INTRODUCTION TO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Traffic management is the organization, arrangement, guidance and control of both

stationary and moving traffic, including pedestrians, bicyclists and all types of vehicles.
Its aim is to provide for the safe, orderly and efficient movement of persons and goods,
and to protect and, where possible, enhance the quality of the local environment on and
adjacent to traffic facilities.

Etymology of the word Transportation

Transportation – the word transportation was derived from the latin words “trans”
means across and another latin word “portare” means to carry. Therefore, the word
transportation is the movement or conveying of persons and goods from one location to
another.

Transportation was first performed by the Nomads. This refers to pastoralists, groups
that migrate in an established pattern to find pasture lands for their domestic livestock.

Two types of nomads:

1. Who wonder in search for foods.

2. Who observe annual cycle of pastures whose availability determined by the
alteration of hot and cold or wet and dry season.

Early types of transportation

a. Manpower - Early man who had no domesticated animals carry their own
burdens.

1. Carrying Pole - goods are carried by means of pole.

2. Backload and Tumpline - goods are carried on the back.

3. Sledge on Rollers – moving heavy burdens on sledge which rested on a

series of rollers.

4. Sledge on Runners – loads are carried on a sledge.

5. Travois - device used by Native North Americans of the Great Plains for
transporting their tepees and household goods. It consisted of two poles,
lashed one on either side of a dog or, later, a horse, with one end of each pole
dragging on the ground.

b. Animal power - domesticated animals were used to carry loads.

1. Ox – cattle which was first used to carry loads in Mesopotamia.

2. Reindeer - first domesticated in Siberia in the beginning of Christian era.

Deer draws sledge.
 3. Dog - the first domesticated animal used to carry loads.

4. Donkey – first domesticated in the Middle East. Donkey caravan carry goods
within Southwest Asia and Egypt.

5. Llama - in pre-Colombian America, the Llama was the only new world
animal other than the dog capable of domestication for transport.

6. Elephant – the Carthaginians used African elephants in their war against

Rome. Elephants were used to carry heavy loads.

7. Horse – In Europe, horses were used to draw wheeled vehicles and for riding
for some time until the introduction of mechanized vehicles.

8. Camel - camel were used to carry loads. Two kinds of camel: two-humped
Bactrian camel of Central Asia and the one-humped dromedary camel of
Arabia.

9. Yak – a long-haired type of cattle that lives at high altitude on the Tibetan
plateau used to carry heavy loads where horses could not survive.

c. Wind Power - man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned
to utilize such power to lift rather than to drag. Origin of air lifted transportation.

1. Ancient Chinese Kite – Based on Korean tradition, kites were first used for
transport when a Korean General used in bridge building.

2. Da Vinci’s Ornithopter - Leonardo Da Vinci made study of the flight of

birds. He discovered ornithopter which derives its principal support and
propelling from flapping wings like those of birds.

3. Montgolfier Balloon - France Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne

Montgolfier proposed to use balloon to transport condemned prisoners. It is
constructed with linen and inflated with hot air.

4. Siemen’s Rocket Plane – Ernst Werner Von Siemens, an electric

industrialist, in 1874 designed rocket plane propelled by explosive force of
gun powder.

5. Lilienthal Glider – Otto Lilienthal, German inventor, like da Vinci, he

studied the flight of birds. His chief work was with glider.

6. Santos Dumont’s Airship – Alberto Santos Dumont, a Brazilian inventor

who designed a lighter than air-craft balloon called airship.
7. Wright Brothers’ Flying Machine - Orville and Wilbur Wright designed the
biplane kite.

8. Lindergh’s Spirit of St. Louis – Capt. Charles Lindergh made the solo
flight in an airplane from Paris to London in May 1927. The plane was called
“Spirit of St, Louis”.
ROADS AND VEHICLE HISTORY

The Romans – they were the first road builders in the history of transportation.
Roman road networks reached a total of about 50,000 miles (80, 000 km)

Some Inventions that led to modern transportation:

a. Wheel - it was invented in Western Asia. It was used in crude carts and wagons.
It enabled to transport burdens beyond the power of man or animals to carry or
drag.

