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Traffic Management Module 1
Traffic Management Module 1
2. Introduction:
This Chapter presents the historical development of land transportation used by man.
It is imperative for future traffic officers and traffic managers to familiarize themselves to the
various inventions and innovations related to land transportation to enable them to
understand the present-day traffic problems.
3. Learning Outcome:
4. Learning Content
Transportation is the movement or conveying of persons and goods from one location
to another.
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1. The first type comprises foraging populations who wander in search of their food.
It is estimated that 99% of all humanity once lived in this way.
2. The second type, the most significant numerically and historically, comprises the
pastoral nomads who move with their families, belongings, and herds of cattle,
camel, sheep, or goats through an annual cycle of pastures whose availability is
determined by the alteration of hot and cold or wet and dry seasons. and
3. The third type comprises of gypsies, tinkers, and similar itinerants in urban and
complex societies.
What worth noting is; how man traveled during the ancient period. It is believed that
early human being traveled to places by foot, carrying their loads on their backs or on their
heads, while others pulled crude sleds. They used every means to make their transportation
with the least time and effort.
A. Manpower.
Early man, who had no domesticated animals, carried his own burdens. More so today,
manpower is important in transportation in many parts of the world.
1. Walking (travelling by foot) – man first used the power of his own feet in travelling
while a load is either carried or dragged. Coincidentally, the English word “pedestrian”
was coined from the Latin word “pedester” which means to travel by foot.
2. Carrying pole – in China and other parts of the Far East, the carrying pole, balanced on
one shoulder is a popular carrying device. On islands of the Pacific, the ends of the
pole are supported by two men, with goods suspended from the pole in between.
3. Back load and tumpline – in Subtemala, pots are carried on a wooden framework
supported by a tumpline across the forehead. In Andes, the load is held on the back by
a strap passing over the chest.
4. Sledge on rollers – the moving of heavy burdens was to place them on sledge which
rested on a series of rollers.
5. Sledge on runners – a simple sledge, probably man-drawn was in use at the end of the
Old Stone age in northern Europe, as evidenced by fragments of wooden runners
which survived.
6. Travois – this travois, as the pole arrangement called, serves as a platform on which
the burdens are placed. The platform or cross-beam poles are then dragged by
humans or animals.
B. Animal Power.
The domestication of animals greatly increased the potential power available for
transportation. Pack animals were introduced as conveyances mainly to save labor. A man
can tend several pack animals moving together, each of which (except dogs) ca carry more
than he usually can.
Some of the common animals used by human beings since the ancient time:
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C. Wind Power.
Man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned to utilized such powers
to lift rather than to drag. This paved way to invention of air lifted transportation vessels.
1. Ancient Chinese Kite – kites have flown as a popular past time in the Far East since
the beginning of the history. Based on a Korean tradition, the kite was first used for
transport when a Korean general employed one in bridge building. By means of a kite,
a cord was conveyed across the river where heavier ropes were fastened and finally
the bridge cable.
2. Da Vinci’s Ornithopter – the great renaissance artist, scientist and engineer,
, made a study of the flight of the birds and his notebooks sketched a number
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of ornithopter (a.k.a. orthopter) which derives its principal support and propelling from
flapping wings like those of a bird.
3. Montgolfier Balloon – the Montgolfier brothers of France
have successfully released several balloons when they proposed to use two
condemned prisoners for the first ascent with passengers. , a natural
historian protested this and claimed the honor himself. In 1783, he and Marquis d’
arlanoes became the first men to make a free balloon ascent. The balloon constructed
of linen and inflated with hot air traveled 9,000 yards and remained in the air for 20
minutes.
4. Siemens’ Rocket Plane – who later achieved fame as an
electric industrialist, in 1847 designed rocket plane which was to be propelled by the
explosive force of gunpowder.
5. Lilienthal glider – , a German inventor who also made a study of the
flight of birds and experimented with ornithopters, going so far as to build a model
ornithopter. In 1891, he made the first of a number of a glider flights which were to
exert a profound influence on the development of aviation.
6. Santos Dumont’s Airship – one of the pioneers of lighter-than-air craft was
, a Brazilian who experimented with the steam-powered balloons in
Paris. He made his first balloon ascent in 1897 and in 1898 completed the
construction of his first airship. In 1901, he made a 30-minute round trip flight between
St. Louis and the Eiffel Tower.
7. Wright Brothers’ Flying Machine – began studying the
problems of heavier-than-air flight. They built biplane kite. They flew successfully at
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. By 1909, airplanes became
sufficiently accepted to justify beginning commercial manufacture of the machine.
8. Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis – following the initial flight of the Wright brothers’
airplane, the development of aviation was rapid. The first airmail was delivered in 1911
and World War I gave an impetus to plane design and the training of pilots. During the
1920’s, many new records were set. A feat which particularly captured popular
imagination was the first solo flight from New York to Paris, made by
in May 1927 in a plane especially built for the flight, the Spirit of St. Louis.
Air transportation offers travelling in lesser time but the cost is beyond reach of most
common people. Notwithstanding the inaccessibility of most places if travelling is done
through the air even by water transportation. With no choice left, man is left conceiving and
inventing land transportation facilities.
A. Wheel was invented probably in . Such invention was a milestone and a great
step forward in transportation. However, pieces of evidence were found by archaeologists
that wheel could have been simultaneously invented in Southwest Asia and Mesopotamia. As
wheel was perfected, crude parts and wagons began to appear in Tigris-Euphrates valley
about 3500 B.C., and later in Crete, Egypt, and China. The wheel was one of man’s great
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inventions. It enabled him to transport burdens beyond the power of man or animals to carry,
drag, and permitted much greater facility of movements than the simple sledge on rollers
which had to be continually picked up and moved by hands as sledge is advanced.
B. Ancient Rome – the following are the ancient wheeled vehicles in Ancient Rome:
1. – it had four wheels, a cover and was generally drawn by two or more horses.
The outside consisted of unhewn boards covered by loose drapery. This vehicle was
especially used to convey the sick and infirm and was of sufficient size to allow
occupants to recline.
2. – it was a small conveyance that is large enough for only one person.
3. – it was commonly used by women when travelling and was borne by two
mules, one before and one behind each hitched to a separate pair of shafts.
4. – this four wheeled conveyance is made of wicker work and was of Gallic origin.
It can accommodate several persons when travelling.
5. – used by early Romans in as early as 500 B.C. and as late as 5th century of
the Christian era. It was a covered carriage with two wheels, had seats for two or three
and was usually drawn by two mules, horses or even oxen.
6. – this vehicle had four wheels, with the front ones smaller than the two behind.
This had a cover and was drawn by two to four horses or mules. It was often
ornamented by carvings in bronze and ivory and by chasings in silver and gold.
Members of the imperial families were fond of travelling using this kind of coach.
7. – a cart with two wheels and boarded sides, it was drawn by oxen or bullocks
and was mainly used by the Roman armies for the transportation of their baggage and
supplies.
8. – a light open vehicle of Gallic origin, had two wheels and room for two
persons. It also has a box or case beneath the seat, where small baggage can be
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carried in. two or three horses or mules were used to draw this and because of the
lightness of this carriage this is especially suitable for rapid travels.
9. – used chiefly by women of the upper classes. It was furnished with
cushions, had a covered top but open sides. This was also used on state occasions by
Roman matrons, priests and vestal virgins. In this, they carried sacred vessels and
rode in processions and public games.
10. – usually employed for heavy burdens but were also used for
travelling.
11. – was common among Romans during the last century of the republic. A
commodious vehicle of Gallic origin and had four wheels, this was used by a man
when he traveled with his family because this has sufficient room for several persons
together with their luggage.
12. - used by ancient Roman farmers as a travelling vehicle for themselves and
their families.
13. – a sacred vehicle elaborately ornamented with ivory and silver; had either two
or four wheels and was drawn by four horses. This carriage was used during
Circensian games, to carry the images of deities.
C. Wheeled Vehicles and Carriages could not use the narrow paths and trails used by pack
animals, and early roads were soon built to accommodate the larger transportation vehicles.
D. The Romans were the in the ancient world. The Romans road network
reached a total of about 50,000 miles (80,000 kms.) with feeder roads branching out from the
main highways. It was costly because its deep foundation, formed by layer after heavy stones,
was necessary to make roads that would carry heavy traffic for many years.
The Roman empire's major highway was the Via Salaria (Salt Road), on which salt was
carried from the salt pans of Ostia to Rome.
The Appian Way is one of ancient Rome's most famous roads. It extends for ten miles
within the city limits of Rome beginning at the Colosseum and heads southeast. Begun in 312
B.C. under orders of the Republican magistrate Appius Clauduius, it once extended 370 miles
Brindisi and was the major transport route to Greece and the eastern Mediterranean.
E. John L. Macadam did not abandon the theory of feeder road building and perfected the
in England about 1815.
F. After the Fall of the Romans in the 5th century land haulage generally declined because
highways suffered from inadequate maintenance. Such improvements however, as the horse
collars (10th century), the addition of springs coaches, new methods of road construction,
and the introduction of toll roads (18th century) all continued to ease and speed land travel.
The invention of larger carriages and vehicles pulled either by human beings or
animals could be considered the basis of modern highway construction.
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A. Steam Engine was perfected in the 1760’s by . The invention provided power
for many industries and factories in England.
B. By the end of 18th century, French, Scottish, and American inventors attempted to apply
the steam engine in water navigation.
– Horse-drawn wagons with wooden wheels and rails had been used in English
and European mines during the 17th century.
E. In the Mid-18th century, English roads were so bad that the coaches could average only
about 4 mph (6.4 km/hr) and the mail was usually carried by boys on horses.
F. John Palmer introduced his in March 1785 and by 1800, the English
coach system was in full swing.
G. The invention of Bicycle in the early 19th century served as a nursery of automobile
builders. One of the ancestors of modern bicycle was the , or dan horse. The
wheels were made of wood, with tires of iron, and the riders pushed themselves along with
their feet on the ground.
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Some of the notable events leading to the invention of motorized vehicles for road
traffic:
1. – a Jesuit Missionary in China, built the first steam-powered vehicle
around 1672 as a toy for the Chinese Emperor (Wikipedia).
2. (1870-71) – demonstrated his fardier a vapeur (steam dray), an
experimental steam-driven artillery tractor.
3. – had built a working model of a steam carriage in Redruth.
4. – ran a full-sized vehicle on the road in Camborne.
5. Oliver Evans (1789) – he was granted the first automobile patent in the United States.
6. – a Swiss engineer who built and engine powered by
internal combustion of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture.
7. – a Professor at Prague Polytechnic, built an oil-fired steam car.
8. – an Englishman who tested his hydrogen-fueled internal
combustion engine by using it to propel a vehicle up Shooter’s hill in South-East
London.
9. – built and operated steam buses in London.
10. – discovered in principle the hydrogen fuel cell
(diesel), one of the technologies hailed as a replacement for gasoline as an energy
source for cars.
11. – invented the vulcanized rubber for tires.
12. – a Scottish who invented the first
vulcanized rubber tire. His invention worked well but was costly to produce.
13. – also known as Jean J. Lenoir, a Belgian engineer
who developed the internal combustion engine. It was Lenoir’s invention which is
considered to be the first commercially successful of its kind.
14. – invented the lead-acid battery and invented the
electric motor in 1828 – both inventions were contributory to the invention of
electric-powered cars.
15. – with a hydrogen-gas fueled one-cylindered internal
combustion engine made a test drive from Paris to Joinville-le-Pont, covering some
nine kilometers in about three hours.
16. – a Canadian who demonstrated hi 4-wheeled “steam buggy”
at the Stanstead Fair in Standstead, Quebec. The basis of the buggy, which he began
building in 1865, was a high-wheeled carriage with bracing to support a two-cylinder
steam engine mounted on the floor.
17. – an Austrian inventor who put a liquid-fueled internal
combustion engine on a simple handcart which made him the first man to propel a
vehicle by means of gasoline – known as the “first Marcus car”.
18. – invented the first steam powered carriage-sized automobile
suitable for use on existing wagon roads in the United States.
19. – a French who produced the first “real” automobile-self
propelled steam road vehicles to transport groups of passengers.
20. – an American who filed for a patent which included
not only the engine but its use in a 4-wheeled car. He was finally granted on November
5, 1895.
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To date, man continuously manufacture large cargo trucks and buses for mass
transportation. Presently, the introduction of the Light Trail Transit (LRT), the Metro Rail
Transit (MRT), flyovers, pedestrian and vehicle culverts, rock sheds and other modern
traffic ways contributed to the expeditious movement of traffic users.
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Activity:
1. Trace the historical development of human’s methods of transporting goods
and people, and the historical development of motorized transportation.
2. Identify the different modes of transportation that we are using. What are
advantages and disadvantages of the identified modes of transportation (use
google.com).
6. Recommended learning materials and resources for supplementary reading.
https://youtu.be/3K6llTsZLSE
https://youtu.be/GEHGoSvGVVs
Online (synchronous)
//google meet, google classroom, schoology, moodle, Edmodo etc..
Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task
Quiz
Recitation
9. References
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2. Introduction:
This chapter presents the various endeavors of the government for a systematic traffic
management. Further, it discusses the different areas of traffic management as well as the
roles of government and non-government agencies responsible for traffic management.
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Content:
Arterial Highways/Roads – these are high capacity urban roads that direct traffic from
collector roads to expressway or freeways. It also refers to a highway that is used primarily by
through traffic.
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Built-up Area – it refers to an area with entries and exits especially sign posted as
such or otherwise defined in domestic legislation.
Carriageway – it means the part of the road normally used by vehicular traffic. It also
known as ROADWAY.
Cycle – it means any vehicle which has at least two wheels and is propelled solely by
the muscular energy of the persons on that vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or
hand-cranks.
Direction of Traffic and Appropriate to the Direction of Traffic. These mean the
right-hand side if, under domestic legislation, the driver of a vehicle must allow an oncoming
vehicle to pass on his left; otherwise these expressions mean the left-hand side.
Domestic Legislation. It is the entire body of national or local laws and regulations
enforce in the territory (country).
Driver. It means any person who drives a motor vehicle or other vehicle (including a
cycle), or who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or draught, pack or saddle animals on
a road
Give Way. It means that a driver must not continue or resume his advance or
maneuver if by so doing he might compel the drivers of other vehicles to change the direction
or speed of their vehicles abruptly.
Highway. It means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way dedicated
to a public authority when 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.
Intersection. It means any level crossroad, junction or fork, including the open areas
formed by such crossroads, junctions or forks.
Laden Weight. It means the actual weight of the vehicle as loaded, with the crew and
passengers on board.
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Lane. It means one of the longitudinal strips from which the carriageway can be
divided, whether or not defined by longitudinal road marking.
Level-crossing. It means any level intersection between a road and railway or tramway
track with its own track formation.
Light Trailer. This means any trailer of a permissible maximum weight not exceeding
750 kg.
Management. It refers to the skillful use of means to accomplish a purpose.
Motor Cycle. It means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side-car, which is
equipped with a propelling engine.
Motor Vehicle. It means any power-driven vehicle which is normally used for carrying
persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of
persons or goods. This term embraces trolley-buses, that is to say, vehicles connected to an
electric conductor and not rail-borne. It does not cover vehicles, such as agricultural tractors,
which are only incidentally used for carrying persons of goods by road or for drawing, on the
road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods.
Motorway. It means a road specially designed and built for motor traffic, which does
not serve properties bordering on it and which:
Parked. A vehicle is said to be parked if it is stationary for the period during which the
vehicle is not limited to the time needed to pick up or set down persons or goods.
Permissible maximum weight. It means the maximum weight of the laden vehicle
declared permissible by the competent authority of the State in which the vehicle is
registered.
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Power-driven vehicle. It means any self-propelled road vehicle, other than a moped in
the territories of Contracting Parties which do not treat mopeds as motor cycles, and other
than a rail-borne vehicle.
Road. It refers to the entire surface of any street open to public traffic. It also includes
shoulders and sidewalk (DPWH, 2012). Hence, to DPWH, the term “road” is synonymous to
traffic way.
For purposes of construction, repair, and/or maintenance, roads are classified as:
1. national roads – these are roads/streets interconnecting provinces and/or cities.
2. Provincial roads – these are roads/streets interconnecting municipalities and/or
cities within the province.
3. City roads – these are roads/streets interconnecting barangay within a city.
4. Municipal roads – these are roads/streets interconnecting barangays within a
municipality.
5. Barangay roads – these are roads/streets located within a barangay which
connect sitios or places within a barangay.
Road users. It shall mean any persons using the road including drivers, pedestrians,
cyclists, and commuters.
Roadway. It refers to that part of the trafficway (road0 over which vehicles pass.
Rural roads. These are roads where speed limit is over 60kph. Although there are
high-speed roads in the urban area, for the purpose of the line marking, they are defined as
rural roads.
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.
Standing. A vehicle is said to be standing if it is stationary for the time needed to pick
up or set down persons or to load or unload goods.
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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 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
countries and autostrada in Italian-speaking countries. (thefreedictionary.com)
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 and road.
Unladen weight. It means the weight of the vehicle without crew, passengers or load,
but with a full supply of fuel and with the tools which the vehicle normally carries.
Urban Roads. These are roads where speed limit is 60kph or less.
The Intersection
It 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 vehicles traveling
upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. It is synonymous to
crossroads, junctions, or crossings. It also refers to the area of roadway created when two or
more roadways join together at any angle as described in one of the following;
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.
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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.
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.
