• 4. Poor Maintenance. Oftentimes motor vehicles are stalled in traffic ways because of
unrepaired diggings, cracks on road pavement or unfinished road pavement concreting.

This can be attributed to inappropriate budget for the maintenance of the traffic facilities.
On the other hand, police should also report lights out, damage portion of the traffic way to
expedite the action from the concerned government offices.

• B. Specific Traffic Problems- Traffic managers and traffic control officers commonly
encounter the following traffic-related problems:

• 1. Traffic Build-up - It is characterized by the gradual

increasing of traffic users in a given portion of the highway or trafficway.

• 2. Traffic Congestions- These are conditions on road networks that occurs as use increases,
and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing.

• 3. Traffic Jams (snarl-up) - These are situations in highways in which the movement of traffic
users (motor vehicles or pedestrians) is very slow or stationary.

• 4. Bottlenecks - These are narrow points or areas in highways where traffic congestions or
traffic jams usually Occur or traffic may be held up.

• 5. Gridlocks - A state or condition of severe road congestion

arising when continuous queues of vehicles block an entire

network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all

directions to a complete standstill. These traffic blockages

are usually caused Interlocking of intersection grids.

• 6. Accidents - These are events or incidents which may

cause unintentional damage to property, loss of limbs,

and/or death.

• 7. Collisions - These are incidents or instances of one moving

traffic unit or person striking violently against another.

• C. Scopes of Traffic Management. In connection with the above stated causes of congestion,
authorities conceived that a systematic and effective traffic management is needed which
Includes but not limited to the following.

1. All public surface facilities traversing and parking and all types of conveyances for the
movement of persons and things. This includes the provisions on the controlling traffic flow as
well as provisions for the allotments of parking lots or parking places.

2. All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow requirements, planning,
approving, funding, construction and/or maintaining these public facilities for such movements.
This area includes traffic planning committees, those involved in traffic engineering, and the
legislative bodies in the appropriations of funds.

3. All agencies responsible for licensing, approving, restricting, stopping, prohibiting or

controlling the use of these facilities. The agencies involved in this area are the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) and other traffic enforcement agencies.

• D. Agencies Involved in Traffic Management. For a successful and effective traffic

management, specific roles and responsibilities are vested on the following.

• 1. Department of Transportation and Communication

(DOTC). The DOTC through the Land Transportation Office

(LTO) Is responsible for the Implementation of the Land

Transportation Code of the Philippines (R.A. 4136) particularly

on the issuance of drivers' licenses, registration of motor

vehicles, approval of franchises for public conveyances

(through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory

Board (LTFRB)), and conducting traffic safety seminars.

• 2. City or Municipal Engineers' office, In the local

level, these offices are responsible for the planning

construction and maintenance of traffic facilities within their

respective locality.

• 3. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This is the main executive
department which is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance of traffic
facilities particularly those categorized as national highways and other major road arteries.

• 4. Legislative (Congress/City or Municipal Boards). The

legislative bodies are not only responsible for the passing or

amendment of laws concerning traffic but also they are

• 5. Philippine National Police (PNP). The PNP through

its Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) (formerly the Traffic

Management Group (PNP-TMG)) is responsible primarily for

the direct enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations.

They also perform other functions such as conducting of

information dissemination campaign, submitting traffic

scheme proposals, and other functions as the need arises.

6. Traffic Management Bureaus (TMBS). These are

offices created mostly under the offices of city municipal

mayors with the primary task of assisting the local PNP traffic

divisions/units in the enforcement of traffic ordinances/laws.

• 7. Academic Institutions. Schools, both public and

private, are responsible for the basic traffic education by

Integrating in their respective programs and curriculum

subjects or topics on traffic safety.

• 8. Courts. The courts are responsible for the adjudication

of traffic-related cases filed before them.

• 9. Public Information Offices. The government through

the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) provides the

necessary updated information to the public by creating traffic

safety campaigns and other activities relating to traffic.

• 10. Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT)

Members. In particular, the barangay tanods or barangay

security forces are the usual traffic control officers in their

respective localities particularly during times of emergencies.

• 11, Citizen Support Groups. The private institutions or

organizations also help in the prevention of traffic congestion

by assisting government offices in various activities

particularly during special occasions and holidays where traffic

problem is likely to happen.