1. Solid wheels on fixed axle – it is made up to single piece of wood rotated

on single axle.

2. Sumerian chariot with flank wheels - this chariot, of 2400 BC, had solid
wheels built up of three pieces.

3. Spoked wheel – wheel with spokes, in Greek quadrica.

4. Roman Carpentum – a closed two-wheeled cart.

5. Italian cocchio – a travelling wagon in which the passengers were protected

by a covering of leather or cloth fixed over a wooden framework.

b. Canals - A body of water used to be channel of sea transportation. The first canal
was constructed by Engr. James Brindley.

c. Railways - Channel of transportation wherein a parallel line of irons were used

as roads. The first railroad is the Stockton and Darlington line (1925).

d. Wheeled Vehicles – it requires wider roads for the movement.

e. Bicycle - Hobby Horse (19th Century) was one of the modern ancestors of
modern bicycles. The wheels were made of wood, with tire of iron and riders push
themselves along with their feet on the ground.

f. Pneumatic Tire - inflated by air (by John Boyd Dunlop 19th Cenutury).

g. Motorized Vehicle - the first transportation:

1. Etienne Lenoir (1860) – motorized carriage, internal combustion engine.

2. Nicolaus Otto and Gotlieb Daimer – pioneered gas engine.

3. Rudolf Diesel – developed internal combustion engine similar with gasoline

engine but does not require electrical ignition which uses diesel fuel.

4. Henry Ford (1908) – introduced the Model T Ford Motorized Car.

 5. Felix Wankel – developed an advance type of engine that operates very
differently from gas and diesel engines. It is started by a moving cranckshaft.

6. Presently, the introduction of the light rail transit, the metro rails, fly over and
other modern traffic ways contributed to the expeditious movement of traffic
users.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ITS PILLARS

Traffic – (French trafique/Italian traffico) which means to carry on trade, of

uncertain origin. It refers to the movement of persons, goods or vehicles, either
powered by combustion system or animal drawn, from one place to another for
the purpose of travel.

Management – it refers to the skillful use of means to accomplish an objective.

Traffic Management - refers to the combination of measures that serve to

preserve traffic capacity and improve the security, safety and reliability of the
overall road transport system. 

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 public purposes of vehicular traffic as
a matter of right or custom.

Roadway – Part of a traffic way where motor vehicles pass.

Shoulder – Part of a traffic way along the roadway.

Island – Those structures on the road separate that serve as guide to road users.

Pedestrian Island – An elevated island usually along the road intended for
pedestrian use.

Cross walk/ pedestrian lane – Traffic lanes intended for pedestrian crossing
the road.

Major Causes of Traffic Congestions:

1. Physical Inadequacy
2. Poor Control Measures
3. Human Errors
4. Poor Maintenance

a. The Five Pillars of Traffic

1. Traffic Engineering - The science of measuring traffic and travel the study
of the basic laws relative to the traffic law and generation. It refers to the
professional practice of planning, deciding, and operating traffic system to
achieve safe and efficient transportation of persons and goods.
Functions:
a. Fact-finding, survey;
b. Supervision and maintenance; and
c. Slamming of traffic regulation.

Agencies responsible:
a. Department of Public Works and Highways

i. Has responsibility of determining traffic flow planning approval of

program and budget.

ii. Funding of construction and maintenance of road and instrument.

b. Local Public Works and Engineering Offices

i. Local government units and instrumentalities that have the same

function as the DPWH.

ii. Perform such powers within their territorial boundary.