2. Advanced technology like the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) such as the
installation of road sensors for emergency cars, global positioning devices mon motor
vehicles, and road sensors attached to traffic signal lights.
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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 traffic way 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
traffic way.
1. Physical Inadequacy
2. Poor Control Measures
3. Human Errors
4. Poor Maintenance
B. Specific Traffic Problems – Traffic Managers and traffic control officers commonly
encounter the following traffic-related problems:
1. Traffic Build-up
2. Traffic congestions
3. Traffic jams (snarl-up)
4. Bottlenecks
5. Gridlocks
6. Accidents
7. Collisions
C. Scope 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.
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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 to the various areas of traffic management, the following
pillars are conceived.
Traffic Engineering.
It is the science of measuring traffic and travel the study of the basic laws relative to
the traffic law and generation; 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.
Functions of Traffic Engineering:
1) Fact-finding, surveys and recommendations of traffic rules and regulations;
2) Supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control device; and
3) Planning of traffic regulations.
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, classroom discussion of accidents, incidents and safety
rules, organizing safety patrols.
2) Secondary. Traffic education for high school students is geared towards school
safety 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 community relating to traffic (dissemination of information). This
can be done through the public information agency, newspapers, radio and television
broadcasting networks, and other forms of media.
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Traffic Enforcement.
This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules
and regulations.
The following are the various agencies/offices that are involved in enforcement of traffic
laws:
a) Land Transportation Office (LTO). This office responsible for the following:
1) Vehicle registration
2) Vehicle inspection
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 or
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.
2) Police Traffic Auxiliaries
3) LTO Law Enforcement Services/Flying Squad
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 population, water pollution and crowding,
especially transport congestion which result therein.
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2) Vibration
3) Air pollution
4) Dirt
5) Visual intrusion
6) Loss of Privacy
7) Changes in amount of light
8) Neighborhood Severance, both physical and psychological
9) Relocation
10)Distraction during planning and construction
11)Accident Experiences
12)Pedestrian Journey
13)Congestion and other Benefits to Vehicles.
b) External factors that influence the existing and future behavior of population.
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.
The following are some of the proposed activities that may reduce the adverse effect of
traffic development to our ecology:
(i) Towns are better with less traffic, so long as adequate provision is made for the
mobility of workers and residents and the distribution of goods. It is of urgent
necessity the National Government develop efforts to reduce the adverse effects of
motor traffic in urban areas.
(ii) 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 improve alternative forms of
transport should be introduce.
(iii) To limit traffic and to improve the efficiency and quality of service of buses and
transport.
(iv) Pedestrian scheme should be introduced whenever possible to improve the
environment and safety for pedestrians.
(v) The use of non-carbon emitting vehicles should be encourage like bicycle whenever
practical.
(vi) Motor vehicle reduction scheme should also be introduced.
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(i) PD 1181. Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of Air Pollution
from motor vehicles 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.
(ii) Letter of Instruction No. 552. Directing the law enforcement agencies to
implement the pollution control program.
(iii) R.A. No. 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. Delays resulting from traffic congestion affect not only the time
of travel but the productivity of an individual as well.
What is Traffic Education? It is the process training roads users in the avoidance and
prevention of traffic-related accidents.
It is already identified that one if not the major causes of traffic accidents is 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 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% of accidents, road factors to about one quarter of a
percent, and vehicle factors to fewer than five percent.
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B. The three (3) principles that have been emphasized as effective in the prevention of
traffic accidents are known, as the three (3) “Es” or pillars of traffic. Recently, however, traffic
environment and traffic economy were added to compete the five (5) pillars of traffic.
2. 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
of benefits from pre-school schemes involving parents, and from road safety
education in schools where it is an integral part of the school curriculum. Included are:
a. New approach to training and educating young drivers;
b. Training in hazards perception; and
c. Changing of attitudes.
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3. Enforcement (of traffic rules). One of the causes 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. Enhance publicity;
d. Education of teenagers in schools; and
e. The development of rehabilitation course like seminars for apprehended traffic
violators.
5. Economy. People should learn also to develop schemes and/or devices and programs
that do not only lessen expenses but also accident free.
1. Elementary. Pupils are usually educated by stressing 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 safety subjects.
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
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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 age. The basic purpose of this education are:
a. To develop good traffic citizens who are equipped to live in a motorized society
and achieving traffic safety.
b. To develop citizens who are legally eligible to get a driver’s license.
F. Driver’s Education.
In general, driver instruction aims primarily to teach the rudiments of driving. Secondary
aims are as follows:
G. Four (4) basic types of Instruction Methods used in Driver’s education programs.
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 student-driver 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 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.
Simulators are most commonly used for the following types of training:
1) Training in basic car-control skills.
2) Perceptual training.
3) Emergency training.
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1) The analytical film which provides an “objective” analysis of the driving situation
presented to the student.
2) The didactic film which aims to show good driving behavior.
3) The simulation film which offers “visual realism” to driving situations and therefore
a good aid in actual practice.
I. Biorhythm.
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:
1. The diurnal exchange of light and darkness.
2. The four seasons.
3. Our wet and dry season.
4. The waxing and waning of the moon.
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.
1. 23-day cycle a.k.a. our cycle of strength, endurance and courage (the male component
of a person).
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).
3. 33-day intellectual cycle.
All these cycles are present at the time we are born. When the curve is above the center
line, the biorhythm value is said to be “HIGH” or a person has more energy to spare, i,e.:
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When the curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be “LOW” or in a
rechargeable period, i,e.:
1. Physical low – we tend to tire quickly and to succumb to illness easily.
2. Emotionally low – we feel moody, irritable, or depressed.
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 critical day, people
tend to get sick easily, seem to lack coordination and tend to be accident prone.
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.
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.
K. Safety Campaign.
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.
SAFETY CAMPAIGN 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.
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A. Qualified Drivers - Individuals with sufficient driving skills, and knowledge on road
safety and proper road courtesy, whose eligibility is determined by passing the
LTO-conducted theoretical and practical examinations. Developing qualified drivers is
an important pillar in the LTO road safety advocacy since human factor is the major
cause of road crashes;
B. Roadworthy Vehicles - Motor vehicles and its relevant parts are compliant with
national standards and international vehicle safety conventions. Ensuring
roadworthiness of vehicles decreases the likelihood of failure in vehicle functioning,
thus reduces the risk of a road crash;
C. Traffic Discipline - It is the conformity/ compliance to road traffic laws, rules,
regulations and/ or a code of behavior. Traffic discipline paves the way for order,
organization and the unhampered traffic flow;
D. Community Relations - Mutually beneficial relationship with communities in which an
organization operates. Road crashes do not discriminate the victims. Thus, road
safety is every body's responsibility. To ensure safety, the LTO must solicit the support
of everyone in the community; and
E. Legislative Initiative - The right of competent persons and institutions to introduce for
the consideration of a legislative body, or propose to enact a new law, an amendment
to or a repeal of existing legislation. While there are many land transport and traffic
laws, rules, and regulations, much is to yet to be desired on specific enabling laws that
directly address road safety. Further, with the changing times, obsolete or laws that
are no longer responsive and relevant must either be amended or completely repealed.
Activity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FaGfj9iYxE
Online (synchronous)
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Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task
Quiz
Recitation
Preliminary Exam
9. References
Delizo, Darlito Bernard G. (2020). Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Practical Driving. Third Edition. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City.
Highway Safety Design Standards Manuals: Part 1- Road Safety Design Manual and
Part 2- Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual.
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/references/guidelines_manuals/highway_safety_des
ign_standards_manual
Road Safety Action Plan – LTO. Retrieved on June 20, 2020 from:
https://www.lto.gov.ph/images/Advisory/LTO-ROAD-SAFETY-ACTION-PLAN.pdf
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Chapter 3. Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations and Other Related Statues
2. Introduction:
This chapter presents the various traffic laws, rules and regulations and other statutes
governing traffic. It is imperative for the learners to know the pertinent laws relative to the
work of a traffic law enforcer. Further this chapter comprehensively discusses the general
rule of road use and conduct and the general traffic prohibitions and restrictions.
3. Learning Outcome:
4. Learning Content
The standards of regulating movements on roads, streets and highways are found in
traffic laws, rules and regulations.
In the Philippines, the mass of traffic laws, rules and regulations have their source in
laws, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders, Letter of Instructions, Administrative Orders and
Implementing memoranda and other Special Laws relative to traffic operation and traffic law
enforcement. As a traffic enforcer, it is essential that you should be familiar with these rules
and regulations.
In addition, traffic signs, pavement markings, and other control devices are traffic law
themselves. Violations of such constitute misdemeanor or infraction in the country.
A. Sources.
The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and prohibitions in the country.
a) (June 20, 1964). This is the basic law regulating land transportation in
the Philippines. It has repealed Act No. 3992 (The Revised Motor Vehicle Law).
b) . The Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972. The Act preventing and penalizing
carnapping.
c) . An Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger automobiles,
motorcycles and scooters, and a science stamp tax, to constitute a special science
fund defining the programs, projects and activities of science agencies to be
financed therefrom and for other purposes.
d) . Also known as the “Clean Air Act” which regulates emission of toxic
gases of both gasoline and diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for
gasoline engines.
e) . It provides for the attachment of seatbelts for all types of motor vehicles
and imposes penalty for the non-compliance thereof.
f) . An Act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,
defining its powers and functions, providing funds therefore and for other purposes.
g) . An Act imposing a motor vehicle user’s charge on owners of all types of
motor vehicles and for other purposes. It also imposes penalties on overloaded
motor vehicles.
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6. Memorandum circulars
a) .
Directing the motor vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals, fertilizers and other
prime commodities are not to be apprehended and stopped on roads and
highways except only in cases of serious violations.
b) . Providing guidelines
in the apprehension of illegally parked motor vehicles.
c) . Regulating and laying instruction in the
use of Special Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plates.
d) . Aide-memoir regarding retention and authority by LTO to register
motorized tricycles under R.A. 4136, and guidelines to implement devolution of
LTFRB’s Franchising Authority over TC’s per R.A. 7160 issued by DOTC.
e) . Issuance of driver’s license to disabled persons.
f) . Re-implementation of LOI 229, as amended by LOI 479 directing the
installation of early warning devices of motor vehicles.
g) . Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.
h) . Directing all public land transportation service operators and drivers
to display in any conspicuous place their vehicles the authorized fare matrix for the
specific route granted them to avoid conflict.
i) . Enjoining all public utility operators to use garage instead of public
places or side streets in parking their vehicles.
j) . Sanctions on operators arising from the violations of their drivers.
k) . Clarificatory guidelines for the registration/operation of new private
vehicles particularly in the use of conduction sticker.
a) . Reorganizing the DOTC, defining its power and functions and for other
purposes.
b) . Providing for two service units in the Office of the Asst. Sec. for Land
Transportation in the DOTC (Law Enforcement Service-LES and Traffic
Adjudication Service-TAS), defining the powers and functions thereof and for other
purposes.
c) . Creating the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
(LTFRB).
d) Empowering the Land Transportation Commission to control and
supervise the operations of motor vehicle driving schools.
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In the Philippines, Traffic Law Enforcement is governed by R.A. 4136. All other
ordinances by local government units are based on this law or act and/or these ordinances
should not contradict any provisions of said law/act.
A. Words and Phrases Used in R.A. 4136. As used in this Act, the following words and
phrases are defined for better and common understanding:
1. Motor Vehicle. Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular
power using the public highways, but excepting road rollers, trolley cars,
street-sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian
trucks, and cranes if not used in public highways, vehicles which run only on rails or
tracks, and tractors, trailers and traction engines of all kinds used exclusively for
agricultural purposes.
Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled or intended to be
propelled by attachment to a motor vehicle shall be classified as separate motor
vehicle with no power rating.
2. Passenger Automobiles. Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of types similar to
those usually known under the following terms: touring car, command car, speedster,
sports car, roadster, jeep, cycle car (except motor wheel and similar small outfits
which are classified with motorcycles), coupe, landaulet, closed car, limousine,
cabriolet, and sedan.
The distinction between “passenger truck” and “passenger automobile” shall be
that of common usage: Provided that a motor vehicle registered for more than nine (9)
passengers shall be classified as “trucks”. Provided further, that a truck with seating
compartment at the back not used for hire shall be registered under special “S”
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The following provisions of R.A. 4136 are the most common rules and regulations
violated by road users.
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public utility trucks or buses are held liable for the overloading of vehicles under their
charge.
All passenger automobiles for hire are required to have the registered passenger
capacity marked plainly and conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and
numerals not less than 5 cms. in height. Motor trucks for passenger or freight, private
of for hire, shall have the registered passenger or freight gross and net weight
capacities marked plainly and conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and
numerals not less than 5 cms in height (Sec. 33)
2. Cargo carrying devices. The construction of devices for carrying cargo at the rear or
sides of trucks may be allowed, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, but the
total net weight of the device, including cargo, must not exceed 100kls (Sec. 32, a)
3. Riding on Running Board. It is strictly prohibited, except for conductors collecting
passenger fare (Sec. 32,c)
4. Riding on Top of the Motor Vehicle. Passengers shall not be allowed to ride on top of
motor vehicles, but baggage or freight may be carried on top of the truck, provided
that the weight thereof is not more than 20 kilos per square meter distributed in such a
way as not to endanger passengers or the vehicle’s stability (Sec. 32,b)
5. Required Motor Vehicle Accessories. Every motor vehicle when operated on a traffic
way should have the following specified accessories (see Art. IV, Sec. 34, par a-I of RA
4136 as appended for the specifications of these accessories);
a. Tires of MVs
b. Brakes
c. Horns
d. Headlights
e. Taillights
f. Stop lights
g. Motorcycle and other vehicle lights
h. Lights when parked or disabled
i. Windshield wiper
j. Use of red flag
k. Mufflers
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R.A. 4136, mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by its owner before the
designated District Offices of the Land Transportation Office. Law enforcement officers
should keep themselves abreast with the proper procedures of registering motor vehicles for
them to easily identify unregistered motor vehicles or motor vehicles having expired
registrations. On the other hand, motor vehicle owners as well as drivers should be aware of
the provisions on motor vehicle registration to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties
whenever registration-related apprehensions occur.
1. Private (not for hire). These are motor vehicles used for the personal use of their
owners.
2. Public Utility Vehicles (PUV a.k.a. for hire). These are registered primarily for the
conveyance of passengers and other commercial goods, i.e., passenger jeepneys, taxi
cabs, etc.
3. Government. These are motor vehicles owned by government offices and are used for
official purposes only.
4. Diplomat. These are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls assigned in the
Philippines.
B. Plate Numbers.
Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with plate numbers. The letter and numeral
prefixes as well as the assigned colors are based on the date and place of registrations and
purpose of the registered motor vehicle.
1. Private or not for hire MVs – Green with white background, on newer vehicles, the first
letter usually indicates the region where the vehicle is registered. For example,
beginning with “N”, the vehicle is registered in the National Capital Region (NCR). For
the new series (2014 to present), black symbols on white background with holograms
and bar codes.
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2. Public Utility Vehicles or for-hire MVs – Black with yellow background usually begin
with either the letter “N” or “P” or “T” or “U” in NCR. Since 1995, they always have either
“V” “W” “X” or “Y” in the middle of the letter block. Older license plates starting with “N”
and “P” may have other letters in the middle of the block, although the “V” “W” “X” “Y”
letters are also present (from late 70s NVA-101 to early 1995 NYZ-999). For the new
series (2014 to present), black symbols on yellow background with holograms and bar
codes.
3. Government MVs – Red (maroon) with white background – usually starts with letter “S.
” For the new series (2014 to present), red symbols on white background with
holograms and bar codes and the agency/office indicated.
5. Trailers – these have yellow or green plates that mostly have either “U” (private) or “Z”
(for hire) in the middle of the letter block.
6. Electric Vehicles – orange plates are used (white symbols on orange background).
7. Motorcycles – private motorcycles have green characters on a white background with
the letters “MC” stamped on the upper left-hand corner next to the registration sticker.
Usually in the format AA 1111, but with the rise in the number of motorcycles on the
road, the 1111 AA format has also come into use.
8. Tricycles – private has green characters on a white background with the letters “MC”
stamped on the upper left-hand corner next to the registration sticker. This is very rare
since tricycles are usually bought for for-hire. For the public utility “TC” stamped on the
upper right-hand corner next to the registration sticker.
9. Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited vehicles – these are usually tour buses and
airport taxis which are issued with plates that look similar to those of private vehicles,
but have yellow highlights mixed with green color and share the same first letter of
current PUVs plates. A must special sticker indicating that they are DOT-accredited is
placed on the rear windows.
10. Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP) – a project of the LTO since 2004, in
the form of 3-letter-number. e.g. DGD 24
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11. Personalized (Vanity) Plates – anyone desiring to have his own personalized must
consider the following:
a. Uniqueness – the plate does not have a registered duplicate anywhere else in the
Philippines.
b. It should not have the same format as government vehicles.
c. Price –
1) Premium edition (ex. 111 ABC) – Php 15,000.00
2) Select Edition (ex. JOEDET) – Php 10,000.00
12. Commemorative plate – These special plate numbers are issued for specific purposes
such as fund-raising for government projects and programs.
ABI 1234
Region 1
10. 2018 series plate numbers. It retains the three-letter and four-numeric plate and the
removal of the region of registration.