• 12. Tri-Media (including the internet). Government and

privately-owned publications, and radio and television

broadcasting companies provide necessary and updated

traffic-related information to the public through their

respective programs.

With the preceding accounts, a successful traffic management

is not the sole responsibility of the government but rather a

concerted effort between the government and private

organizations.

• Concept

A. Pillars of Traffic. These are the main areas of traffic

managements which are also known as the "Es" of Traffic. For a clearer understanding of the
various areas of traffic management, the following pillars are conceived.

• TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

• TRAFFIC EDUCATION

• TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

• TRAFFIC ECOLOGY OR TRAFFIC ENVIRONMENT

• TRAFFIC ECONOMY

• TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

• . It 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.

• a. Functions of Traffic Engineering.

Agencies involved in traffic engineering usually perform the following tasks:

(1) fact-finding, surveys and recommendations of traffic rules and regulations;

(2) supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices; and

(3) planning of traffic regulations.

• b. Agencies and /or offices under Traffic Engineering.

Like the other management, traffic engineering is done by various government and non-
government agencies.

• (1) DPWH. Its scope is national which includes the

responsibility for determining traffic law, pattern, draw

origin, and destinations, studies of persons and things,

planning, approving, funding and construction of:

(a). National Roads which interconnect cities and

municipalities; network of national roads through

cities and municipalities; and

(b). Yearly maintenance and repair programs

which include widening and re-designing of current road systems.

• (2) Provincial Governments. These local government

units have similar responsibilities with the DPWH but

imited to traffic facilities in the municipalities within

the province.

• (3) Municipal Governments. Their responsibilities are

similar to the provincial government but limited to the

network of streets and roads within the barangays.

• (4) Chartered Cities. Their responsibilities are similar

to that of the municipal government but limited to the

network of streets and roads within the cities.

• c. Objectives of Traffic Engineering.

In summary, agencies and individuals in traffic engineering and all the conducted programs,
projects, and activities are all geared to:

(1). To achieve efficient, free and rapid flow of traffic.

(2). To prevent traffic accident.

(3). To simplify police enforcement actions and performance.

(4). To show that good police actions and

performance makes engineering plans effective.

(5). To present the close relationship of the pillars of

traffic in the improvement of traffic problems.

• d. When and where the objectives of Traffic Engineering are applied?

Traffic engineers normally focused their tasks on these places where traffic congestions,
traffic accidents, traffic build-up, or traffic obstructions are likely to occur -

(1) Habitually congested commercial areas.

(2) Heavily traveled thoroughfares.

(3) Congested local areas and intersections.

(4) During special occasions and events.

(5) During disasters or emergencies.

(6) At school crossings.

• e. Methods in Achieving the Objectives of Traffic Engineering.

Traffic engineers' primary consideration is the Construction of traffic ways. However, before a
plan or design is framed-up, various factors are given into account.

(1) Planning and Geometric Design-Factor Employed in Planning.

(a) Composition of traffic streams.

(b)Traffic volumes for capacity.

(c) Origin and destination.

(2) Factors Influencing Design

(a)Composition of traffic.

(b)Volume of traffic.

(c) Speed of vehicles.

(d)The starting, turning and stopping abilities of traffic units.

(e) Performance values of road users.

(3) Regulation and Control-Traffic Regulation

(a) Based and confined within the boundaries of safety, public welfare and convenience.

(b)Limitations imposed on road users and their load.

(c) Basic general rule of road use and conduct.

(d) Prohibition and Restrictions

2. Traffic Education.

• It refers to any act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge on traffic or any
matters relating to the use of the trafficway or road ways. Traffic safety education is the
primary concern of traffic education in the area of accident reduction and prevention. The
following are the agencies and offices responsible for traffic education:

• a. Schools (Public and Private).

Traffic education can be carried Out by imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety,
training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety, and developing traffic safety
morality.
(1) Elementary.
In this level, traffic education is focused on safety and guides stressing traffic safety, safety rules,
organizing safety patrols.

2) Secondary.
Traffic education for high school towards school safe by organizations.
(3) Higher Education.
Some colleges and universities offer and conduct courses regarding traffic safety subjects.

• b. Public Information Programs.

The public should be informed on all activities affecting the citizens and the relating to
traffic Community (dissemination information). This can be done through the pubic
information agency, newspapers, radio and television broadcasting networks, and other
forms of media.