2. Traffic Education - It is the process of giving training and practice in the

actual application of traffic safety knowledge.
Agencies Involve in Traffic Education
a. School

i. Elementary - tasked to educate children to obey traffic rules through their

programmed curricula.

ii. Secondary - tasked to educate students in obeying the traffic

rules by imposing school policies intended for the welfare of the students.

iii. Higher Education - they offer subjects on driving and traffic safety
course or any allied subjects.

b. Traffic Education
i. Is priceless gem in the entire scale of social order of the road.
ii. Is the process of inculcating to an individual the knowledge, skill,
responsibilities and values to become a fully developed person.
iii. The key to smooth traffic flow is discipline and to acquire discipline
people must be educated
1. Purpose of Driver Education
 i. To Instill awareness of one's legal and moral responsibilities in
traffic; and
ii. To teach abilities required for one to be eligible for a driver’s
license.
2. Safety Campaign
i. The aim of this campaign is to make road users behave properly;
and
ii. Focuses on public information attitudes; this is characterized as
road propaganda.
3. Traffic Enforcement - This pillar deals with the enforcement or
implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
Agencies Responsible:
a. LTO - tasked to enforce laws, rules and regulation governing the
registration of motor vehicles, operation of motor vehicle and traffic
rules and regulation as provided by RA 4136 as amended.

b. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board;

i. Tasked to regulate transport route

ii. Regulate franchising
iii. Prescribe fare rates
iv. Investigate traffic cases
v. perform judicial function
vi. Promulgate rules
vii. Impose and collect fees
viii. Formulate and enforce rules and regulation for transport operation
for promotion of safety and convenience of public
ix. Coordinate with concerned agencies and enforce E.O. NO 125,124-A
and E.O. 202 dated June 19, 1987.

c. Department of Transportation and Communications;

i. In charge of planning programs coordinating implementing and

perform administrative Function and promotion development and
regulation of dependable and coordinated network of
transportation and communication in order to have fast, safe, efficient
and reliable postal transportation and communication services (EO No.
125.)

d. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA);

 i. Created under RA. 7924 and sets policies concerning traffic in Metro
Manila, coordinates and regulates implementation of program related
to traffic.

e. Congress and Local Council; and

i. The branch of government primarily tasked to create laws for the

welfare of the public Judiciary.

ii. The branch of government that interprets the law through

adjudication of cases.

f. Traffic Management Group (TMG).

i. The basic service of the PNP tasked to direct and control

traffic, perform accident investigation, enforce the laws and issue
citations.

4. Traffic Ecology/Environment – This is a recent pillar of traffic

management deals with the environmental safety against:
a. Noise – the sounds came from vehicles and train that cause noise
pollution.

b. Vibration – the vibrating movement of the ground cause by the

movements of heavy trucks or train or other locomotives.

c. Air pollution – the poisonous gases came from engine combustion

produced by cars and other locomotives.

d. Dirt – the dust particles came from the smoke of cars or from the
ground.

e. Visual Intrusion – this may cause by the large buildings, the skyways
or voluminous amount of cables and wires connected to electric post and
buildings.

f. Loss of privacy – Privacy may loss just because of the movements of

different cars and trucks nearby houses, the passengers may accidentally
peep inside the houses or residences.

g. Changes in the amount of light – this can happen when there is a

need to install more street lights, and this may increase the amount of light
in the street and nearby residences to look like day time.

h. Others – these are factors that may change the ecology or

environment.
 5. Traffic Economy – This is the most recent pillar of traffic management
which deals with the benefits and adverse effect or traffic to our country. Traffic
operation is designed to expedite the movement of traffic. Traffic congestion
adversely affects the economic status of the commuting public.

LICENSES, PLATE NUMBERS AND SPEED LIMIT

Licensing System - it is the system of issuing license to any person who is

qualified to fulfill the responsibilities required by the license.

Driver’s License (DL) – an authority granted to a qualified individual to operate a

motor vehicle.

General Types of DL:

a. Professional – issued to an individual whose means of living is driving.

Applicant must at least be 18 years of age.

b. Non-professional – issued to an individual to drive MV without compensation.