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NAV 2832
1981 – NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NJ, NK, NL, NM, NN, NP, NR, NS
1982 – NT, PA
1983 – PB, PPC, PD
1984 – PD, PE, PF
1985 – PF, PG
1986 – PH
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1987 – PJ
1988 – PK, PL
1989 – PM, PN, PP
1990 – PR, PPS, PT
1991 – TA, TB, TC
1992 – TD, TE, TF
1993 – TG, TH, TJ, TK, TL
1994 – TM, TN, TP, TR, TT
1995 – UA(A-B), TS, UA(C-onwards), UB, UC, UD, UE
1996 – UF, UG, UH, UJ, UK, UL, UM, UN
1997 – UP, UR, US, UT, UU, WA, WB
1998 – WC, WD, WE, WF
1999 - WG, WH, WJ, WK, WL
2000 – WM, WN, WP, WR
2001 – WS, WT, XA, XB
2002 – XC, XD, XE, XF, XG
2003 – XH, XJ, XK, XL, XM
2004 – XN, XP, XR, XS
2005 – XT, ZA, ZB, ZC
2006 – ZD, ZE, ZF, ZG
2007 – ZH, ZJ, ZK, ZL
2008 – ZM, ZN, ZP, ZR, ZS
2009 – ZT, N-(I), N-(O), N-(Q), NI
2010 – NO, NQ, P-(I), P-(O), P-(Q), PI
2011 – PO, PQ, T-(I), T-(O), T-(Q), TI
2012 – TO, TQ, UI, U-(I)
2013 – UO
NOTE: I,O and Q are previously not used to avoid confusion with the numbers “1” and
“0”. But with the exhaustion of the “Z” series in 2009, they are already used by reverting to the
old “N” series. A new serial scheme is implemented using these characters, instead of the
third letter coming into series (e.g. after ZZZ-999 has been reached, ZAB-101) the middle
letter is the one being replaced (e.g. after NAI-999 series has been exhausted, NBI-101 will
follow). After all possible combinations with I, O and Q as third letter for the same starting
letter have been used, I, O and Q are used as middle letters and the third letter is being
replaced (e.g. after NZQ-999 has been used, NIA-101 will follow), if the reverted letter is
exhausted (e.g. after PQZ-999 has been used, TAI-101 will follow).
“1980’s”
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“1990S”
REGION 1/CAR - AC (P-onwards), AD, AE
REGION II - BB (P-onwards), BC
REGION III - CJ (F-onwards), CK, CL, CM, CN, CP, CR (A-E)
REGION IV - DG (W-Z), DH, DJ, DK, DL, DM, DN, DP, DR, DS, DT
REGION V - EA (V-Z), EB, EC
REGION VI - FC (T-onwards), FD, FE
REGION VII - GD (E-onwards), GE, GF, GG, GH, GJ, GK
REGION VIII - HA (P-onwards), HB
REGION IX/ARMM - JA (W-Z), JB
REGION X/XIII - KB (M-onwards), KC
REGION XI - LC (F-onwards), LD
REGION XII - MA (X-Z), MB
“2000S”
REGION I/CAR - AE, AF (A-D)
REGION II - BC, BD, BE
REGION III - CR (F-onwards), CS, CT, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF, RG, RH, RJ
REGION IV - VA, VB, VC, VD, VE (A-E)
REGION V - EC, ED
REGION VI - FE, FF, FG (A-M)
REGION VII - GL, GM, GP, GR, GS, GT, YA, YB, YC, YD, YE, YF, YG, YH
REGION VIII - HB, HC
REGION IX/ARMM - JB, JC, JD
REGION X/XIII - KC, KD, KE
REGION XI - LD, LE, LF, LG, LH
REGION XII - MB, MC, MD, ME
“2010-2013”
REGION 1/CAR - AF (E-onwards)
REGION II - BE
REGION III - RK, RL, RM
REGION IV - VE (F-onwards), VF
REGION V - ED
REGION VI - FG (N-onwards), FH
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F. Schedule of Registration.
Registration of motor vehicles should be done annually which follows the numerical
suffixes of their plate numbers.
Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance of weekly deadline. For motorcycles,
use the 3rd digit.
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5. Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plate (3 alpha characters and 2 numeric characters):
Sample plate number – IAN 86.
The above motor vehicle shall be registered in June every year because the last digit is
“6” and the day of registration falls in June 15-21 since the middle digit is “8”.
Between the above motor vehicles, Vehicle 1 was registered earlier than Vehicle 2 and
possibly, Vehicle 2’s model is later than Vehicle 1.
H. Protocol Plate Numbers. These are special plate numbers for high-ranking government
officials as manifestation of courtesy towards them or their respective positions or offices.
These plates are blue D or DD plates reserved for the top government officials of the Republic
of the Philippines.
1 - President
2 - Vice President
3 - Senate President
4 - Speaker of the House of Representatives
5 - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
6 - Cabinet Secretaries
7 - Senators
8 - Representatives (Congressmen)
9 - Associate Justices of the Supreme court
10 - Presiding Justice and other Justices of the Court of Appeals, Solicitor-General
(OSG formerly 13)
11 - Chairman of the Commission on Elections
12 - Cabinet Undersecretary
13 - None currently
14 - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of the Philippine
National Police
16 - Regional Trial Court Judges
17 - First Level Courts (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal
Trial Court in Cities and Shari’ah Circuit Courts), added by Memorandum Order No. 297
signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 2, 2009.
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Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines as in other countries is NOT a right but a
privilege granted by the Philippine Government through the LTO based on Republic Act 4136
and Batas Pambansa Blg. 398. Further, it is a privilege which may be suspended or revoked.
Driver’s License. A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses the statutory
qualification as provided therefore. It is also a public document which has the legal
presumption of genuineness (CCC Insurance Corp. vs. Court of appeals, 31 SCRA 264).
Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person shall operate any motor vehicle without
first procuring a license to drive for the current year. To be effective in the hands of its holder,
it must not be delinquent, invalid, suspended or revoked and should be carried at all times
and shall be authorized by R.A. 4136 to inspect the same.
A driver is licensed by the LTO as proof of proficiency in driving his knowledge of road
rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle. Upon proving hi proficiency and
knowledge, he will be issued a document in the form of the following licenses:
1. International Driver’s License. Bonafide tourists and transients who are duly licensed
to operate motor vehicles in their respective countries may be allowed to operate
motor vehicles during their stay but not beyond 90 days of their sojourn in the
Philippines. After ninety days, any tourist or transient desiring to operate motor
vehicles shall pay fees and obtain and carry a license as hereinafter provided (Sec. 21,
R.A. 4136)
2. Military Driver’s License. Enlisted personnel of the AFP operating motor vehicles
owned by the government shall be licensed in accordance with R.A. 4136 but no
license or delinquency fees shall be collected thereof.
All licenses so issued shall bear the words “FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES
ONLY” plainly marked or stamped in red inks across the face thereof. A Military
Driver’s License does not authorize the holder to operate a privately-owned
motor vehicle (Sec. 20, R.A. 4136).
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3. Professional Driver’s License. This license is issued to a driver or paid for driving or
operating a motor vehicle whether private use or for hire to the public. Any person
driving his own motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver (Sec. 3, e, R.A. 4136). To
easily distinguished, the word “professional” on the license is red-highlighted.
4. Non-Professional Driver’s License. This kind of license is issued to owners of
privately-owned motor vehicles or those not for hire or paid for driving (Effect of Sec.
3e, RA 4136). To easily distinguish this license from professional license, the word
“Non-professional” is green-highlighted.
5. Student Driver’s Permit. This kind of document is issued to persons who desire to
learn how to drive. A student driver cannot operate a vehicle unless accompanied by
an instructor who may either be a licensed professional or non-professional driver (Sec.
30, R.A. 4136)
E. Conductors’ License. Conductors of public utility vehicles are also mandated to procure
their licenses from the LTO.
B. Documentary Requirements:
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5. In addition, for foreigners, original and photocopy of passport with entry date of at
least one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from date of application,
or if born in the Philippines, present original and photocopy of birth certificate duly
authenticated by the NSO.
A. Qualifications: (Non-Professional)
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6. In addition, for foreigner, the applicant must have been in the Philippines for at least
one (1) month with proof that he/she will stay in the country for at least one (1) year
from date of application and is allowed to work herein.
G. Drivers’ Examination. All drivers’ license applicants must obtain the passing score as
follows:
1. The written examination. All written examinations will contain questions concerning
proper driving procedures, road rules and regulations, emergency procedures, etc.
number of questions will be as follows:
a. Non-professional license – 40 questions
b. Professional license – 60 questions
Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the following marks:
a. Non-professional – 30 out of 40 questions
b. Professional – 45 out of 60 questions
Before each examination, a DRIVING SKILL RATER will provide a 30 minute lecture about
traffic rules and other driver information as a “review” for the applicants.
2. The Road Test. The actual road test will be undertaken under the auspices of a
DRIVING SKILL RATER.
During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to his proficiency on the
following aspects:
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a. That the applicant is aware of and capable of performing a check on the primary
components of the vehicle such as the engine, the tires, the battery, lights,
windshield wipers, brakes, transmission and clutch, etc..
b. Proper use and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel.
c. Proper engine control and use of the gear shift lever and the foot pedals.
d. Proper speed control and observance and practice of road discipline.
e. Proper knowledge and interpretation of road signs and markings.
f. Proper turning procedures.
g. Proper backing procedures.
h. Proper parking procedures.
The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the start of the road test.
Each infraction or unsatisfactory performance will be listed down on a ROAD TEST SCORE
SHEET and the corresponding deductions made at the end of the test. Passing grade will be
70 points or a total possible deduction of 30 points.
I. Drivers’ Restriction Code. When the driver is issued a license the driver’s restriction code is
indicated as follows:
1. Motorcycles/Motorized tricycles
2. Vehicle up to 4500 kgs Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
3. Vehicle above 4500 kgs GVW
4. Automatic clutch up to 4500 kgs GVW
5. Automatic clutch above 4500 kgs GVW
6. Articulated vehicle 1600 kgs GVW and below
7. Articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 kgs GVW
8. Articulated vehicle 4501 kgs & above GVW
9. Disabled (Old) – no longer existing because disabled individuals are now called
differently-abled persons.
J. Drivers’ Condition. The condition for driver’s license holder while operating a motor vehicle
are indicated as follows:
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The traffic rules in the Philippines are based entirely on the general rules of road use
and conduct which also include the general prohibitions and restrictions. Chapter IV, Articles I
to V of the R.A. 4136 comprehensively discuss the traffic rules observed in the Philippines.
1. On open country roads, with no "blinds corners" not 80 km. per hour 50 km. per
closely bordered by habitations. hour
2. On "through streets" or boulevards, clear of traffic, 40 km. per hour 30 km. per
with no " blind corners," when so designated. hour
3. On city and municipal streets, with light traffic, when 30 km. per hour 30 km. per
not designated "through streets". hour
4. Through crowded streets, approaching intersections 20 km. per hour 20 km. per
at "blind corners," passing school zones, passing other hour
vehicles which are stationery, or for similar dangerous
circumstances.
2. Exception to the speed limit. The rates of speed hereinabove prescribed shall not
apply to the following:
a. A physician or his driver when the former responds to emergency calls.
b. The driver of a hospital ambulance on the way to and from the place of accident or
other emergency.
c. Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency treatment to a
hospital, clinic, or any other similar place.
d. The driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces while in use for official
purposes in times of riot, insurrection or invasion.
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B. Lateral Placement.
Lateral placement means the proper positioning of the motor vehicle while traversing
on a traffic way or while on parked.
In the Philippines, unless a different course of action is required in the interest of the
safety and the security of life, person or property, or because of unreasonable difficulty of
operation in compliance herewith, every person operating a motor vehicle or an animal-drawn
vehicle on a highway when meeting persons or vehicles going the same
direction, and when turning to the left in going from one highway to another, every motor
vehicle shall be conducted to the right of the center of the intersection of the highway.
For the pedestrians, they should walk on side streets to the left facing the oncoming
traffic. On the other hand, motor vehicles should be parked only on designated areas and so
properly parked without encroaching the parking stall or space of another vehicle.
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Parallel Parking
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In overtaking another vehicle, a driver should pass at a safe distance to the left of the
vehicle being overtaken and shall resume driving on the right side of the road only after
passing clear of the overtaken vehicle.
1. Exception. On the highways with two or more lanes where traffic goes in one direction,
another vehicle may be overtaken on the right (Sec. 39, R.A. 4136)
2. Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle. The driver of a motor vehicle about to be
overtaken must give way to the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase his speed
until the overtaking vehicle has fully passed by (Sec. 40, R.A. 4136)
3. Restrictions on overtaking and passing. To avoid accident or any unusual incidents,
overtaking and passing on the following places are restricted (Sec. 41, R.A. 4136)
a. To the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible, and is free
of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit safety overtaking.
b. When approaching the crest of a grade, nor upon a curve in the highway, where the
driver’s view along the highway is obstructed within the distance of five hundred
feet ahead, except on a highway having two or more lanes for movement of
vehicles in one direction.
c. At any railway grade crossing, nor at any intersection of highways, unless such
intersection or crossing is controlled by traffic signal, or a traffic officer.
d. Between any points indicated by the placing of official temporary or caution signs
indicating that men are working on the highways.
e. In any “no passing or overtaking zone.”
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D. Right of Way.
This principle refers to the legal or customary precedence (priority in place or time) which
allows one vehicle to cross or pass in front of another. The concept of the right of way is
important to understand since the law never really grants the right of way. The law simply
states when the right of way must be yielded. Right of way can be used when the law permits
its use by requiring that others yield the right of way to you. Failure to yield the right of way
leads to crashes in all states. There are some ways for you to reduce this probability when
you are driving however safemotorist.com).
1. Rules on Right of Way. Sections 42-44, of RA 4136 provides for the rules on giving the
right of way.
b. In the case of a vehicle approaching but has not yet entered the intersection, its
driver shall yield the right of way to vehicles already within such intersection or
turning therein to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned vehicle
(Sec. 42, b).
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2. Exceptions to the Right of Way Rule. Right-of-way rules do not apply in the case:
a. Of a vehicle entering from a private road or drive. The right of way is in favor of all
vehicles utilizing the highway (Sec. 43).
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b. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to police or fire
department vehicles and ambulances when such vehicles are operated on official
business and the drivers thereof sound audible signal of their approach.
c. The driver of a vehicle entering a “through highway” or a “stop intersection” shall
yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching in either direction on such
“through highway.”
1. When other motorists are affected. Whenever the operation of any other approaching
or following may be affected by such movement, the driver making the movement
shall give a signal to the other driver/s of his intention to make such movement (Sec.
44, a).
2. Hand signal. The required signal shall be given by means of extending the hand or arm
beyond the left side of the vehicle or by an approved mechanical or electrical signal
device (Sec. 44, b).
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3. Making a right turn (normal procedures). The following are the rules to be observed in
making a correct turning to the right from a four-lane street to a four-lane street.
a. Signal your intention to turn right with your turning signal light or a hand signal at
least 100 ft before you intend to make your turn.
b. Stay on the right lane of the road.
c. NEVER make a right turn from left lane.
d. At an intersection with a red traffic light, make a right turn ONLY after coming to a
full stop to make sure that no vehicle is coming from the left.
e. If there is a sign prohibiting a right turn unless the light is GREEN, DO NOT turn right
while the RED LIGHT IS ON.
4. Making a Left Turn (Normal procedures). Motor vehicles intending to turn left from a
four-lane street to four-lane street should observe the following procedures:
a. Signal your intention to turn left with your turning signal or a hand signal at least
100 feet before you intend to make your turn.
b. Stay on the left lane of the road.
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1. Parking on cities. In cities and towns, unless otherwise directed by a city or municipal
ordinance, motor vehicles will be parked parallel and within 12 inches of the curb. For
additional pre-caution while parking, observe the following:
a. Downhill with or without curb - turn wheels to right.
b. Uphill curb – turn wheels from curb (to left).
c. Uphill without curb – turn wheels to curb.
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2. Parking on a highway. On rural roads, pull entirely off pavement to park. Whenever
practicable, turn on your parking lights.
3. Parking prohibited in specified places. No driver shall park a vehicle, or permit it to
stand, whether attended or unattended, upon a highway in any of the following places
and at any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking.
a. Within an intersection.
b. On a crosswalk.
c. Within six meters of the intersection of curb lines.
d. Within four meters of the driveway entrance to and fire station.
e. Within four meters of a fire hydrant.
f. In front of a private driveway.
g. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the curb or edge of the
highway.
h. At any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking.
Activity:
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https://www.lto.gov.ph/issuances/administrative-order/file/47-memorandum-circular-
no-avt-2015-029-revised-rules-and-regulations-governing-the-issuance-of-professional-
driver-s-licenses-and-conductor-s-licenses.html
https://www.lto.gov.ph/issuances/administrative-order/file/48-memorandum-circular-
no-avt-2015-030-revised-rules-and-regulatlons-governing-the-issuance-of-student-drive
r-s-permit.html
https://www.lto.gov.ph/issuances/administrative-order/file/49-memorandum-circular-
no-avt-2015-031-revised-rules-and-regulations-governing-the-issuance-of-non-professi
onal-driver-s-licenses.html#
Online (synchronous)
//google meet, google classroom, schoology, moodle, Edmodo etc..
Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task
Quiz
Recitation
Midterm exam.
9. References
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no-avt-2015-031-revised-rules-and-regulations-governing-the-issuance-of-non-professi
onal-driver-s-licenses.html#
Delizo, Darlito Bernard G. (2020). Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Practical Driving. Third Edition. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City.