• C. Citizen Support Groups.

These are mostly composed by voluntary non-government organizations (NGOS), radio
communication groups, rotary organizations, and other voluntary clubs. These organizations
usually develop citizens' responsibilities, conduct organized educational campaign, instill
awareness of the traffic problems; and provide information regarding major traffic
requirements and needs.

. Traffic Enforcement

• This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules
andb regulations. The following are the various agencies/offices that are involved in
enforcement of traffic laws:

• a. Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This office is responsible for the following:

(1) Vehicle registration

(2) Vehicle inspections

(3) Drivers licensing (examinations, suspensions, and revocations)

(4) Public to police on stolen or wanted vehicles.

• b. Legislative Bodies.

Included are the Senate Congress, Provincial Boards, and City and Municipal Councils: They are
responsible for the passing and/or amending of laws and/or ordinances.

• c. Police Traffic Enforcement.

This pillar is not limited to the PNP-HPG (formerly TMG) but it includes all government personnel
who are duly authorized for the direct enforcement of traffic laws such as:

(1) The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the National Capital
Region (NCR).

(2) Police/Traffic Auxiliaries

(3) LTO Law Enforcement Services/Flying Squad

4. Traffic Ecology and Traffic Environment.

• This pillar is very recent which includes the study of 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 which result therein.

a. What are the environmental effects of the urbanization of transportation?

Any decision in modernizing the transportation system shall consider the following
environmental effects:

• (1) Noise.

• The ill effect of noise is one of the major considerations in the evaluation of the
consequences bof traffic urbanization to the environment. The level of noise inside and
outside a dwelling is an important indicator of the quality of life. The exact influence of
traffic noise on human behavior is not well understo0d. It is known that continued exposure
to noise level beyond 80 dBA (decibel annually) causes loss of hearing. Average background
noise:

• (a) typical home - 40 to 50 dBA;

• (b) heavy trucks - 90 dBA at 15m/ft;

• (c) freight trains - 75 dBA at 15m/ft;

• (d) air conditioning - 60 dBA at 6m/ft.

• (2) Vibration.

• Effect can be severe, particularly when there are heavy trucks and when the building
is old. While there are subjective costs from experiencing vibration, a minimum cost of
damage or prevention can be established from experience and experiment.

• (3) Air Pollution.

• It is one of the more difficult problems because of the complexity of the issues
involved. The effects of pollution are also strongly affected by meteorological and even by
micro-climate.

• (4) Dirt.

• These are foul and filthy substances related to motor vehicle use such as empty can
of oils, grease materials, etc.

• (5) Visual Intrusion.

• This can have positive as well as negative effects. If a motor way blots out
anbunsightly prison or railway yard, it may have positive benefits. On the other hand, the
appearance of an elevated expressway or railway above a neighborhood is one of the
aspects most frequently complained of. In general, visual intrusion can be avoided by putting
a highway or railway at grade or in a cutting. In many cases, there may be cheaper solution.

• (6) Loss of Privacy.

• Loss of privacy from drivers and others being able to look at one's house and garden
frequently disliked environment effect. Walls and earthworks would prevent this, while at
the same time reducing noise.

• (7) Changes in Amount of Light.

• It is easier up to a point because part of the disadvantages can be valued in term of

the additional lighting costs of those affected. But, there is probably a psychological element
also which it would not be easy or perhaps necessary, to disentangle where relevant from
the last two items.

• (8) Neighborhood Severance,

• both physical and sociological. This can partly be quantified in terms of changed
travel time and costs, and accident experience to pedestrians and traffic.

• (9) Relocation.

• There must be programs that are designed to cover compensation for those who
relocate as a consequence of transport investment, whether property owner or tenants. The
people relocated will tend to be decentralized as will as those sufficiently affected by the
environment consequences to refer to move.

• (10) Distraction during planning and construction.

• In some cases, benefits offset the distraction cost, which are experienced by people
during construction of new facilities, loss of business, excess noise, dirt, vibration during
constructing and excess journey costs through diversions because of building.

• (11) Accident Experiences.

• These are evaluated by well established procedures of which perhaps the only major
controversial aspect is the valuation given to human life. A certain amount is known about
differences in accident experience on different roads and in different circumstances.