Applicant must be at least 17 years of age.
i. At least 4 months old for conversion to professional driver’s license.

c. Student Driving Permit – issued to an individual who desires to learn to

operate MV. Applicant must at least be 16 years of age.
i. At least 5 months old for conversion to professional driver’s license.
ii. At least 1 month old for conversion to non-professional driver’s license.

d. International Driver’s License – Foreigners who are professional drivers

may be issued NON-PROFESSIONAL Driver’s License in the Philippines.

Validity of Driver’s License

a. SDP – valid for I year from date of issuance.

b. Professional /Non-professional DL - valid for 3 years. It will expire on the

3rd birthdate of the licensee commencing from the date of issuance (under the
old rule).

c. The latest update about DL is valid for five years provided that the licensee did
not incur any violations.

Sample Illustrations on how to count the years of validity of Driver’s

License
a. Issuance of DL before birthdate
Date of issue …… 10 November 1990
Driver’s Birthday….6 December 1948
1st Bday …….6 December 1990
 2nd Bday …….6 December 1991
3rd Bday ……. 6 December 1992 (Expiry date)

b. Issuance of DL after birthdate

Date of issue …………10 November 1990

Driver’s Birthday …….19 August 1944
1st Bday ……….19 August 1991
2nd Bday ………19 August 1992
3rd Bday ……….19 August 1993 (Expiry date)

Restriction Codes for the Different types of Vehicles

1 – Motorcycle/motorized tricycles
2 – Vehicle up to 4500kg GVW
3 – Vehicle above 4500kg GVW
4 – Automatic clutch up to 4500kg GVW
5 – Automatic clutch above 4500kg GVW
6 – Articulated vehicle up to 1600kg GVW
7 – Articulated vehicle from 1601 kg to 4500kg GVW
8 – Articulated vehicle from 4501kg and above GVW
9 – Disabled

Conditions for Driving

A – Wear eye glasses

B – Drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
C – Drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
D – Daylight driving only
E – Accompanied by person with normal hearing

Requirements for Securing Driver’s License

a. Must be at least 18 for prof; 17 for non-prof and 16 for SDP

b. Physically and mentally fit
c. Can read and write Filipino/English
d. Valid license (SDP- 1 mo. For NPDL; SDP-5mo/NP-4mo for PDL)
e. Medical Certificate
f. Written and actual examination
g. License fee
h. (Drug Test)

Plate Numbers Guide for Registration of Motorized Vehicles

Administrative Order No. 84AO-003 – provides the System of Operation in the

monthly staggered registration of motor vehicle.

The last digit of the license plate determines the monthly schedule of registration of the
MV and the middle digit determines the working days within the week when the
Motorized Vehicle Registration shall be renewed.
Last Digit on the Plate Number
1 – January
2 – February
3 – March
4 – April
5 – May
6 – June
7 – July
8 – August
9 – September
0 – October

Middle Digit on the Plate Number

a. 1-2-3 - first week of registration month (any working day from 1st to 7th day of
registration month).

b. 4-5-6 – second week of registration month (any working day from 8th to 14th
day of the registration month).

c. 7-8 – third week of registration month (any working day from 15th to 21st day of
the registration month).

d. 9-0 – fourth week of the registration month (any working day from 22nd to 31st
day of the registration month)

Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) – When a driver’s license is confiscated for

traffic violation/s, he shall be issued TOP which serves as his tentative license good for
72 hours.

General Classification of Motorized Vehicle

Batas Pambansa 43, s-1979 – provides policies on the classification of MV.

1. Private Motor Vehicle – vehicles which are registered for private use.
Green plate.

2. For Hire Motor Vehicle – vehicles authorized to operate as public utilities

by virtue of certificates of public conveyance. Yellow plate.

3. Government Owned Motor Vehicle – vehicles owned by the government

of the Philippines, including government owned and controlled corporations.
Red plate

4. Diplomat Motor Vehicle – vehicles owned by foreign government. Blue

plate.