Highway Safety Design Standards Manuals: Part 1- Road Safety Design Manual and
Part 2- Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual. Retrieved of June 20, 2020 from:
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/references/guidelines_manuals/highway_safety_des
ign_standards_manual
Who Has The Right Of Way?. Retrieved on June 20, 2020 from :
https://www.safemotorist.com/Articles/Right_of_Way/
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2. Introduction:
This module discusses the principles of traffic control which involves traffic control
devices and aids used in controlling of traffic flows. It is imperative for the learner particularly
the future traffic enforcers to have a vast knowledge on how traffic is being controlled.
3. Learning Outcome:
Traffic Control. Generally, it refers to procedures, devices, and communication systems that
help vehicles and vessels safely share the same roads, rails, waterways, or air space. Traffic
control establishes a set of rules and instructions that drivers, pilots, train engineers, and ship
captains rely on to avoid collisions and other hazards. Safe travel for pedestrians is an
additional goal in highway traffic control.
D. Highway Traffic control. Motorist depend on traffic control devices to avoid collisions and
travel safely to their destinations.
1. Traffic Signs. Traffic signs are the most extensively used form of traffic control in the
United States. More than 55 million traffic signs in the nation’s roadside. They provide
information about speed limits and road conditions. They direct traffic along certain
routes and to specific destinations. By using signs, traffic control planners tell drivers
what to do, what to watch for, and where to drive.
2. Pavement Markings. Pavement markings separate opposing streams of traffic and
direct vehicles into proper positions on the roadway. For example, pavement markings
delineate turn lanes at intersection and establish no-passing zones. White and yellow
paint is customarily used for pavement markings. Reflective devices are more visible
at night and are used in some locations to mark lanes and other significant places on
the road.
3. Traffic-Signal. Traffic signals are installed to permit safe movement of vehicles and
pedestrians at busy intersections. The light signal is probably the most easily
recognized traffic control device. At a busy intersection in a large city, a traffic signal
may control the movements of more than 100,000 vehicles per day. Traffic signals
direct streams of vehicles and pedestrians when to go, stop, or proceed with caution.
The signals increase the traffic handling capacity of most intersections. They can
work independently on timers, or connect to computer-controlled system that operates
over several intersections.
4. Priority Control. In one of the oldest method of traffic control, one form of
transportation is given priority by restricting or banning other forms of transportation.
In the 1st century BC, Roman Emperor Juluis Caesar banned wheel traffic from Rome
during daytime, which allowed pedestrians and horse riders to move freely around the
city. Some modern cities ban or restrict truck travel through certain neighborhoods.
5. Restraints. As an alternative to banning traffic, traffic control planners use devices to
discourage heavy use of route. Island built in the centers of intersections force drivers
to proceed slowly. Speed bumps discourage high-speed commuting through
residential neighborhoods. Concrete median strips prevent vehicles from making turns
except at intersections.
Bus-lanes and high occupancy vehicles (HOV) lanes exist in many urban areas. Only
specified types of vehicles, primarily those carrying several occupants’ vehicles, primarily
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those carrying several occupants, can use these lanes. By giving priority to high occupancy
vehicles, transportation planners encourage carpooling and reduce congestions.
Traffic Signs, like traffic signal lights and road markings are used to convey quickly
and accurately the wide range of information needed by road users, particularly vehicle
drivers, and to promote a safe and efficient use of the road system.
Traffic Signs refer to any device mounted on portable support whereby a message is
conveyed by means of words or symbols officially installed for the purpose of regulating,
warning, or guiding traffic. Traffic signs are installed to serve the following functions:
1) to control traffic,
2) to safeguard the flow of traffic,
3) to expedite traffic, and
4) to guide traffic and motorists.
Standardization of traffic signs shall conform to the standards set forth in the erection
and display of standard road signs and markers as prescribed by the DPWH as to shape,
color, dimension, shape, size, height, letterings or symbols.
Traffic signs shall be installed only under public authority or by the official having
jurisdiction for that purpose, and it shall not bear any commercial advertisement.
A thorough knowledge of traffic signs, signals, road and pavement markings is
necessary to all drivers. Every motorist must be able to recognize and obey them without
hesitation even with the absence of traffic police officer.
A. Historical Background. In Britain, early sign post was erected by private
individuals at their own expense. In 1648, parishes were required by law to
place guidepost at crossroads. In 1733, these and mileposts were required to
be erected and maintained by Turnpike Trusts. The Motor Car Act of 1903
made local authorities responsible for placing certain warning and prohibitory
signs.
With increased international travel after World War II, discussions took place in the United
Nations (UN) on the introduction of international traffic signs. However, it was not until 1965
that United Kingdom (UK) signs were changed to conform to the European system. In 1995, it
was estimated that there were 2, 500,000 signs and signals, 850, 000 road markings and
7,000,000 road studs on the roads in England alone. On the other hand, the United States (US)
adopted the signs in the 1970s and developed a set of national standards for sign, color,
shape, and usage.
On June 6, 1973, the Philippines through P.D. 207 declared as part of the laws of the
Philippines the UN Vienna Convention on road traffic, signs, markings and signals. The
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participating countries of this convention have agreed to accept the system of traffic, road
signs, signals and symbols and road markings described in said convention and to adopt the
same to facilitate international road traffic and to increase road safety.
B. International Traffic Signs. As explained in the Vienna convention, the system
of signs and signals which it has prescribed is based on the use of shapes and
colors, characteristics of each class of sign, and whenever possible on the use
of graphic symbols rather than inscriptions with few exceptions one of which is
the STOP sign of the United States. These basic sign shapes are:
1. Round and red sign: regulates the movement of turning and passing traffic
regulations;
2. Round black yellow signs: a warning that you are approaching a railroad
crossing;
3. Equilateral triangle red signs: a sign at the intersection directing drivers to
yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the road being crossed;
4. Eight-sided (octagonal) red and white stop sign: the most popular and
understood sign by all tongues and colors; and
5. Triangle red and black sign: approaching a danger zone, hill, slope, winding
road, and othe
C. Classification of International Traffic Signs.
1. Danger Warning Signs. These signs are also known as “caution signs.” These
signs have an equilateral triangular shape with one side horizontal and having
red borders.
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3. Informative Signs. These signs are also known as “guide signs”, or “direction
signs.” The rectangular shape white-colored on blue background is used for
informative signs. Green background is usually used for route markers and
destination signs. Informative signs are intended to:
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Road signs in the Philippines are regulated and standardized by the Department of Public
Works and Highways. Most of the signs reflects minor influences from American and
Australian signage, but keeps close to the Vienna Convention as an original signatory.
I. Regulatory signs
Regulatory signs indicate the application of legal or statutory requirements, for example,
obligation to give way at intersections, control of parking of vehicles, and speed limits. These
signs require driver's compliance.
A. Priority signs
B. Direction signs
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C. Restrictive signs
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D. Speed Signs
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E. Miscellaneous Signs
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These refers to any power operated traffic control device by which traffic is warned or
directed to take some specific actions. Traffic light signals are used to control traffic at
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junctions and also to stop traffic to provide safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.
A. Rationale. Regulating traffic flow at intersections and road crossings is just a matter of
alternating the GO and STOP signal so that every driver gets his "fair share". As a result of
this, traffic lights were invented to relieved the traffic policeman of the mechanical duties of
alternating traffic to make everybody happy.
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3. Train Approach and Gates Signals. These are usually installed on road-rail
intersections designed to inform motorists of any approaching train on the
intersection.
4. Other Special Traffic Signals. These are installed on traffic ways where special
regulations are emphasized like “YIELD TO VEHICLES COMING FROM THE LEFT”, and
other similar regulations.
2. Steady Green
a) It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side to STOP.
b) Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the pedestrian lane in front of you.
c) Unless specified, you can move up to the middle section of the intersection and
make a left turn when clear.
d) Vehicles GOING STRAIGHT have the right of way.
e) DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN LIGHT.
4. Steady Yellow.
a) PREPARE TO STOP
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b) It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side and will be given the GO signal
shortly.
c) DO NOT BEAT A YELLOW LIGHT.
5. Flashing Red.
a) This is the same as a STOP SIGN.
b) STOP at the designated line.
c) Vehicles will be crossing from the "other side".
d) Expect pedestrians to cross at the pedestrians’ lane.
e) PROCEED WHEN CLEAR.
6. Flashing yellow.
a) This is the same as a YIELD SIGN.
b) Proceed through the intersection with CAUTION.
c) You have the right of way over a flashing RED LIGHT.
d) Vehicles on the other side will proceed after coming to a FULL STOP.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL BLACKOUT—If all traffic signal lights are not working because of an
electrical power failure, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know
other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A blacked-out
traffic signal works the same as a four-way stop intersection.
A. Pavement Markings. These pertain to 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.
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They are in the form of lines, symbols, messages or numerals, and may be set into the
surface of, applied upon, or attached to the pavement. In some cases, pavement markings
are used as a supplement to other traffic control devices, such as traffic signals and road
signs. It guides traffic or gives advance warning or may impose restrictions supported by
traffic regulations
B. Types of Pavement Markings and Markers.
1. Pavement Markings. These are the lines usually white and yellow or a combination of
yellow and white officially set on the roadway as separation for motor vehicles traveling in
the opposite direction or the same direction in case of two-lane one-way street, two-lane
two-way street or four-lane two-way street.
2. Curb Markings for Restrictions. These are markings placed on the curbs or edges of the
traffic for restriction or for parking regulation purposes.
3. Object Markings. These are markings placed on objects on the road or beside the road like
humps, rocks or similar hazardous objects on the side of the road.
4. Reflectorized Markings. These are markings or gadgets designed to reflect and become
luminous when hit by vehicles’ headlight. These are placed or installed in the middle of the
roadway to supplement separation lines or on object at the side of the roadway which are too
near or within the road pavement itself.
1. Solid white shoulder line. This denotes the edge of the roadway. Any asphalt or concrete
surface beyond this line should not be used during the normal operation of your vehicle.
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2. Diagonal white lines. An area filled with diagonal white lines and bordered by solid white
lines is not considered part of the roadway, and vehicles are expected to stay off unless there
is an emergency. These areas are often used to ease the flow of traffic where roads diverge
or intersect.
3. Broken white center line or lane divider. This denotes the center of a two-lane road, or
marks the division between lanes on multi-lane roads. It is a reminder to stay in your lane.
Straddling the line is illegal and punishable under the law. As the line is “broken,” however,
this means it is legal to cross it when overtaking or changing lanes. Bear in mind that vehicles
continuing in a straight line within their lane automatically have right of way, so wait your turn.
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4. Solid white center line. This is often used to divide traffic on a two-way multi-lane road. As
this is a solid line, you are discouraged from overtaking over it unless the way is absolutely
clear.
5. Solid white double center line. You are forbidden from overtaking over this line, but you
may make left turns over it, provided the way is clear. Remember, however, that oncoming
traffic still automatically has right of way.
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5. Solid yellow double center line. As we noted a while back, this line indicates that it is
unsafe to overtake at any time. It is often found around blind curves or in areas where
fast-moving two-way traffic meets on an undivided road.
6. Mixed center line/solid yellow with broken yellow or white line. This indicates that only
one side can overtake--the side with the broken line. This is often found entering curves
where the view is obstructed coming from one direction, but is clear from the opposite side.
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7. Solid white lane divider. These are often found near intersections, and are reminders to
stay in lane. As a practice, if you're turning at an intersection, it's best to get into the turning
lane 50m before the intersection, while the lane divider is still broken.
8. Directional arrows. When combined with solid white lane dividers, they indicate which
directions you are allowed to go within a lane. If the arrow points forward only, you cannot
make a turn from that lane. If it points forward and to the side, you can either go straight or
turn. If it points only to the side, you must turn within that lane. Ignoring these arrows might
just get you a ticket, or worse, get you into an accident.
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9. Broken blue lane divider. This indicates the motorbike lane along major thoroughfares.
The broken line indicates that you can move into and out of it, but the lane is preferentially for
motorbikes.
10. Solid yellow lane divider. This indicates the bus lane on EDSA, but can also be used to
indicate bicycle lanes in some areas. Bicycle lanes may also be indicated by solid white lines
on the side of the road.
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11. Broken yellow lane divider. This indicates areas where you can merge into the bus lane
in preparation for turning off EDSA.
12. Mixed double lane divider/solid yellow with broken yellow or white line. This indicates
that traffic on the solid yellow side cannot cross lanes, while traffic on the other side may do
so if the way is clear. This is often used where smaller arteries merge into main roads or
where feeder roads merge onto the highway.
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13. Rumble strips. These tightly spaced horizontal white lines not only give your car's
suspension a bit of a workout, they also indicate hazards ahead, such as dangerous curves or
merging traffic.
14. Solid white horizontal line. This indicates where you must stop at a stoplight or stop sign.
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15. Zebra crossing. This indicates a pedestrian crossing zone. Stopping over this at a red
light is a traffic violation, so make sure to pay attention to those light timers!
16. The yellow box. This box indicates the part of the intersection that must--by law--be kept
open at all times. Even if you have a green light, if the traffic is stopped on the other side
ahead, it's best to wait until there's enough space for you to clear the yellow box. Even in the
absence of a light, the yellow box must be kept clear.
A. Traffic Islands Defined. These are areas within the roadway constructed in a manner to
establish physical channels through which vehicular traffic is guided.
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Traffic Island can be a physical structure or a painted object found on roads and roadside.
The primary purpose of a traffic island is better & orderly flow of traffic. These are also
referred to as channelizes as these “channelizes” the traffic plying on the road. These may be
raised structures made up of concrete or a physical structure in form of boards, barricades,
traffic cones etc.
It can also be regarded as a physical barrier various shapes for channeling the flow of
tragic and reducing the number of conflict points. Their proper placement is of great
importance and is a must know for a town planner as it plays an important role in transport
planning.
When traffic island is much longer in length than width then they are instead called traffic
medians (a strip in the middle of a road) serving the function of divider over a much longer
distance
1. Pedestrian Island (Pedestrian Barriers). These are constructed between the pedestrian
sidewalk and the road pavement to prevent pedestrian from using the roadway in passing
and likewise to prevent motor vehicles from using the sidewalk for parking and passing
purposes.
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3. Traffic Islands. These are the raised portion in the middle of the traffic way constructed to
separate the streams of motor vehicles traversing on opposite directions and at the same
time preventing motorists from using the opposite lane for overtaking. Traffic islands are
further sub-classified into three (3):
a. Division Islands. These are constructed primarily to divide the streams of the motor
vehicles.
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Activity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkFCyzZUUIg
Online (synchronous)
//google meet, google classroom, schoology, moodle, Edmodo etc..
Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task.
Quiz
Recitation
9. References.
Delizo, Darlito Bernard G. (2020). Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Practical Driving. Third Edition. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City.
Highway Safety Design Standards Manuals: Part 1- Road Safety Design Manual and
Part 2- Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual.
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/references/guidelines_manuals/highway_safety_des
ign_standards_manual
2. Introduction:
This Chapter discusses Traffic Supervision which is the keeping order on the streets
and highways within existing regulations to make their use safe and expeditious. It’s
objectives are: 1) to prevent collisions or congestion through proper allotment of time and
space; 2) to move traffic speedily and safely; 3) to use toad to the fullest extent; and 4) to
uphold that roads are primarily built to move traffic and not for carnivals.
In the attainment of the objectives of traffic supervision, three (3) police activities are
needed: 1) Traffic Law Enforcement; 2) Traffic Direction and control; and 3) Traffic Accident
Investigation.
3. Learning Outcome:
4. Leaning Content:
Traffic Law Enforcement action is part of enforcement involving the arrest, issuance of
Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or Inspection Report Summons, or warning of any person
who is believed to have violated a law, ordinance, or regulation pertaining to the use of traffic
roads.
Rationale. Traffic enforcement action may prevent such violation from endangering
persons, property, or inconveniencing other users of traffic users of traffic roads, prevent
continued violation, or discourage future repetition.
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As a traffic law enforcer, he must decide the kind of action he will take in case he has
knowledge of any violation. Drivers are guided more by the enforcement actions of traffic law
enforcers than by the way the law is written. It is therefore important that traffic enforcers
should know what to do and be consistent in their actions so that drivers may know exactly
what to expect. Further, consistency of traffic enforcers in the enforcement of traffic laws
builds respect and compliance with the law.
A. Scope of traffic law enforcement. The range of action of traffic law enforcement includes
but not limited to the following:
1. The action taken by the police and the court to compel obedience to traffic laws and
ordinances regulating the movement and use of motor vehicles for the purpose of
creating a deterrent to unlawful behavior by all potential violators.
2. Enforcement of traffic legislation is an area of activity aimed at controlling road users,
let behavior by preventive persuasive and punitive methods in order to effect a safe
and efficient traffic movement; and
3. It applies to all statutes, ordinances and legally authorized regulations relating to the
use of street and highways and operation of motor vehicles.
B. Two major functions of Traffic Law Enforcement. For more effective traffic law
enforcement and more specific roles in enforcement, the function is divided into the
following:
1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement. This function includes the enforcement of traffic laws
deterrent to law violations, special assistance to prosecutors and courts and
incidental service to highway users. Usually these are the responsibilities of traffic
enforcers like members of the PNP-TMG and the LTO Law Enforcement Service (LES).
2. Court Traffic Law Enforcement. One part of traffic law enforcement is performed by
the court through PRSOSECUTION, ADJUDICATION and PENALIZATION of cases.
These actions are usually undertaken by any of the regular courts where traffic cases
fall under their jurisdiction and the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) of the LTO.