• (12) Pedestrian Journey.

• The opportunity to make the roads safe and enjoyable fr pedestrians and efficient
for vehicles; and set of roads provided access to dwelling and is designed primarily for the
safety of pedestrians.

• (13) Congestion and Other Benefits to Vehicles.

• It is for a livable and safe residential environment by reducing "through" vehicle

travel. Travel must be made convenient. Highway diversion curves indicate that 80 percent
of the traffic will take a route that is 20 percent faster. Vehicle travel time is made up of
three components; free flowing travel, stop time and acceleration or deceleration.

• b. External Factors that influence the existing and future behavior of population.

• The behaviors and attitudes of the people are also attributed to the easing or
reduction of traffic problems. Below are the incidents that may affect the behavior of
trafficway users or road users -

• (1) Rapidly increasing population growth.

• (2) Rapidly increasing urbanization.

• (3) Rapidly increasing motorization.

• (4) Industrialization and technical modernization.

• (5) Improvement of the transportation network that the street network and the
public transportation facilities.

• C. Alternatives.

• A more pleasant environment can achieved without negative implication for

economy and trade, so that any reasonable step in this direction h decision-makers deserves
support. The following are some of the proposed activities that may reduce the adverse
effects of traffic development to our ecology:

• (1) Towns are better with less traffic, so long a adequate provision is made for the mobility
of worker and residents and the distribution of goods. It is o urgent necessity that National
and Local Government develop efforts to reduce the adverse effects of motor traffic in urban
areas.

• (2) Where and when traffic congestion and its cost are serve and frequent, assures to reduce
the use of private cars and goods, vehicles and to improv

• alternative forms of transport should be introduced.

• (3) To limit traffic and to improve the efficiency and

• quality of service of buses and transport.

• (4) Pedestrian scheme should be introduced whenever

• possible to improve the environment and safety for

• pedestrians.

• (5) The use of non-carbon emitting vehicles should bd

• encouraged like bicycle whenever practical.

• (6) Motor Vehicle reduction scheme should also b

• introduced.

• d. Laws and Statutes Concerning Traffic Ecology

• (1) P.D. 1181. Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of Air Pollution from
motor vehicle and for other purposes.
"'Sec.1 - The purpose is to prevent, control, and abate the emission of air pollutants
from motor vehicles in order to protect the health and welfare of the people and to prevent
or minimize damage to property and hazards to land transportation"

• (2) Letter of Instruction No. 551.

• Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the pollution Control

program.

• (3) R.A. 8749 otherwise known as the Clean Air Act.

• An act providing for the regulation of motor vehicles emitting toxic gases like the use
of the diesel and leaded gasoline.

. Traffic Economy

• This is the most recent of the pillars of traffic which deals with the benefits and adverse
effects of traffic to our economy. Primarily, traffic operation is designed to expedite the
movement of traffic. However, with the prevailing traffic congestion during rush hours in any
given locality, traffic adversely affects the economic status of the commuting public. One
aspect affecting our economy is the unending increase of oil prices in the world market.
Somehow, programs must be instituted in order to minimize the ill effect of rising prices of
basic commodities. Delay resulting from traffic congestion affects not only the time of travel
but the productivity of an Individual as well.

TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION

. As mentioned in the preceding lesson, traffic safety education

one of the primary areas of traffic education particularly in the

Induction and prevention of road accidents.

• It is the process of training roads users in the avoidance and prevention of traffic-dated
accidents. It is already identified that one if not the major causes of traffic accidents are
human factors which includes but not limited to ignorance, lack of skills, and/or erratic
attitude and behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and passengers. This can be corrected by
Traffic safety education.

Road Safety

It refers to reduced risk of accident or injury on the roads, achieved through multidisciplinary
approaches Involving road engineering and traffic management, education and training of road
users, and vehicle design.

• A. Factors Contributing to Accidents.

Research studies in the United Kingdom have shown that human factors contribute to 95
percent of accidents, road factors to about one quarter of a percent, and vehicle factors to fewer
than five percent.

1. Human errors include:

a. going too fast or excessive speed;

b. failing to give at junctions;

c. following too closely;

d. overtaking improperly;

e. misperceiving or misjudging the road situation ahead;

f. intoxication of alcohol or drug; and

g. lack of skill.