5. Vehicle with Commemorative Plates – plates issued to groups, organizations

or associations subject to the approval of the Office of the President.
Protocol on Plate Designation
Plate No. Office
1…………….……. President
2 …………………. Vice President
3 …………………. Senate President
4 …………………. Speaker of the House
5 …………………. Chief Justice
6 …………………. Cabinet Secretaries
7………………….. Senators
8………………….. Congressmen
9………………….. Associate Justices, SC
10………………… Presiding Justices, CA, SB
11………………… COMELEC/ COA/ CSC Commissioners
12………………… Cabinet Undersecretaries
13………………… N.A.
14………………… Chief of Staff/ PNP DDG
15………………… N.A.
16………………… RTC Judges
17………………… MTC Judges

Speed Limit of Motorized Vehicle

Place Cars/Motorized Motorized

Car Truck/Buses

1. Open country roads 80km/hr 50km/hr

with no blind corners

2. Thorough street/blvd 40km/hr 30km/hr

with no blind curves

3. City/mpl streets with 30km/hr 30km/hr

light traffic

4. Through crowded sts, 20km/hr 20km/hr

appr. Intersection at blind curves,
passing school zones or for
similar dangerous
circumstances

TRAFFIC DEVICES AND ROAD SIGNS

Road Marks/Signs – These are pavement marking that pertains to all lines, patterns,
words, colors or other gadgets set into the surface or applied upon or attached to the
pavement or curbing or to objects within or adjacent to the roadway, officially placed for
the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

1. Two-lane One way street – both vehicles are traversing toward the
same direction.

2. Two-lane Two way street – both vehicles are traversing on the

opposite direction.

3. Four-lane Two way street – two vehicles are traversing toward the same
direction while two other vehicle are traversing toward opposite direction
separated by a solid line.

4. Single White dotted line – overtaking is allowed at any time when clear.

5. Single Continuous line – overtaking or passing is only allowed there is no

oncoming vehicles, not safe to pass.

6. Double Continuous line – overtaking or passing is not allowed.

Traffic Signs – Sinages posted along the road used to convey information needed by
road users.

Classifications of International Traffic Signs:

1. Danger Warning Signs – Known as “Caution Signs”. Equilateral triangle

with red borders.

2. Regulatory Signs – Usually round in shape except “Stop Sign” and “Yield
Sign”.

3. Informative Signs – Known as “guide signs” or “direction signs”.

Rectangular shape white colored on blue background.

Traffic Lights – This refer 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 junctions and also to stop traffic to provide safe crossing points for
pedestrians.

1. Steady Red - STOP at the designated line.

2. Steady Green - GO. Vehicles going straight have the right of way.

3. Steady Yellow - PREPARE TO STOP. Do not beat a yellow light.

4. Flashing Red - Bringing vehicle to STOP at the designated line and proceed
only when clear.
 5. Flashing Yellow - Yield sign. Proceed through the intersection with caution.

6. Flashing Green - Vehicles facing this signal are permitted to turn left or go
through while opposing traffic faces red signal.

Types of Traffic Control Device

1. Traffic or Road Sign
2. Pavement Markings
3. Traffic Lights
4. Traffic Islands

Functional Classification of Traffic Control Device

1. Regulatory devices
2. Warning devices
3. Guiding devices

Aims of Signal Control

1. Reduce traffic conflict and delay

2. Reduce accident
3. Economize police time

Advantages of Signal Installation

1. Made for well-ordered movement

2. Reduce accident frequency
3. Provide means of interpreting heavy traffic
4. Economical over manual control at intersection
5. Coordinating in providing continuous flow of traffic
6. Increase traffic capacity

Principles of Signs

1. Red triangle connotes hazard

2. Red ring with diagonal line connotes prohibition
3. Blue/ green provides information
4. Signs on blue disc give positive instruction

International Traffic Signs (Color and Shapes)