C. Three important Goals of Enforcement Activities. For more specific actions, enforcement
activities aim:
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1. Enforcement System.
2. Road Users System (Traffic Way User).
3. Road System (Traffic System).
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d) Arrest in Traffic. In arresting a traffic violator, the traffic enforcer must consider the
following:
(1) An arrest can be effected even without warrant if the offense is committed in the
presence of an arresting officer.
(2) The officer making an arrest must intend to take the violator into custody for the
purpose of bringing him before a court.
(3) Detention of the arrested person may take place.
(4) Officer making an arrest must act under legal authority when taking the arrested
person into custody.
(5) The person being arrested must understand that he is being arrested.
(6) The purpose of arrest is to bring a suspected violator before a court to answer a
charge of violation.
f) When taking a person into custody. The arresting officer when taking a person into
custody must consider the following:
(1) The possibility that the person you are arresting may attempt to injure or kill you or
escape in your custody.
(2) Inform him that you are placing him under arrest.
(3) Explain to him why you are placing him under arrest.
(4) Reasonable search may be carried out in connection with lawful arrest.
g) When transporting arrested person. The arresting officer should observe the following
guidelines in transporting arrested person:
(1) If your unit is equipped with radio, request for transportation unit and maintain
custody of your prisoner until it arrives.
(2) Give instructions to the transporting officer about the place where the arrestee is to
be delivered.
(3) Have the necessary information and instructions written out so that the
transporting officer will not err in the delivery.
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(4) In certain conditions, direct the arrested person to drive his own vehicle to your
headquarters and follow him with your police mobile.
(5) However, if the driver is not in good condition or the vehicle is in bad shape, let
someone drive the vehicle to the headquarters.
2. Traffic Citation. This is a means of having violators appear in court without physical
arrest. To ensure that an apprehended traffic violator will appear to the court or to the
roper authority, the traffic officer should confiscate the violator’s driver’s license and
issue Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT) in some cities and municipalities, United Ordinance
Violation Receipt (UOVR) among LGUs in Metro Manila, Temporary Operator’s Permit
(TOP) in cases of RA 4136, or Traffic Violator’s Receipt (TVR) in cases under the
MMDA.
a) Apprehension.
(1) You may confiscate the driver's license or certificate of registration of the vehicle
for any violation of the RA 4136 and its rules and regulations, City and Municipal
Ordinances.
(2) Fill out the blank spaces of TOP/or TCT forms in order to provide a detailed report
of apprehension for the information, guidance and reference of all concerned.
(3) Advise the violator to report within 72 hours, but not less than 24 hours to give
allowance for proper transmittal from receipt thereof to appropriate offices.
c) How to use the TOP, the TCT, and the TVR? These are official documents designed
for various purposes, namely:
(1) as a receipt for the confiscation of a vehicle or the driver's license or the CR/OR
of the vehicle.
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(2) as a temporary permit to operate motor vehicles for 72 hours without extension
from the time of confiscation or apprehension (in case of TVR in Manila, 7 days).
(3) as an official for of judicial or administrative citation to facilitate action on the case
for which it is issued.
(4) record for disposing a case cited therein either administratively or judiciary.
(5) a receipt for release of the confiscated items after adjudication and termination of
the case.
f) Preliminary findings and disposition of License. Within 72 hours or three (3) days
from the filing of the case with the respective traffic enforcement offices, the hearing
authority shall make immediate preliminary findings on the basis of police or
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(1) Should there be no such necessity, he shall promptly order the return of the
confiscated license to the owner without prejudice to re-calling said license.
(2) Where the violator fails to appear before the court or the investigating official
concerned, his license or permit shall be forwarded to the LTO for its suspension or
revocation pursuant to Sec. 29., RA 4136.
3. Traffic Warning. This is an enforcement action which does not contemplate possible
assessment of penalty by the court or otherwise as a result of warning alone. There
are three types of traffic warning:
(1) Visual Warning – this is usually used when you have observed a minor violation but
are more importantly occupied at a moment.
(2) Verbal Warning – this is a form of safety education. Tell the driver/violator that he
violated a law and explain the hazards of such violations.
(3) Written Warning – this is a combination of verbal warning and citations.
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1. When to pursue? When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal reaction is to
pursue the violator until you apprehend him. When deciding to pursue, the following
should be taken note:
a) Pursuit must be tampered with common sense and foresight of like hazards.
b) better judgment is used in deciding to lose a traffic violator who can be
apprehended at another time than giving great risk to yourself, your vehicle and
other drivers.
c) Pursuit requiring high speed operation of police vehicle may be justified in certain
circumstances such as in the apprehension of a driver endangering the lives of
motorists, pedestrians, and others through operation which can be classified as
other than reasonable and proper which is dangerous and negligent
d) Types of serious violation is an important factor in deciding to pursue:
(1) Non-hazardous violations.
(2) Hazardous violations:
(a) Driving while under the influence of liquor;
(b) Reckless driving; and
(c) Driving on excessive speed.
g) Resisting distraction. You should know what evasive actions will permit you to
avoid or escape unfavorable traffic conditions.
a) His limitations and strength in driving a patrol vehicle under normal conditions.
b) Good driving combined with effective techniques will help to minimize the
dangers involved in pursuit in high speed.
c) Normal driving skill is not automatically improved by wearing a police uniform,
nor by having a police car to operate.
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a. When alone, use a clipboard with attached paper and pencil. Anchor the clipboard
by sitting on part of it so that notes can be written without looking down.
b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehicles on a "hot sheet" within easy viewing range
while in driving position/
c. Identify the violator's vehicle for later identification, particularly when pursuit is
lengthy, interrupted or abandoned, or in case you are injured by the violators.
d. The registration plate is very important and accurate method of establishing
identity of a vehicle is also important. Train yourself to observe complete license
plate number at a glance.
e. Record the registration number as soon as possible, and check it against your "hot
sheet.”
5. Keep Headquarters Advised. Through the dispatcher about the progress of the pursuit
operation.
a) It is your duty to apprehend violators as soon as possible. Radio contact with
HQs aids in accomplishing this objective by alerting other patrol units in the
area.
b) While in pursuit, use your radio whenever necessary and advisable. If forced to
abandon pursuit and there is no radio available, use any nearest telephone.
6. Stopping and approaching a violator. It is completed when you have stopped the
violator’s vehicle and move to the place where you will begin to talk to the driver. The
following should be observed:
a) In stopping a violator, it must be done in safety to you, the driver you stopped, to
other road users.
b) Approach the violator preferably on the left side from the rear and be alert for
the unexpected.
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3. Never open your conversation in a sarcastic or derogatory way. Avoid such opening as:
a. Don't you know--?;
b. Who do you think are--?;
c. Where do you think you are going---?;
d. What's your hurry ?
4. Being alert at all times for the unexpected, approach the violator with these cases:
a. Take time to get ready to talk the violator.
b. Know what you are going to do and say.
c. Have any equipment you will need such as flashlights, clipboard, or citation pad.
d. Review the facts which led you to your stopping the violator before you begin to talk.
e. Decide what enforcement action you are going to take before you approach the
violator.
5. In requesting for the DL or vehicle registration certificate (CR), observe the following:
a. Do not put your head or arms in the car windows.
b. While waiting for the license, ask the driver, "What is your name, Sir?".
c. Never accept anything other than the papers requested.
d. Ask the papers being requested be removed from the billfold or other container.
e. Have the driver hand the requested papers to you outside the window.
f. Establish the identity of the driver and check the entries of both the license and the
registration papers for any possible fraud, or false identities or falsifications.
g. Do not return the driver's license and CR until you are about to terminate the
interview.
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L. Road Check. This is another enforcement activity where it involves the conducting of
actual inspection of vehicles, and motorists on the road.
Police Traffic Direction. It is defined as telling drivers and pedestrians when, how and
where they may or may not move or stand at a particular place, especially during
emergencies or period of congestion.
A. Who are tasked to direct and guide traffic? In the Philippines, traffic officers are usually
deputized by the Land Transportation Office who normally comes from:
1. the PNP-TMG,
2. police auxiliaries,
3. MMDA Traffic Management Section, and
4. in some places, volunteers coming from barangay security forces and other civic
organizations
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E. Hand Signals. The signals may be modified also by the traffic direction officer as it
deemed necessary so that motorists may clearly understand the decision of the traffic
officer especially during night time. In addition to hand signals and blowing of the
whistles, flags with varying colors (usually red and green) are used to supplement the
signaling.
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1. This is the most common traffic hand signal. It aims to stop vehicles coming from
front.
2. This traffic hand signal aims to stop vehicles approaching simultaneously from front
and behind.
3. This traffic hand signal aims to allow vehicles coming from right and and turning right
by stopping traffic approaching from the left.
4. This traffic hand signal aims to beckon the vehicles approaching from right (vehicles
from the right must go forward).
5. This traffic hand signal aims to beckon the vehicles approaching from left (vehicles
from left must go forward).
6. This traffic hand signal aims to stop vehicles approaching from left and waiting to turn
right.
7. This traffic hand signal aims to stop vehicles approaching from behind.
8. This traffic hand signal aims to stop vehicles approaching from right to allow vehicles
from the left to turn right.
9. This traffic hand signal aims to close or stop all vehicles (all directions).
10. This traffic hand signal aims to beckon vehicles from front (vehicles from front must
go forward).
Traffic Patrol . This refers to the observation of road conditions, the behavior of the
drivers and other users of vehicles for the purpose of traffic supervision and law enforcement
and providing authorized traffic-connected services to the public.
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2) Visible Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is in full view but
so located, for example, at side street, so as to require effort on the part of traffic users
to discover the observer.
3) Concealed Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to
persons using ordinary power of observation form from the roadway being observed.
D. Deterring Drivers from Violating. The effect of traffic law enforcement on the behavior of
the motorist drivers depends upon what they think the police will do or the reputation of the
police for action.
1) Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement actions.
2) Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.
3) Leave the area and proceed to another area after you have taken enforcement action.
4) In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, apply selective enforcement.
5) Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators.
E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving. Be alert for potentially hazardous drivers. His action
may not be illegal, but may serve as road hazards that need to be cautioned.
G. Detecting and Apprehending Violators. It is the main job or duties of traffic patrol officers.
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H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and ears of the
department when on traffic patrol.
I. Road Intelligence. Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may observe
an unusual amount of delay at a certain intersection each morning and when you learn the
cause, be sure to report the situation at once to your superior officer.
J. Patrol Assignment. You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or you may have
instructions to use a combination. For example, you may patrol a certain street noted for
excessive accidents in a line at specific times. The following are some guidelines when
assigned in traffic patrol unit.
1) Be familiar with the street lay out in your area.
2) Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion is likely.
3) Apply selective enforcement if area is too large to cover.
4) You may be permitted to leave your assignment when pursing violators.
5) Sometimes you will be required to depart momentarily from an intersecting street
rather than always approaching it from the street which you are patrolling.
K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques. When multiple patrol units are used, special tactics are
possible. Examples of these are following:
1) When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up the rear of the
group. If one or more drivers in the group think that they can no longer be observed
since they have been passed by the first patrol unit, they feel free to violate. The
following patrol unit observes and apprehends the violators.
2) When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at the rear while
the other overtakes the leader, thus neatly battling the entire group. If two vehicles are
racing, or if two violators separate, the paired patrol units can separate for individual
pursuit.
3) Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect each other. Except
for special purposes or occasions, patrol unit works independently so that more areas
can be covered.
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Traffic Accident Investigation. Generally, to know what question to ask and what to
look for, you must have some fundamental bearing on accidents and their causes. When you
speak of traffic accident, everybody knows what you mean - SOMETHING WENT WRONG on
the highway, either a wrecked car, somebody injured or possibly killed.
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1. WHAT happened?
2. WHO and WHAT was involved?
3. WHERE did it happen?
4. WHY did it happen?
5. HOW did the accident occur?
6. WHEN did the accident happen?
4. Motor Vehicle. Every device which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is
propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not
operated upon rails.
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7. SKID MARKS. These are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not
free to rotate, usually because brakes are applied strong and the wheels
locked.
8. TRAFFIC UNIT. Any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other
purposes as a pedestrian or driver, including any vehicle, or animal which he
is using. It applies also to:
a) Pedestrians;
b) Cyclists;
c) Street cars;
d) Horse-drawn (animal-drawn) vehicles;
e) Farm tractors; and
f) Other road users in almost any combination.
A traffic accident could involve a cyclist and a pedestrian.
10. SAFE SPEED. The speed adjusted to the potential or possible hazards or the road and
traffic situation ahead. It is determined by the road rather than the particular driver of a
vehicle.
11. STRATEGY. It is the adjusting of speed, position on the road, and direction of motion,
giving signals of intent to turn or slow down, or any other action in situations involving
potential hazards.
12. TACTIC. It refers to any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like
steering, braking, or accelerating to avoid collision or other accident.
13. IMPACT. It is the striking of one body against another or a collision of a motor vehicle
with another motor vehicle.
14. CONTACT DAMAGE. Damage to a vehicle resulting from direct pressure of some foreign
object in a collision or roll over. It is usually indicated by situations, rub-off of material or
puncture.
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15. FACTOR. Any circumstance contributing to a result without which the result could not
have occurred or it is an element necessary to produce the result, but not by itself sufficient.
16. PRIMARY CAUSE. A misnomer loosely applied to the most obvious or easily explained
factor in the cause of an accident or the most easily modified condition factor.
17. CAUSE. The combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any one of
which result could not have occurred.
18. ATTRIBUTE. Any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a person that affects the
probability of a traffic accident.
2. Motor Vehicle Non-Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident which occurs entirely
in any place other than a traffic way. Ex. Accident on a private driveway.
3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident occurring on a traffic way.
Ex. Collision between cars on highway.
f) Fatal.
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I. Who conducts the traffic accident investigation? The police officers assigned in the field or
highways upon learning of an accident usually responds and conduct initial inquiries.
However, police stations normally have designated traffic accident investigators. In major
traffic accidents involving numerous victims, the local traffic investigator shall immediately
inform the nearest PNP-HPG which shall then take lead in the investigation under Special
Investigation Task Group (SITG) which shall be activated to manage the case (PNP Field
Manual on Investigation of Crimes of Violence and Other Crimes, 2011). When the proper
crime scene processing is necessary, the traffic investigators may also ask assistance of the
Scene of the Crime Operation Team.
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2. Step Two. Start for the Scene. With two way radio, you can do two things while on the
way.
a) (1) Time; (2) Possible traffic jams; (3) Possible
route of driver involved and (4) Probable situation at scene.
b) If you get involved in accident yourself, then other units must be used.
c) (1) As possible witnesses or hit and run
drivers; & (2) Records registration numbers of any likely looking vehicles.
d) So far as practical while on the way.
e) (1) Low visibility view
obstructions; & (2) Traffic control devices.
f) (1) Drop helper to direct traffic if necessary; &
(2) Look for physical evidence. Have it guarded until it can be examined, collected
or located.
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a) :
1) Who was driving each vehicle?;
2) Note unpremeditated statement;
3) Look for signs of nervousness, confusion and intoxication.
b)
1) Question other witnesses especially bystanders in hurry to go;
2) It needed, get signed statement at once from why who may be hard to find
later.
c)
1) Get specimen for chemical test; and
2) Question about trip plan for possible fatigue.
d)
1) Check license and record data from it;
2) Verify and identify address;
3) Check registration and record data;
4) Verify ownership and correct address;
5) Get step by step account of what driver saw and did.
e)
1) Lights and light switches;
2) Gear position and tires;
3) Mark position of MVs if it must be removed;
4) Unusual thing inside the vehicles.
f)
g)
1) Photograph skid mark and location of vehicles and
2) Mark skid mark location for later measurement.
h)
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1) Relatives and friends who can confirm activities before the accident;
2) Technicians who developed pictures, made chemical tests, etc.; and
3) And expert who can help.
d) Have enlargement made of any photo needed in court.
e) Enlarge scale diagram made for court use.
f) Pre-trial conference with prosecution.
g) Insure that subpoenas are issued.
h) Testify in court.
i) Organize papers and file permanently.
j) Insure that the disposition of case is recorded in drivers’ record and other
reports.
I. WHERE: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
.................
(Near/Km Post Nr) (Near Intersection/landmark)
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(Hwy/St/Rd) (Dist/Bo) (Mun/City) (Prov)
IV. HOW:
1. Head-on 4. Sideswipe-same direction Width of road .......m/ft.......................................................................
2. Rear-end 5. Sideswipe-opposite direction Width of shoulder m/ft.......................................................................
3. Angle 6. Others (specify) Number of lanes: ..............................................................................
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Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2
TYPE: ........................................................................................... …............................................................................................
Make and Model........................................................................... .................................................................................................
Plt Nr. Decal Nr............................................................................. …… ……………………………................................................
Classification & Place of Issue.................................................... ………………….......................................................................
Driven by...................................................................................... …………………………. ............................................................
Address........................................................................................ ................................................... .........................................
Occupation.................................................................................. ................................................... .........................................
Driver’s Lic. Nr............................................................................. .................................................................................................
Nationality./.................................................................................. ………………………................................................................
Age.............................................................................................. …………..................................................................................
Sex & Status................................................................................ .………………………................................................................
Driving experience....................................................................... ……….......................................................................................
Vehicle owner ............................................................................. ………… .................................................................................
Address...................................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………..
Reg. Cert. Nr. & File Nr ............................................................. ………………………………………………………………………
Estimate Damage....................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………..