2. Road deficiencies that are main contributory factors are:

 a. poor design of layout and control at junctions;

b. inadequate signing, road marking, and lighting;

c. slippery roads; and

d. obstructions on the road such as parked vehicle, on

going road construction, etc.

3. Main vehicle factors are:

a. defects in tires, brakes, and lights;

b. absence or non-using of seat belts; and

c. poorly maintained motor vehicles.

• B. The three (3) principles that have been emphasized effective in the prevention of traffic
accidents are known as the bthree (3) "E's or pillars of traffic. Recently, however, traffic
environment and traffic economy were added to complete the five (5) pillars of traffic.

1. Engineering (traffic engineering)

Effective construction and maintenance of traffic facilities which does not only expedite the
movement of traffic but also prevents the occurrence of traffic accidents. Successful treatments
have included:

a. changes in layout at junctions to define priorities more dearly (use of roundabouts, or

traffic circles);

b. more wide use of road markings to delineate traffic lanes and waiting areas for turning
vehicles; improvements in skidding resistance of wet roads;

d. more uniform street lighting; and

e. more highly visible and legible direction, information, and warning signs.

Education (in traffic safety)

When road users are informed of the traffic laws, rules and regulations, accidents are likely
prevented. Further, there are strong suggestions o’ benefits from pre-school schemes involving
parents, and from road safety education in schools where it is an integral part o the school
curriculum. Included are:

a. new approach to training and educating young drivers;

b. training in hazard perception; and

c. changing of attitudes.

3. Enforcement (of traffic rules)

 One of the causes of accidents is the blatant non-compliance of motorists and pedestrians to
traffic. laws, rules and regulations. To minimize the occurrence of accidents due to non-
compliance of road Users, enforcement must be conducted. The following are highly
recommended in areas of traffic enforcement:

a. strengthening and simplifying the application of the law;

b. new technology to aid enforcement;

c. enhanced publicity;

d. education of teenagers in schools; and

e. the development of rehabilitation course like seminars for apprehended traffic violators.

4. Ecology/ Environment.
People should be educated regarding the adverse effect of traffic to our environment that
directly or indirectly affects the population's health.

5. Economy.

People should learn also to develop schemes

and/or devices and programs that do not only lessen

expenses but also accident-free.

• C. Levels of Traffic Safety Education.

1. Imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety;

2. Training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety knowledge, and

3. Developing traffic safety morality.

• D. Traffic Safety for Children.

This is highly unsystematic and Is usually carried out in the home through parental education
and In kindergarten and nurseries. This is now necessary to make It systematic to lessen the
number of children fatalities and injuries.

1. Elementary. Pupils are usually educated by stressing on

traffic safety and guides, and classroom discussions of

accidents, incidents and other traffic safety rules.

2. Secondary. This level initiates driver education program because students have reached
the age to drive, hence, proper driving habits should be stressed. It also includes the
establishment of school safety organizations.

3. Higher Education. Some universities and colleges offer and conduct courses to private and
public agencies regarding traffic safety subjects.

E. Traffic Safety Education for Adults.

 Safety education for elder pedestrians and drivers is relatively easier compared to the
education designed for younger children since the former group Is in a better position to
understand what is being taught to them.

1. It is the general belief that by being a better driver, it follows that one becomes a better
pedestrian. By knowing the limitations of the driver and the vehicle as a driving student, one
learns to watch out for dangerous cues such as pedestrians. This is the basic reason why traffic
safety education for adults usually deals only with the foundations or basics of driving.

2. Driver education is carried out in secondary schools and in private and government
sponsored driving school in a number of countries where people are expected to know how to
drive when they reach legal ages. The basic purpose of this education are:

a. To develop good traffic citizens who are equipped to I’ve in a motorized society and
achieving traffic safety.

b. To develop citizens who are legally eligible to get a driver's license.

G. Four (4) Basic Types of Instruction Methods .

Used in Liver Education Programs:

1. Comprehensive. This method places the student into real life of driving situations from the
beginning. This type of instruction

2. Traditional Instruction. This depends on instructor-student communication.

The student-driver.

3. Commentary Driving Method. accompanied by an instructor. As the student-driver drives.

the instructor has to give a commentary on his driving – what he sees, what he does, why he
does, what he proposes to do, what others are likely to do, etc.