1 2
1. Absolutely normal 5. Had been drinking liquor
2. Physical defects (eyesight..........) 6. Was absolutely drunk
3. Sick or ill 7. Others (specify)..................................
4. Apparently sleepy
XI. VISION OBSCURED BY:
1 2
1. Tress, plants, crops, etc. 6. Moving vehicle
2. Building, house, fence, etc. 7. Its own cargo
3. Hillcrest, embankment 8. Rain
4. Signboards 9. Falling objects
5. Parked vehicle 10. Others (specify)..................................
2. Use solid line to show direction before impact. Show North by Arrow.
Dotted lines after impact. ……………….. 4. Draw out roadway in solid lines.
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Sample:
That on or around 1520H June 2020 a Red Hyundai Elantra with plate number TMG225 coming from the direction of Cauayan City
and driven by one “Juan Dela Cruz y Pedro” collided with a black Nissan Terra with plate number ABC 322 coming from the direction of Rizal
Avenue and driven by one “Juanito Miguel y, San Pedro causing damage to both motor vehicles and head injuries on Juanito Miguel.
The objectives of the investigation of a motor vehicle accident involving the flight of
one of the participants in two fold: and
D. Elements of Hit-and-Run.
1) Suspect driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
2) Suspect was involved in an accident resulting in death, personal injury or
damage to property.
3) Suspect failed to perform his responsibilities stated in Sec. 55 of R.A. 4136.
4) Suspect had knowledge of the accident. Note the following:
a) Physical evidence may prove the vehicle figured in the accident.
b) Extent of damage to vehicle. Extensive damage to vehicle would preclude
allegation of lack of knowledge and If suspect refrained from using his MV
for several days since the accident.
c) Guard against claims that the vehicle was stolen to evade responsibility.
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G. Follow-up Investigation.
1) Interview persons living along the route taken by the hit-and-run driver; also operators
of filling stations and garages.
2) Canvass parking lots and other filling stations and garages.
3) Return to the accident scene at the same time on subsequent days and on the same
day of the following weeks to obtain additional witnesses such as delivery men
operating on scheduled routes.
4) Follow-up phone calls to garages and dealers of auto parts.
5) Continue appealing for information through the press, radio and TV.
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Skidmarks. The sudden application of brakes which results in the locked wheel condition
places such a great pressure between the brake shoe and the brake drum that the frictional
force at this point becomes greater than the frictional force between the tire and the road
surface. When this condition exists, the wheels skid.
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5) Gap skid. A braking skid mark which is interrupted by release and reapplication of
brakes or which terminates by release of brakes before collision.
C. Other Marks and Impression Left by a Motor Vehicle either on the Road Surface or on the
Other Motor Vehicle.
1) Ruts. A sunken track worn by a wheel, as in road; hence, a groove forming a path for
anything.
2) Gouge. A groove made by a hard part of a motor vehicle to another car after
side-sweeping each other or it may be left on a road surface by a motor vehicle which
over turned then slid on the road surface.
3) Paint Strips. When a vehicle collided with other object, it sometimes transfers its paint
to the other object.
E. Skidmarks Do Not Show All of the Speed. They show only how far the car would have had
to slide to stop in the distance shown by skidmarks.
Evidence of additional speed. A car is somewhat going faster and often faster is
calculated from skidmarks because in addition to losing speed is sliding the distance shown
by the skidmarks, the car losses some of its speed on one or more of the following ways:
1) Sliding with one or more wheels before any skidmarks begin to appear.
2) Braking without skidding.
3) Dragging the car as it hits some object.
4) Damaging other cars or objects.
5) Sliding other cars or objects along the way.
6) Vaulting or bouncing up into the air.
F. Estimating the Approximate Speed of MV in Case Skid Mark is Absent. In many accident
of course, other evidence of terrific speed is the WRECKAGE (EXTENT OF DAMAGE), but there
are no skidmarks at all because brakes were not put on hard enough to lock the wheels. The
following guides the investigator:
1) In an accident in which brakes are put on just before contact of vehicles, the
skidmarks maybe only two or three feet long and therefore, show a speed of only five
or six miles per hour. Whereas, the wreckage tells us that the total speed may have
been ten times as great.
2) In accident in which most of the speed is lost in skidding, the speed calculated from
skidmarks may come close to showing how fast the car was actually going.
Accidents involving pedestrians are the most common ones of this kind.
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3) In any accident in which great damage was done will skidmarks show more than small
part of the speed, often a very minor part of it; but if the skidmarks have been rightly
identified and measured, it can be said that the car was going faster than the speed
calculated from the skidmarks, much faster if there was considerable damage.
I. Speed Estimates. Generally, you do not have to consider those minor factors in
establishing speeds from skidmarks. Because the minor factors are neglected, we can not
calculate speeds precisely. We only estimate them. Some of the minor factors would tend to
give a higher speed and others a lower speed, and they would partly balance or cancel out.
Sometimes all of the factors tend to give a high estimated speed. In this connection,
the skidmarks do not show all of the speed and therefore, the probable actual speed is still
greater than your estimate.
J. Facts Needed.
1) Length of Skidmark.
a) Be sure they are skidmarks - not just tire marks.
b) Did all wheels slide or just some of them? It makes little difference if tire is
sliding forward or sidewise.
c) Are there any gaps in the skidmarks? Be sure there are gaps caused by a
release of brake pedal pressure and not skids caused by bounced.
d) What is the length of each skidmarks around any curves; it may not make
straight from beginning to the end in the shortest line. You may want to
consider two separate lengths for each Skid mark. One of these is based on the
part of the Skid mark you can positively identify. It gives you speed which will
be minimum beyond reasonable doubt. The others is a possible Skid mark
which will give you a more likely speed. The first is all you can use in court, the
second is often much useful in figuring out just what did happen in the accident.
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e) Use the length that the wheel skids, not the tire skid. Dual tires which leave two
marks are considered as one wheel, and the skid mark length is counted if
either tire on the wheel leaves this mark.
f) There are two ways of figuring the length of a slide if all on the same kind of
pavement. These are:
1. Straight Line. A slide is considered straight if both rear-wheel skidmarks
do not go off to one side of the front wheel skidmarks.
a. Use the length of the longest Skid mark left by any wheel minus
gaps in it. This method is possible because all wheels slide
about the same distance.
b. If one wheel does not slide as far as the others, still it was about
to slide when the others began. The drag on the pavement by this
wheel is about the same just before it begins to slide as when it is
actually sliding. It may even be greater.
c. Therefore, we are usually safe in saying that all wheels are
dragging as much as if there were sliding wheel skid applies to
motorcycles, trucks, truck and trailer combinations, and buses as
well as ordinary motor vehicles.
2) Spin. A slide is considered a spin if both rear wheel skidmarks do get off to one side
of the front wheel skidmarks.
a. Take the length of each skidmarks minus gaps. Add the Skid mark length for
all wheels and divide the numbers of wheels.
b. This method is necessary in the case of the spins, because some of the wheels
slid much farther than others; that is, one end of the car may practically stand
still while the other sweeps around it.
c. Use this method only when there is about the same weight on front and rear
wheels; that is usually for ordinary cars, motorcycles, and light trucks with
trailers or heavily loaded trucks having duel tires on the rear wheels. Uneven
weight with a spin is a situation which requires special calculations.
d. These methods gives you a figure for the sliding distance of the vehicle. It is
not necessary to compute it more accurately than to the nearest foot. For this
length you may have two figures, one a positive distance and one a possible
distance.
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a. Principle of Computation. For example, the drag of the pavement on the sliding tires of an
automobile is 3,000 lbs.. The automobile weights 4,000 lbs.. The number representing the
slipperiness of the pavement, or its friction drag, is then 3,000 divided by 4,000 or 0.75.
1. This slipperiness number is called technically the “COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION.” You
can measure the drag factor of a pavement by making a test skid which tells how far a
car slides on that pavement while stopping from a known speed.
2. If we let "S" stand for the speed in miles per hour from which the test skid is made and
"D" the distance in feet that car slides in coming to stop, then the drag factor, which we
call "F", the formula will be:
F = S2
30(D)
3. The "30" is the formula because speed is given in miles per hour and the distance in
feet (transformation of feet per second to miles per hour) and it is constant.
4. Thus, to find slipperiness number, F, we multiply this speed by itself and then divided
by 30 times the stopping distance. You do not need to carry the division out more than
two places to the right of the decimal point.
b. Applying the Principle. On a test to measure pavement slipperiness, a car was stopped in
40 ft. from 30 miles per hour.
1. Substituting these numbers for the letters, we will have:
S2 302 900
F = ---- = ----- = ------ = 0.75
30D 30(40) 1,200
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2. It is very important that the test skids to measure pavement slipperiness be correctly
made. You are unlikely to do it right without special instruction or experience.
3. At least two skids are desirable. Compute the slipperiness separately for each.
Unless these are within 0.05 each other friction calculated from any of several test
skids made on the same paving. This is necessary if you want to be sure beyond
reasonable doubt of calculated speeds.
4. Test skids using the same car that was in the accident are the best.
3. Grade or slope (Gradient). It refers to the degree of inclination either uphill or downhill.
a) It is measured usually by less than 1.00. The measure of the grade is the number of
the feet that the road rises or falls for each feet of the horizontal distance.
b) To find it, divide the vertical rise or fall by the horizontal distance.
horizontal distance
f = ----------------------
vertical rise or fall
4. Reaction Time. This is the distance traveled before applying the brakes. It is computed
by:
a. Divide seconds in an hour (3,600) into feet in a mile (5,280) = 1,467.
b. To determine distance you will travel in one second, multiply 1.467 (1.47 or 1.50)
times the speed at which you are traveling.
c. Time to get foot off the accelerator and slam it on the brake is 3/4 of a second on the
average. The age of the driver should be considered.
d. X speed = length in feet covered before brake works for you.
5. Brake Tests.
a. In most states (US), a vehicle traveling at 20 mph must stop within the following
minimum distances:
1. Two-wheel brakes-foot pedal: vehicle should stop within 45 ft.
2. Four-wheel brakes-foot pedal: vehicle should stop within 30 ft.
3. Hand brakes: vehicle should stop within 75 ft.
b. Brake tests should not be conducted when the road surface is wet.
c. Use of Decelerometer. These are devices which hold their readings and indicate on a
clocklike face braking efficiency of the car being tested.
1. The officer submits as evidence in a case the measurements of the skidmarks and the
Court interprets the facts in the light of other evidence.
a. Some courts require the assistance of an expert.
b. Measurements should be accomplished by two men.
c. Sketches and photographs with measurements indicated should be made soon after
the accident.
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2. Some police departments have their officers skid a vehicle to a stop from the legal speed
limit, if this can be done safely, and compare the skidmarks with those in the accident.
3. Some would draw conclusions from tests based on physical calculation.
4. Measurement of Skidmarks.
a. Should meet legal standards. Officers measuring the skidmarks and the distances to
embankment or other fixed constructions should verify each other's measurements.
b. Evidence should be presented to show that the skidmarks were made by the suspect
car.
c. Witnesses should testify in court.
1. Energy and vehicle speed. An automobile moving at any speed possesses energy. As the
speed of the vehicle increases, the resulting energy developed is said to increase as the
square of the ratio of the increase in speed. Examples:
2. Stopping a Motor Vehicle. Whenever a moving vehicle is stopped, the energy which it
possesses at that time must be expended or spent. It is only when most or all of the vehicle's
energy is expended through skidding of tires that a fairly accurate calculation may be made
of the vehicle's speed before the accident.
3. Test Runs. It is often necessary to conduct one or more test runs, using the vehicle
involved in the accident or, if it cannot be driven, another vehicle of similar characteristics
may be used.
a. Conditions should be the same as those existing when the accident occurred (road,
weather).
b. Conduct tests on the same road surface and in the same direction.
c. The vehicle's speedometer should be checked.
d. A speed consistent with safety, such as 20 or 30 miles per hour, should be selected.
e. Brakes should be applied suddenly and as hard as possible.
f. The length of each skid mark should be measured.
g. If a brake detonator is available, the total braking distance should be accurately
determined using such equipment, either mechanically or electrically operated.
h. Generally, it is advisable to conduct two or three tests at the selected speed. The
longest braking distance, that which favors the defendant most, is generally used in
the calculation.
i. It may be advisable to have the driver of the accidents vehicle drive the car in the test
runs.
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S2
c. D = -------- = skidmarks
30F
S2
d. F = --------- = Drag Factor
30D
2. When accident vehicle cannot be driven. When the vehicle is damaged so badly that it
cannot be driven, part of the vehicle's energy is expended in damaging the car and the object
struck.
1) A calculation of speed from skidmarks left under these circumstances gives a speed
based only on the amount of energy expended in the skidding.
2) Consequently, the resulting speed value may be considerably less than the actual
pre-accident speed, since it is not possible to determine how much farther the vehicle
would have skidded had there been no collision.
N. Sample Problems. A driver of a Toyota Tamaraw FX while traversing down along Marcos
Highway suddenly steps on the brake when a young boy ran across the vehicle’s path. In the
process, the vehicle skidded before hitting the boy. When the skid mark was measured, it
yield 55 ft. long markings. Applying the formulas for speed calculations, find for the
approximate speed of the Toyota Tamaraw FX before it skidded if: 1) the skid mark of the
motor vehicle when tested at 30 mph is 35 ft. and 2) the vertical fall of the highway is 1.5 ft..
The solution will be:
1. Compute first for the Drag Factor. Use the figures used during the test skid:
S2 302 900
F = ----- = ------- = ----- = .86
30 (D) 30 (35ft) 1050
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S = 5.5. DF (+f)
4. Substitute the figures:
S = 5.5. (55ftx.86)+ .67
S = 5.5. 47.3 + .67
S = 5.5. 47.97
S = 5.5 (6.93)
S = 38.12 mph
Activity:
1. A Nissan Terra while traversing along a level surface of Cauayan City suddenly
stopped when a young girl ran across the vehicle’s path. In the process, the vehicle
skidded before hitting the girl. When the skid mark was measured, the result is 50
ft. Applying the formulas for speed calculations, find for the approximate speed of
the car before it skidded if: the skid ark when tested at 20 mph is 25 ft.
Online (synchronous)
//google meet, google classroom, schoology, moodle, Edmodo etc..
Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task.
Quiz
Recitation
9. References.
Delizo, Darlito Bernard G. (2020). Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Practical Driving. Third Edition. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City
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2. Introduction:
This chapter discusses Practical Driving concepts and tips. Driving is now included in
the most recent B.S. Criminology Curriculum as per Commission on Higher Education
Memorandum (CMO) Number 05, series of 2018. For this module, Practical Driving is used in
reference to concepts and tips that could be easily understood and applied by B.S.
Criminology students.
3. Learning Outcome:
4. Leaning Content:
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Car Defined. A car is a motor vehicle with a room for a small number of passengers.
(Car in Collins Online Dictionary, n.d.). It also refers to an automobile which is wheeled motor
vehicle used for transportation (Car in Wikipedia, n.d).
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Definition and Description of each part or accessory. Some part not labelled are also defined
and described particularly those parts and accessories that should be known by a driver. The
definitions are based mostly from Macmillan Online Dictionary (n.d), unless the reference is
specified. Some of the definition and descriptions are from the author’s concept. Other parts
are no longer defined or described because they can be self-explained.
a. Bull bar- a frame of strong metal bars around the front of a car or truck, used for
protecting it if there is an accident.
b. Bumper- a long thin bar of metal or plastic attached to the front or back of a
vehicle, designed to protect it I it hits anything.
c. Chassis- the frame and wheels of a vehicle which is located under the motor
vehicle.
d. Exhaust pipe- used to direct the flow of exhaust gas and smoke coming from the
engine.
e. Fender- it covers or protects the area around the wheel.
f. Gas cap or fuel tank cap- the cover that fits on the hole where the fuel is placed.
g. Grill- a metal screen in front serving as air vent to help cool down the engine.
h. Hood- it covers the engine that can be raised. The British word is bonnet.
i. Hubcap of center cap- a metal cover for the central part of a wheel on a car.
j. License plate- a plate containing letters and numbers attached on the back an d
front of a car, that shows its official number and the region (state) where it was
licensed.
k. Luggage rack (top load rack) - a metal frame fix on the roof of a car, used for
carrying large objects, bicycles etc. British word is roof rack
l. Mudguard (mudflap) – a piece of metal, plastic, or rubber over or behind a wheel of
a vehicle that stops dirt from the road from hitting the vehicle.
m. Muffler- a piece of equipment attached to the exhaust pipe to make the sound of
the engine quieter. The British word is silencer.
n. Panel- a piece of shaped metal that form part of the body of a vehicle.
o. Roof- the top outer part of a vehicle.
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p. Roof box- a large hard container that fits on the roof of a car.
q. Running board- a step outside the door of a vehicle, especially on an old car.
r. Side view mirror (side mirror)- a mirror on the side of a car to enable the drivers see
anything or activity on the side and/or rear of the vehicle.
s. Spoiler- part on the back of a race car that keeps it on the ground at high speeds.
Sometimes attached to ordinary cars as decoration.
t. Stabilizer- a part on the vehicle or machine that keeps it steady or in the correct
position.
u. Sunroof- part of the roof of a car that can be opened
v. Tailgate (tailboard) – a door at the back of a van or truck that opens downward.
w. Tail light- light of different colors attached at the back to guide other motorist and
road users on the actions or intentions of a driver.
x. Tail pipe- the pipe at back of a motor vehicle that takes waste gases out of the
engine.
y. Tow bar- a metal bar on the back of a vehicle used for towing another vehicle.
z. Trunk- the covered space at the back of a car, used for carrying things in.
aa. Wheelbase- the distance between the front and back wheels of a vehicle
bb. Windshield 9wind screen)- the large glass window at the front of a vehicle the
British word is windscreen.
cc. Windshield wiper- a long thin piece of equipment that moves across a vehicle’s
windshield in order to wipe the rain (or water) of it.
Internal Parts and Accessories. For clarity, some of the external parts and accessories of a
car or motor vehicle are defined below.
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5. Clock
6. Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
7. Rear window defogger switch
8. Auxiliary boxes
9. Power outlet or cigarette lighter
10. Air conditioning controls
11. Ignition switch
12. Cruise control switch
13. Tilt steering lock release lever
14. Interior/instrument panel light control dial
15. Power rear view mirror control switches
16. Toyota vehicle intrusion protection
system indicator light
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Major Operating System of a Motor Vehicle. Better operation or driving a motor vehicle is
attained when the operator or driver understands the major operation systems of a motor
vehicle. Failure to properly maintain the different operating system of the vehicle usually
shortens the life-expectancy of the motor vehicle particularly the engine.
1. Lubrication system. It consists of the oil pump and other hoses used to distribute
engine oil to different internal parts of the engine to reduce friction. Once this system
malfunctioned, it may cause mechanical deterioration of the moving parts such as the piston
rings and engine valves. It also causes overheating of the engine.
2. Cooling system. It consists of the radiator, water pump, cooling fan hoses and
passages (ducts) in the engine block and heads. The water absorbs the heat while passing
through the ducts. Failure of this system also causes overheating of the engine.
3. Electrical system. It consists of the car battery, alternator, voltage regulator, starter,
and the distributor (in cases of gasoline-fed motor vehicles.) failure of the electrical system
affects the life-expectancy of the car’s battery, and in cases of gasoline-fed motor vehicle, it
affects complete combustion of the gasoline by spark plugs. Worst, it may cause accidental
burning of a motor vehicle due to short circuiting.
4. Brake system. It is designed to slow down or to stop a motor vehicle. It consists of
the hydrovac, brake fluid cup and brake fluid line. In front wheels, brake discs and braked
pads are usually used. In rear wheels, brake drums and brakes shoes are used.
5. Intake system. It allows the engine to inhale the oxygen which is vital in the
complete combustion of the fuel. The intake system is composed of the intake manifold, air
filter, throttle, and air passageway. Some used turbocharge to reflow the exhausted air, other
used supercharge or a pumped to increase the amount of air passing through the intake
system. For gasoline-fed engines, the carburetor could be a vital element in the intake system
because the carburettor mixes the gasoline with the incoming air. Failure of the intake
system causes incomplete burning of combustion resulting to weaker engine power and
black or grayish smoke coming out from the exhaust tail pipe.
6. Exhaust system. It aides in the free flowing of exhausted air out of the engine. It
starts from the exhaust manifold and ending of the exhaust tail pipe. The muffler is also a
vital element of the exhaust system because it reduces noise. Defects in the exhaust system
may contribute to the overheating of vehicle due to the smothering of exhaust heated and air
smoke.
A motor vehicle driver needs to be conscientious on the various operating system or
mechanism of a motor vehicle enable him preserve the life-expectancy of the engine and the
motor vehicle. Thorough knowledge on the various operating systems will also help the driver
to detect possible malfunctioning of the vehicle while on operation therefore pre-empting any
accident. It is also recommended that drivers should not only be skilled in operating the
vehicle but also to troubleshoot basic vehicle malfunctioning.
Driving Defined. Driving is the act of controlling and directing the speed and travelling
of a motor vehicle. It could be also understood as the directing and controlling a motor
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vehicle towards the desired way or action. In RA 4136, the person, driver is defined as a
person operating a motor vehicle.
a. Open the hood or in some other cars, the battery is located somewhere
inside the motor vehicle.
b. Check the battery liquid (juice) if using a battery that needs to be frequently
maintained. This is not applicable to maintenance-free batteries which are
common today.
c. Check also if the battery clamp or holder is tight to avoid movement of the
battery out of its place.
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d. Checks also the battery clamp terminals (connectors) if they are tight.
Loose battery connections often times cause discharging of the battery
power and worse, it may cause sparking. See also the terminals I corroded
or if covered with hardened acids.
e. Upon switching the engine, check also the battery indicator in the panel
display which shows a possible malfunctioning of the voltage regulator
and/or the electric alternator. Malfunctioning of the voltage regulator and/or
the electric alternator causes discharging of the battery.
2. Lights. This include the headlight, the signal lights, fog lights, the tail lights, and
the plate number lights. The headlight is very significant when driving in the
dark to enable the driver see the road and for him to be seen by others. Like the
other lights, the headlights are also used to communicate with other motorists
and road users.
a. Check if there are broken glass or plastic covers 9housing) of the
lights, crack on covers may cause sipping of rain waters. Once the
housing of the light is filled with water, it causes busting of light and
it may also cause short-circuiting.
b. Look for possible busted or malfunctioning lights by switching on all
light switches and walk around the motor vehicle.
c. It is practical also to keep in the car, reserve light bulbs and electrical
fuses (capacitors).
3. Oil. The lubrication ensures the optimizing the engine power by reducing
friction of the moving parts inside the engine. Regular oil charging is a must to
lengthen the life of the engine. For routine practice---
a. Check always the oil gauge in the engine by pulling out the oil engine
stick. Wipe with cloth or tissue paper then reinsert the oil gauge stick.
Pull out again and read the oil level if still within the limit. This
practice is necessary when using older cars.
b. If the oil gauge is below the minimum limit, add engine oil which
should be the same quality as with the oil that is already filled during
the last changing of oil.
c. Inside the motor vehicle, switch on the engine, and check for the oil
warning light in the display panel.
d. If necessary, keep reserve engine oil inside the car.
4. Water. The cooling system is also vital to the life of the engine. The radiator is
usually located in front of the engine especially rear-drive motor vehicles.
a. Open the radiator cap and check whether the water level is up to the
brim.
b. If up to the brim, then the cooling system is functioning well. Add
water if necessary. Newer cars have a separate coolant container.
c. If there is a separate coolant container, check also the level of the
coolant, and add coolant if necessary.
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5. Brakes. The braking system is another vital system of a car. Proper functioning
of this system is necessary. The brake fluid container is located inside the hood
near the engine. Other cars have their brake fluid container inside the motor
vehicle.
a. Check the brake fluid level if it within the minimum limit. Add brake
fluid if necessary.
b. Upon start of the engine, push the brake pedal. Pump the pedal at
least twice.
c. Push the brake pedal up to the limit. If it suddenly loosens, there is
something wrong in the brake system.
6. Air. The air pressure is in the tire is not as vital as the other operational systems
of the motor vehicle. However, insufficient or excessive air pressure of the tires
may endanger the lives of the driver and its passengers.
a. Walk around and check all the tires. See if there are any flat tires or
seemingly lack of air.
b. If the driver has a portable or handy air pressure gauge, check the
gauge by thru the air valve heads of the tires. Tire pressures vary
depending on the types and motor vehicle weight. Usually the
required tire pressures are provided by the motor vehicle
manufacturers and such required tire pressures are marked on the
interior of driver side door. For the maximum tire load, it is marked on
the tire itself.
c. Aside from the air pressure, check also for possible damages on the
tires and any other object under the car which may cut or puncture
the tires.
7. Gas. Motor vehicle breakdown due to lack of fuel will not only cause delay. It
may also cause engine damages once the motor suddenly stops while on high
speed movement. Upon starting the engine, check the fuel gauge display in the
panel display. Other cars have digital travel distance left corresponding to the
present amount of fuel in the tank.
B. Before Starting the Engine. A driver must always ensure his safety and convenience in
driving before starting the car’s engine. He should---
1) Fastens his/her seatbelt for safety purposes.
2) Adjust his/her seat enable him/her reach the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals, and
to fit with his/her driving convenience.
3) Adjust the rear and side mirrors to have complete view of the rear and sides of the
motor vehicle.
4) Adjust or tilt the steering wheel if necessary.
5) Look around if possible hazards like motor vehicles or persons who suddenly park or
stand at the rear.
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C. Starting the Engine. Safety is always the concern of a driver, hence, when starting the
engine, a driver must---
1) step on the brake pedal with the right foot to ensure that the motor vehicle will not
move forward or backward.
2) ensure that the hand brake or parking brake is pulled up.
3) fully press the clutch pedal with the left foot and hold on the shifting lever to check if
the gear is in NEUTRAL position. In case of automatic transmission (AT) motor
vehicles, place the shift to gear to either PART or NEUTRAL position.
4) slightly step on the accelerator pedal in starting the engine. Twist for a moment the
key to start the engine. Some vehicles are equipped with push button starting switch.
Once the engine started, immediately get off your hands from the key. In cases of
diesel engines, twist the key to switch on the “heater” before switching on the engine.
5) allow the engine thru the oil pump, to distribute lubrication inside the engine before
slightly revving.
D. Moving the Motor Vehicle. The driver must smoothly move the vehicle and sudden
jumping of the motor vehicle must be avoided. Hence the driver should---
1) not rev on the start of the engine. In case of diesel engines, allow the engine to heat up
before start moving the car.
2) fully press the clutch pedal to disengage before shifting the gear in NUMBER 1
position or first gear.
3) slowly rev the accelerator pedal while slowly releasing the clutch pedal until driver will
feel vibrations in the engine indicating that the clutch disc and pressure plate slowly
engage. Abrupt releasing of the clutch pedal will cause jumping movement of the
motor vehicle. Steps 1 to 3 should be repeatedly done by a student driver until he/she
masters the smooth starting movement of the vehicle.
4) not fully rev up the vehicle after the first gear unless the engine is already heater (for
diesel) and/or the engine is already running for few minutes ensuring the complete
distribution of engine oil.
5) scan the front and rear areas of the motor vehicle if there are any other road users
around who could be affected by his/her movement.
6) switch on the turning light when moving in a roadway and/or blow the horn to signal
other motorists of his of her intention to move in.
E. The Steering Wheel. The steering is considered as one of the most significant parts of a
motor vehicles because it is the main part used in directing and controlling the path of the
motor vehicle.
Proper hand positioning is necessary. The olden times, the 10 o’clock (left hand) and 2
o’clock (right hand) positions were advisable. Today, such hand positioning is still applicable
but no longer mandatory particularly on motor vehicles having smaller steering wheels and
with air bags in the center of the steering wheels. Correct hand positioning and steering
wheel control should be done by the following tips of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in the United States (Using Efficient Steering Techniques, n.d.).
1) Both hands should be outside (left and right sides) of the steering wheel.
2) Gripping should be firm but gentle.
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Further, NHTSA recommends three (3) types of steering method to enable a driver safely
and conveniently turn a motor vehicle (Using Efficient Steering Techniques, n.d.).
1. Hand to hand Steering: (commonly called push/pull steering)
a. Hand position: left hand between 7 and 8 o’clock, and right hand between 4 and
5 o’clock.
b. Turning right: the left hand pushes the wheel up and the right hand slides up,
grasps the wheel and pulls down to turn. While the right hand moves down, the
left hand slides back towards its original position to make adjustments as
needed.
c. Turning left: the right hand pushes the wheel up and the left hand slides up,
grasps the wheel and pulls down to turn. While the left hand moves down, the
right hand slides back towards its original position to make adjustments as
needed.
d. In pushing up and down the steering wheel, proper hand positions: between 11
& 8 o’clock with the left hand and between 1 and 8 o’clock with the right hand.
2. Hand-over-hand Steering: Applicable when the turning at low speeds with limited
visibility at an intersection or when parking the vehicle or recovering from a skid.
a. Hand positions: left hand between 8 and 9 o’clock and right hand between 3
and 4 o’clock.
b. Used the right top third of the steering wheel to move the wheel to the right and
use the left top third of the wheel to move the wheel to the left.
c. Turning right: left hand pushes up, while the right hands lets go, reaches across
the other arm, grasps the wheel and pulls the wheel up, over and down as
appropriate. As the wheel is being pulled up, the left hand releases the wheels
and returns to its original position.
d. Turing left: right hand pushes up, while the left hand lets go, reaches across the
other arm, grasps the wheel and pulls the wheel up, over and down as
appropriate. As the wheel is being pulled up, the right hand releases the wheel
and returns to its original position.
3. One Hand Steering: this is used when backing or while operating or manipulating or
adjusting vehicle controls like wipers, flashers, lights, etc. that require a reach from the
steering wheel. This method of steering is critical to vehicle balance, steering reversals,
and potential injury.
a. Hand position when reaching for an operating control: between 8 and 9 o’clock
or 3 and 4 o’clock depending on steering will design.
b. Hand position when backing: 12 o’clock is recommended to the left or right and
the driver has to turn his head in order to see the path of travel to the rear.
c. When turning right while backing, the steering wheel is also turned to the right.
d. When turning left while backing, the steering wheel is also turned to the left.
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F. The Pedals. Controlling the pressure of applied on the pedal controls is dependent on how
tight or loose the pedals. In new vehicles, pressure applied is usually light and foot movement
is slow. On the other hand, some old vehicles have very tight pedals, hence foot pressure is
greater or stronger.
1. Accelerator pedal. In slow speed movement, the pedal is usually slightly pressed at
approximately 1000 rpm to 1200 rpm. When travelling at higher speed, the revving is
greater but should not be more than 2500 rpm (ideal).
2. The Clutch Pedal. As earlier stated, when the clutch pedal is fully pushed down, it
disengages the clutch disc and the pressure plate, thus enable smooth changing of
gears.
a. generally, pushing down the clutch pedal should be quick and completely pushed
downward.
b. the speed releasing the clutch pedal is slow when shifting gear from first to second
gear to third gear, the release of the clutch is a little bit faster than when shifting from
first gear to second gear.
c. the releasing is also slowly when adjusting the speed from fast to slow such as from
fourth to third gear to avoid sudden engagement of the clutch disc and the pressure
plate. Such abrupt engagement of the clutch disc and the pressure plate causes
struggling of the engine and transmission because the spinning speed of the engine
does not match the spinning movement of the transmission. Eventually, when this
always happens, it will contribute to the early wearing out of the engine, and the gears
in the transmission.
d. Shifting from 3rd to 4th or 4th to 5th, the releasing of the clutch pedal should be very
quick when traversing on flat and downhill roads.
e. Releasing the clutch pedal should also be slow when shifting from a high gear to a
lower gear such as from 5th to 4th, 4th to 3rd, and 3rd to 2nd. In shifting back to low gear,
the driver should slightly press the brake pedal to slow down the spinning (or
revolution per minute (rpm)) of the engine to avoid struggling of the engine. The
struggling is caused by the discrepancy of the rpm of the engine and the gears in the
transmission.
f. The clutch pedal is always completely pressed whenever the motor vehicle comes into
complete stop to avoid sudden shutting off of the engine.
3. The Brake Pedal. Similar with the other control pedals, the pressure of pushing down the
brake pedal is dependent on the tightness of the pedal.
a. Reducing speed: the movement of pushing the brake pedal should be slowly and not
full-pressing depending of the desired speed of the motor vehicle.
b. Complete stopping: It should be fully-pushed downward but the movement of pushing
the brake pedal should be slowly unless there is an immediate risk of collision.
c. In some older motor vehicles, particularly those still equipped with manual braking
system, pushing the brake pedal is sometimes done twice or more until the brake
functions.
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d. In reducing the speed by stepping on the brake pedal, once the engine and
transmission struggle (it can be detected by vibration from the engine), fully pushed
the clutch pedal to avoid sudden shutting off of the engine.
G. Shifting Gears. Shifting of gears entails coordinated and simulated actions and
movements of the hand controlling the shifting lever, the left foot in pressing the clutch pedal,
and the right foot in releasing and pushing back the accelerator pedal. In addition, the
remaining hand should firmly grip the steering wheel.
H. Lights and Signals. While driving, controlling the switches of lights and signals cannot be
avoided. Like is shifting gears, there are body movements that are simultaneously and
coordinately done. Usually, one hand is left gripping the steering wheel, while the other hand
is controlling or adjusting lights and/or signal switches ( refer to One-hand Steering Method).
I. Other Accessories. In driving, controlling the switches of other accessories such as the car
air-condition, the audio or visual gadgets and other interior accessories cannot be avoided.
This also involves body movements that are simultaneously and coordinately done. Usually,
one hand is left gripping the steering wheel, while the other hand is controlling or adjusting
switches of accessories and/or gadgets (refer also to One-hand Steering Method).
J. Backing or Reverse Movement. Backing the motor is more difficult than moving forward.
Moving forward involves coordinated and simulated movement of the head, eyes, feet and
hands. Safe and convenient backing may be done through the following.
1. Apply the one-hand steering method when the driver needs to turn his/her head to
have better view of the rear.
2. Apply the two-hand steering method when backing is done with the aid of the sideview
and rearview mirrors.
3. While backing, control of the clutch and accelerator pedals are similar to when starting
to move the motor vehicle from NEUTRAL GEAR to FIRST GEAR. In this case, the
clutch pedal is usually half-pressed as well as the accelerator pedal.
K. Driving on Uphill Roads. Driving uphill is similar to driving in flat roadways. The difficulty
arises when the driver stops while going up on ascending portions of highways. Stopping is
more frequent in traffic congested areas. Failure of the driver to control the clutch and
accelerator and the brake pedal may cause accidental backing of the motor vehicle which
may cause collision to any motor vehicle, pedestrian or object at the rear. Following are some
of the tips for safer and more convenient uphill driving.