4. Simulated Conditions On and Off the Road Training. The premise of simulated conditions
training is that the behavior of the driver subject placed in condition will be relatively analogous
to normal behavior. Simulator is a static machine with all the important features of a car used In
driving method or driving training. There are two methods of simulation presently adopted:

a. Partial Simulation Method. This method has the specific aim of training for the "subtasks" of
the driving task.

b. Global Simulation. It may be classified into two (2) specific groups which are: training,
simulated in traffic situations and conditions, with the use of simulations Simulators are most
commonly used for the following types of training:

(1) Training in basic car-control skills.

(2) Perceptual training.

(3) Emergency training.

H. Essential Component of Driving Task.

Drivers education includes:

1. Collection of information which includes:

a. Perceptual scanning and

b. Identification

2. Processing of information which includes:

a. Predicting and

b. Decision making

3. Action which is focused on:

a. Motor skills and control of vehicles and

b. b. Knowledge and subjective interpretation.

c. I. Biorhythm. It is the theory which asserts that man exhibits a constant variation of life
energy and mood states. Man's theorized cycles and interpretations rhythm is peculiar
characteristics of most natural phenomena like:

d. 1. The diurnal exchange of light and darkness.

e. 2. The four seasons.

f. 3. Our wet and dry season.

g. 4. The waxing and waning of the moon.

h. The observation of the rhythm mentioned and their possible correlation with the
habits of man has led to a host of different theories that tried to explain this correlation in
term of physical, psychological, etc. The following are the most controversial theory of
biorhythm:

i. 1. 23 day cycle a.k.a. our cycle of strength, endurance and courage (the male component of
a person).

j. 2. 28 day emotional cycle equivalent to a female's 28 day menstrual cycle) is a.k.a. our cycle
of sensitivity, love and intuition (the female component of a person).

k. 3. 33 day intellectual cycle.

l. All these cycles are present at the time we are born. When the ve is above the
center line, the biorhythm value is said to be "HIGH" or a person has more energy to spare,
i.e.:

m. 1. Physical high- we tend to be energetic, strong, full of –

n. 2. Emotional high- we tend to be creative, artistic, cheerful and happy.

o. 3. Intellectual high -we are able to think quickly and logically.

p. When the curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be "LOW" or in a
recharged period, I.e.:

q. 1. Physical low -we tend to tire quickly and to succumb to illness easily.

r. 2. Emotionally low- we feel moody, irritable, or depressed.

s. 3. Intellectual low- concentrating or remembering is difficult or we are likely to use poor

judgment when any of the curves crossed the center line. This is called a critical day wherein
our systems seem to be in a state of transition. During a critical day, people tend to get sick
easily, seem to lack coordination and tend to be accident prone.

t. J. Importance of biorhythm

u. In the field of study. It should be borne in mind that biorhythm does not predict
what actually will happen. All it does is to give us a hint on how we will tend to feel In a
certain day.

v. 1. The theory asserts that people are accident prone if their biorhythm crosses the
centerline on a certain day or is totally below the line.

w. 2. Theoretically, if we know our biorhythm for a certain day, we can psychologically

cope up with any situation. If we usually overcome any ill effect by awareness and will
power.

x. This idea has been put into use in different countries in the world, and the result helps
reduce accident rates until it is totally refuted.

y. K. Safety Campaign.

z. This is a mass publicity aimed to make road users behave more safely. These
basically focus on public Information attitudes, and particular or specific behaviors, or
combinations of these.

aa. Safety campaign

bb. Is also known as road propaganda which may be intended simply to inform or it
may be felt that the public is already aware of the recommended behavior by need to be
persuaded into adopting it. Traffic safety campaigns are usually published through the tri-
media Including some internet websites dealing on traffic management.

cc. 1. Safety Campaign Classifications

dd. a. According to purpose may be categorized as informational, attitudinal and behavioral; and

ee. b. According to kind of appeal - used to reason by simply feeding the public with
authenticated factual data.

ff. 2. Safety Campaign Design:

gg. a. Initial campaign planning b. Final campaign design

hh. c. Campaign evaluation

ii. 3. Private and Government entities responsible for Safety Campaign:

jj. a. Newspapers
kk. b. Radio Broadcasting Networks

ll. c. Television Broadcasting Networks

mm. d. Public Information Agencies