1. Similar to when starting to move a motor vehicle. The difference is that when driving
uphill, greater revving is necessary to enable the engine gain power.
2. Quickly release the clutch pedal up to the point that the clutch disc engages with the
pressure plate while on the 1st gear and while stepping on the brake (for some, the
hand brake is used to avoid backward movement of the motor vehicle). Continue
pressing the clutch pedal while slowly revving the accelerator. Once the motor starts
to move forward, slowly release the clutch and slowly increase the pressure on the
accelerator.
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3. In shifting to higher gear such as from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, and/or 4th to 5th,
Increase the revving and shift gear once the engine has already gained enough power
for the next higher gear.
4. If the engine struggles after shifting to a higher gear, rev up. But if the engine still
struggles which is the driver feels vibration of the engine, shift back to the lower gear.
Rev up again and shift to a higher gear once the engine gains power.
5. While on high speed and the engine starts to lost power, shift to lower gear.
6. The releasing of the clutch pedal in shifting to higher gear should be a little quicker
than when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Immediate releasing of the clutch pedal is
done when shifting to higher gears such as from 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, and /or 4th to 5th.
L. Driving on Downhill Roads. In driving downhills, the gear is usually in higher speed which is
3rd gear and above. The choice of the gear is however dependent on the degree of
descending and the load of the motor vehicle.
1. Check the brakes before an approach to descending areas and slow down in
preparation to shifting to low gear.
2. For a safer driving particularly when the descending is very steep, use engine break.
That is -use low gear, either 1st or 2nd gear and do not push the accelerator pedal.
Engine break is also done when the vehicle is fully loaded even if the descending in not
too steep.
3. If the road is safe and no other hazards in the highway shift to higher gear.
4. From time to time, apply pressure on the brake pedal to control the speed of the motor
vehicle.
5. There are instances that revving up is not necessary. The engine automatically revs up
depending on the speed of forward movement of the motor vehicle.
M. Driving on Bumpy and Dilapidated Roads. Use low gears when there are so many road
bumps and holes on the roadway. As deeper holes or higher bumps are encountered, if
necessary, come to a full stop and start again from 1st gear. In releasing the pedal and
revving up, apply the same method as in when starting to move a motor vehicle.
1. Speed bumps are usually installed in school zones, churches, private roads, and
heavily populated areas. Speed bumps are designed to slow down motor vehicles the
lowest possible speed for the safety of pedestrians and other road users. On approach,
the driver should slow down and come to a full stop before the front wheels touch the
bumps. Control the speed before the motor vehicle similar to when starting to move a
car from 1st gear. Full stop again once the driver feels that the rear wheels touch the
bumps. Start again from 1st gear and apply the same methods In starting a car from
1st gear.
2. Speed humps are lower than bumps and are less steep. Speed humps are designed to
slow down motor vehicles. On approach, press the brake to reduce speed then change
to lower gear like from 3rd to 2nd. It is not necessary to come to full stop. It is enough
to reduce the speed in such a way that it will not cause jumping of the wheels. Speed
humps are most common in public roadways.
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N. Stopping the Motor Vehicle and Switching Off the Engine. Improper stopping and
switching off the engine may also cause wearing of the car engine and other moving parts
inside the transmission. The following are the correct stopping and shutting off the engine.
1. In stopping the motor vehicle to park or come to rest, push the brake pedal.
2. Before it will totally stop, completely push also the clutch pedal to avoid erroneous
shutting off the engine.
3. Finally switch off the engine by twisting back the key.
4. In flat terrains or roads, while still pressing the clutch and brake pedals, position the
shifting lever to any gear. Release the clutch pedal before releasing the brake pedal
and pulling up the hand brake.
5. In downhill roads, while still pressing the clutch and brake pedals, position the shifting
lever to reverse gear. Turn the front wheels toward the curb. Release the clutch pedal
before releasing the brake pedal and pulling up the hand brake.
6. In uphill roads, while still pressing the clutch and brake pedals, position the shifting
lever to any forward gear. Turn the front wheels away from the curb. Without curb, turn
the wheels towards the edge of the road. Release the clutch pedal before releasing the
brake pedal and pulling up the hand brake.
7. For automatic transmissions, shift the gear to “PARK” position.
O. Common Errors in Driving in Relation to the Operation of the Motor Vehicle. There are
individuals who unknowingly commit errors in while operating a motor vehicle. It could be a
product of wrong training in driving or it could be a result of trial and error while driving. The
following are some of the common errors in driving.
1. Keeping the foot on the clutch pedal – This will cause immediate wearing out of the
clutch disc.
2. Skipping the first gear – Instead of starting from 1st gear, some drivers start from 2nd
or 3rd gear. This could be done when driving downhill and the motor vehicle is slightly
moving but not when in flat terrain, on uphill, or when the motor vehicle is in complete
stopped position. This error causes struggling of the engine which may eventually
affect the lifespan of the engine.
3. Skipping gears – The normal and proper shifting of gear is gradually done such as 1st
to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th. However, there are some who change gear by
skipping gears such as 1st to 3rd or 2nd to 4th or 3rd to 5th. This error also causes
struggling of the engine.
4. Overusing of the engine break – This error causes wearing out of the engine. It is
better to use a higher gear and from time to time pressing the brake pedal to control
the speed of the motor vehicle and wearing the brake pads and brakes shoes rather
than wearing the engine.
5. Riding on the Brake Pedal – This may be safer going downhill but it may easily burn
the brake pads and brake shoes. Excessive heating may cause sudden burning of the
rubber tires.
6. Untimely Shifting to Reverse Gear – Drivers who need to make a U-turn in narrow areas
such as maneuvering their cars. Hence, many times, they are forced to shift to reverse
gear while the motor vehicle is still moving forward. This error may cause wearing out
of gears, and even the differential.
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7. Resting on the Shifting Lever of Stick – This will cause pressure on the shift collar
which may cause early wearing of the shifting gears.
8. Under-inflation of Tires – Lack of air in the tire causes the entire exterior surface of the
tire engages the road surface creating higher friction. Increase friction increases the
wearing out of the tires. Lack of air also causes flexing or the outer side of the tires
while the center surface flattens against the road. The flexing of the outer side will
eventually result to tire failure (cracking of the rubber) and such tire failure may cause
tire blowout.
9. Overusing of Low Gears on Uphill – There are drivers who fear that their vehicles may
not be able to climb so they tend to keep moving in low gear. Prolonged low gear
driving does not only consume more fuel but it also places excessed torque in the
engine while in low speed. Thus, causing overheating of the engine. Frequent
overheating may eventually damage the engine.
10. Misusing the Car Air-conditioning System. Unlike large motor vehicles, smaller
vehicles have no separate motor or engine for their air conditioning system. The air
conditioning motor relies on the engine with a pump belt. Hence, when the air
conditioning is switched on, it gives more burden on the engine so greater revving is
necessary. Except for the greater fuel consumption, there is not much a problem occur
when driving uphill in low gear while the air conditioning system is switched on. It
gives more torque on the engine resulting to engine overheating.
11. Excessive Use of the Clutch and Accelerator In Controlling the Speed on Uphill – One
safe way to drive uphill during bumper to bumper traffic condition is to control the
movement of the vehicle through balancing the pressure on the clutch and accelerator
pedal.
a. To stop the motor vehicle, slightly push the clutch pedal until the clutch disc
and pressure plate engage.
b. While the left foot is on half-clutch position, the accelerator pedal should be
pressed until the motor vehicle does not move. Keeping these feet positions
will keep the motor vehicle from moving.
c. To start slow movement, slightly release the clutch pedal while slowly adding
pressure on the accelerator.
d. Repeat the same actions once the motor vehicle in front stops and again slowly
moves.
e. However, prolonged controlling the stopping and slow movement of the motor
vehicle through this clutch-accelerator technique burns the clutch disc. If the
burning is severe, the clutch disc will eventually slide.
Defensive driving is the “driving to save lives and money, in spite of the conditions
around you and the actions of others”. It is also understood as the “driving manner that
utilizes safe driving strategies to enables motorists to address identified hazards in a
predictable manner. These strategies go well beyond instruction on basic laws and
procedures” (What is Defensing Driving, n.d.).
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A. Defensive Driving Tips. The emphasis of any defensive driving approaches and strategies
is on driving safely. For this author, safe driving can be attained by conscientiously observing
the following tips. For easier recalling, the acronym DEFENSIVE is used.
3. F – Fasten seatbelts. Many lives are lost because of the failure to fasten seatbelts.
The driver must at all times fasten his/her seatbelts regardless of the distance to be
travelled. He/she must also his/her passengers to fasten their seatbelts if there are
any.
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4. E – Expect that other motorists and road users will commit mistakes. The core of any
defensive driving principle is the anticipation of any negligence or imprudence by other
drivers and other road users. It is normal. Some may unintentionally or unconsciously
or may be intentionally commit error while driving. Regardless of the reason of such
error, a driver must always anticipate those misbehaviors of others so he/she could
immediately react. Misbehaviors of drivers and other roads users include but not
limited to the following enumeration.
a. Beating the yellow or red light
b. Anticipating the green light
c. Overtaking in a no overtaking zone
d. Miscalculating a road curve or bend
e. Going beyond the speed limit
f. Improper overtaking or passing
g. Sudden backward movement on uphill road particularly in a congested area
h. Failure to yield the right of way
i. Improper use of headlight and other signal lights
j. Improper parking
k. Jaywalkers
l. Abrupt running to cross a street
m. Disembarking in no loading areas
5. N – Never beat the yellow and/or red light. Commonly, people say “do not beat the red
light”. However, beating both the yellow and red light is correct. It is beating the red
light because a driver or a pedestrian accelerates before the yellow light turns to red.
On the other hand, may road users accelerate their speed once the yellow light is on
before it turns to red. Hence, beating the yellow light is also correct.
6. S – Start the day with a prayer. This could not be the first statement among this list of
defensive driving techniques but it is actually the first to be done by any traveler,
whether on wheels or on foot. Divine guidance is still the best antidote for every
misdeed in the highway.
7. I – Increase speed if another motor vehicle is in the risked of hitting the rear of your
car. There are times that some drivers anticipate the green light, that is – start moving
even the light is still red. There are also drivers who accelerates in the intersection
after a vehicle passed across his/her path placing a risk of angular front to rear
collision. To avoid accident and as a defensive driver, he/she must increase his/her
speed so that his/her vehicle’s rear will not be hit by the speeding vehicle coming from
an angular direction.
8. V – Veer direction away from vehicles encroaching your lane. As earlier mentioned,
some drivers may intentionally or unintentionally overtake in a very risky manner. As a
defense, a driver should veer away or change direction away from the overtaking
motor vehicle. Reducing speed is also recommendable so as to give chance for the
overtaking driver to get back to his/her lane.
9. E – Establish the 2-second rule (3-second rule for others). Tailgating is a risky driving
behavior unless a driver is preparing to overtake a motor vehicle. Normally, it takes a
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driver at least 1.5 seconds to react and final come to a complete stop from the
moment he/she perceive that the motor vehicle in front suddenly stops.
To check whether the distance is at least 2 seconds away, a driver will use any fix
object as a reference point. Once the vehicle in front reaches the point adjacent to the
fix object, the driver behind will start counting 1001, 1002, 1003 and so on until the
latter also reaches the point adjacent to the reference fix object. If the counting is 2
seconds and more, then the distance between the two vehicles is safe.
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Most of us have been driving cars since we were in our teens. For many, it’s almost
impossible to imagine living without a car. In a way, they epitomize a part of our lives. But like
many things, cars can fail us every once in a while.
1. Changing oil.
You need to regularly check and change your car’s oil to ensure smooth running of the
vehicle and to prolong the lifespan of its engine. Changing your car’s oil is one of the most
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fundamental DIY skills you should have for car maintenance or repair. Of course, it’s a
different story if the oil filter and oil drain plug of your car are very hard to reach.
Basic steps involve draining the oil by removing the oil drain plug, unscrewing the oil
filter and emptying it, putting the oil filter and drain plug back, removing the oil filler hole cap,
and pouring fresh oil.
2. Changing a flat tire.
There’s a reason “wheels” is slang for car. It’s because the tires are one of the most important
parts of your vehicle. And they can go flat on you every once in a while. But changing a flat
tire doesn’t have to be a big deal and could actually be a lifesaving skill to learn.
Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts (with a wrench), using a jack stand to lift the
car off the ground, removing the lug nuts (and subsequently the tire), placing the spare tire on,
wrenching the lug nuts back on, lowering the car, and finally making sure the lug nuts are
tight. Simple.
3. Changing spark plugs.
Most of us know what spark plugs are and what they do. They are the tiny devices
inside the cylinder that create sparks to ignite the gasoline, ultimately powering your vehicle.
But they do wear out every 10,000 miles or so.
The steps include: locating your spark plugs, removing the spark plug wire, removing
the faulty spark plug, inserting the new spark plug in its place, and putting the wire back. You’
re done! Make sure to watch a tutorial before you do it yourself.
4. Removing scratches from paint.
Scratches are the absolute worst. Even the tiniest scratches are visible from a
distance and can kill the overall appearance of your metal monster. Unfortunately, it may cost
you thousands to get them removed in a body shop. But you can save the money and the
frustration with a simple DIY job.
The steps include: determining the depth of the scratch, lightly sanding the scratch,
cleaning the area, applying rubbing compound, polishing the area with the rubbing compound,
washing the area, and finally waxing the area to seal the repair. You’ve just saved yourself a
lot of money.
5. Changing a car battery.
Car batteries tend to die on us at the most inconvenient times. If you’re in the middle
of nowhere, your best bet would be to find roadside assistance and/or call a tow truck. But if
you’re home and your battery shows signs that it might need replacement, the DIY
replacement method is quite easy.
The steps include: removing any covers from the battery, disconnecting the negative
cables, moving the clamp away from the battery post, doing the same for the positive cable
clamp, removing all screws, replacing the old battery with the new one, and finally
reconnecting the cable clamps. Make sure you label the cables before you remove them.
6. Replacing a headlight or taillight.
Having a broken headlight or taillight is not only inconvenient, but is actually illegal.
Consequently, you need to change them as soon as they begin to fade. But why waste money
on a mechanic when the DIY replacement is so easy?
The process involves: removing the screws connecting the headlight frame to the
bracket, disconnecting the electrical connector, removing the faulty bulb and replacing it with
a new one, plugging the connector back on, and finally replacing the frame.
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Sometimes only your frame might be broken, which can be just as hazardous. You can
change it following the same procedure.
7. Replacing wipers.
Windshield wipers are one of the least-appreciated parts of your car’s safety system.
Imagine what would happen if they failed on you during a heavy rain or snowfall, perhaps
resulting in damage to your brand new vehicle. Faulty wiper blades need to replaced, and you
need to be sure that your windshield wipers are always in perfect shape. This DIY is an easy
fix.
The steps involve: lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield, depressing the small
tab that allows the wiper blade to be pulled off, lining up the new wiper blade with the arm,
and pushing it in tightly. Done! Make sure to follow tutorials while doing it.
8. Replacing air filters.
Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of your car. They keep your engine free
of dust and other contaminants. They are inexpensive and quite easy to replace, so keeping
your car’s engine clean is another easy DIY.
The steps include: opening the hood, locating the air filter unit, removing the air filter
cover, taking the air filter out and cleaning the air filter housing, inserting a new filter, and
finally replacing the cover. You’re done! Make sure you change your filter once every
30,000 miles, or approximately once every year.
9. Changing brake pads.
The brakes are one of the most important elements of your vehicle for ensuring your
safety while driving. Many car accidents result from brake failures, so your car’s brakes
always need to be in perfect condition. Thankfully, changing the brake pads can be as easy
as changing a flat tire.
Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts of the wheels, jacking the car up, removing
the wheels, removing the slider bolts, removing the older brake pads and replacing them with
new ones, and putting the slider bolts and the wheels back on securely. You should be
particularly careful if you’re using replica wheels. This is another simple DIY that can save you
some money!
10. Jumpstarting a car.
This is not so much a repair as it is a fundamental skill. Everyone should know how to
jumpstart their own car. You wouldn’t want to have to call roadside assistance every time
your car won’t start, and it’s really the easiest thing ever.
Just take your jumper cables out, put both vehicles in neutral and shut the ignition off.
Now, attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery and the other to the
positive terminal of the battery in the other car (the one that start). Attach one of the
black clips to the negative terminal of the battery in the other car. Attach the other end to an
unpainted metal surface. Now try to start your vehicle.
Activity #1. Identify at least 10 common errors in driving in relation to the operation of the
Motor vehicle and give possible solutions to address the identified common errors in driving.
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Activity #2. If you are a driver and preparing for a long trip going to Baguio City. What
principle will you consider?
https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/toyota/2004-corolla.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtbf4prm78
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ralw-IZAaf0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB0o4Cmf_u0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPKtCH3Epq4
Online (synchronous)
//google meet, google classroom, schoology, moodle, Edmodo etc..
Remote (asynchronous)
//module, case study, exercises, etc..
8. Assessment Task.
Quiz
Recitation
Final exam.
9. References.
Delizo, Darlito Bernard G. (2020). Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Practical Driving. Third Edition. Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc. Quezon City.
https://www.lifehack.org/374885/10-basic-car-repairs-everyone-should-know
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Module on Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with Dri ving
CRIM PROF 317
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