1. Round and red; regulatory movement

2. Round black yellow sign, warning sign
3. Equilateral triangle red sign, directing to yield the right of way
4. Octagon red and white, STOP
5. Red triangle and black sign, approaching danger zone

Road Classification
 a. According to Political Subdivision
1. National road- right of way 20 to 120 meters
2. Provincial road- link between to municipalities, 15 to 60 meters
3. City road- interlink in the city, 15 meters
4. Municipal road- within town proper 10 meters
5. Barangay road- from market to town 2 meters

b. According to Topographical Terrain

1. Flat road
2. Zigzag
3. Steep hill
4. Down hill
5. Winding road
6. Mountainous road
7. Roller coaster road

Functional Classification of Roadway

a. Vehicle Passes Safely on
1. Climb lane
2. Overtaking lane
3. Acceleration lane
4. Turning lane

b. Parts of the Roadway use for:

1. Standing lane
2. Stopping lane
3. Bus stop

c. Sidewak - It is the portion of the road that answers the safety of pedestrians.

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

Traffic Laws and the Role of Law Enforcement

The action taken by the police to compel obedience to traffic laws and
ordinance regulating the use and movement of motor vehicle for the purpose of creating
a deterrent to unlawful behavior by all potential violators.

Traffic Law Enforcer

A person duly deputized by an agency of government authorized by law to enforce traffic

laws, rules and regulations.

Police Traffic Law Enforcement

The part performed by the police and other agencies with police power
including deterrent to law violations created by the presence of uniformed police officer
and their special equipment, special assistance to court and prosecutor and incidental
service to highway users.
Characteristics of Traffic Laws

1. Laws are developed from experiences of the public over the years.
2. Laws reflect beliefs, behavior and standards agreed upon by society.

Classification of Violations

1. Hazardous traffic violations that cause danger to road users. Unsafe

behavior and unsafe conditions are the causes of these violations.

2. Non-hazardous violations that do not affect safety of the public but affect the
use of roads.

Reasons why people are violating traffic laws

1. Physical infirmities
2. Ignorance
3. Mental disorder
4. Lack of training
5. Wrong attitude
6. Habitual violators
7. PUV drivers are aiming for more compensation

Police Traffic Enforcement Action

These include arrest and citation of any person.

Purposes:

1. Prevent such violation from endangering the public and inconvenience

2. Prevent continued violation
3. Discourage future violation

Kinds of Enforcement Actions

1. Traffic arrest - the taking of a person into custody of the law. It is made when:
a. The offense is serious;
b. Detection is needed to avoid continued violation; and
c. There is reasonable doubt that violators may not appear in court.

2. Traffic citation - made to compel violators to appear in court in absence of

arrest.
3. Traffic warning - an act reminding the driver of his violation in order for him to
not do it again. No arrest or citation is made.

Types of Warning

1. Visual warning - using gestures and signals.

2. Verbal warning - oral warning made when there is newly enacted law
 3. Written warning - combination of two preceding types with written note of
citation.

Traffic Patrol

Part of traffic supervision by patrolling to ensure public obedience

Objectives:
1. Deterrence of violators
2. Detection and apprehension
3. Observation and reporting of traffic condition and road condition
4. Providing certain services to public

Types of Patrol

1. Line patrol- it is assigned to a particular place

2. Area patrol- type of patrol assigned to an area of vicinity

Traffic Observation

1. Stationary traffic observation - officer is assigned at specific place

2. Conspicuous traffic observation - officer attracts attention
3. Visible traffic observation - stationary observation that the observer is in full
view
4. concealed traffic observation - observer is not visible to the public

Point to Remember

1. Violators are diversified

2. Conflicts arises in violators
3. You are professional officer, there is no professional violator
4. Be alert for an unexpected

Officers are required to be skilled in the following instances:

1. Accident scene
2. Emergencies
3. Planned and special events
4. Regular points and integration control
5. Directing pedestrian movement

Officers are required to know how to direct in the following places:

1. Not signalized intersection

2. Signalized intersection
3. Between intersection

Means of Directing

1. Signaling
 2. Whistling
3. Gestures

Hand Signal

1. Use hand signals

2. Use uniform signals
3. It must be clear
4. Don’t make verbal
5. Be alert, stand erect
6. Look to the person when signaling
7. Arm signal should be shoulder high
8. Supplement it with whistle
9. Hang your hand when not in use
10. Constant waving of hands causes confusion
11. Maintain 90 degrees turn of the body
12. When stopping point to a man you want to stop
13. Hand signal should be with arm and palm facing the person

Whistle Signal

1. One long blast for STOP

2. Two short snappy blast for GO
3. Three blast to be used TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE

a. Command of Traffic
i. Stand where you can be seen with firm and posture

b. Gesture in Stopping
i. Point the arm and index finger toward the vehicle to be stopped
then show your palm
ii. Repeat the process at the opposite side
iii. Not lower your arm until traffic is ceased

c. Gesture to Start Traffic

i. Stand sideways.
ii. Point your index finger toward the vehicle to start, hold it till he
verified, and swing your hand up to your chin.
iii. Drop and repeat the process at the opposite side.
iv. Use it when they are slow or hesitant to move.

d. Right Turn Gestures

i. Not required at intersection.
ii. Point to the vehicle you want to turn and point to the direction of
turning.
iii. Vehicles to your left for right turn bend your left arm and allow a
thumb sign.

e. Left Turn Gestures

 i. Vehicles turn left from right, stop vehicle from right and direct
vehicle to the left.
ii. Left turn vehicle from your right, turn around and repeat the
procedure above.
iii. Street with one lane only
a. allow space for ongoing straight and turning left vehicles
b. direct finger left turning car with proper finger left
c. semaphore signals may be used

f. Two-Officer Traffic
i. The team leader shall initiate command followed by the members.

Techniques in Traffic Direction and Control

1. Keep intersection open
2. Don’t allow motorist to cross without exit
3. Stop motorist at their lane
4. Prefer to stop the last moving vehicle

Traffic Jam

It is caused by such factors as vehicular accident, stalled vehicle, absence of traffic

enforcer and road construction.

Procedures in Traffic Jam

1. Determine the cause
2. In case of accident conduct fast investigation
3. In case of engine trouble assist the motorist in pushing car to place
4. Establish oneself and conduct systematic flow of traffic
5. Observe the traffic flow if it smooth, if not repeat procedure no. 1
6. Implement traffic regulation to prevent jam

Responsibilities of Traffic Enforcer

1. Enforce the law without fear or favor and assist public when needed.
2. In an intersection, remember the following:
a. personal safety of enforcer
b. policeman’s visibility
c. visibility of officers to traffic
d. non obstruction to traffic
e. ability to effect necessary control

3. Officer shall not leave his post during tour of duty without
permission from higher authority. In case personal necessity he should notify
the station.

4. Respond immediately to emergency calls and notify the station.

5. Be calm and control the temper even under provoking situation.

6. He should be in proper uniform.

 7. In apprehending issue citation, and do it in one minute.

Pedestrian Control

Program of Pedestrian Enforcement Basically Depends on the Following:

1. Campaign
2. Guiding on the post
3. Warning ticket

Drunken Drivers

It is a driver who drives under the influence of alcohol with 10% of intoxicating level.

Field Sobriety Test

1. Walk on straight line
2. One foot balance
3. Reading
4. Spelling
5. Counting from 1 to 10
6. Video tape the movement
7. Photograph the unguarded movement

Chemical Test
1. Blood test
2. Urine test
3. Perspiration test
4. Breath test
5. Skin test

Evidence against Drunken Drivers

1. Drivers admission
2. Co-occupants testimony
3. Material witnesses’ testimony
4. Photograph of drunken driver
5. Video/ voice tape of driver
6. Officers testimony

Legal Action against Drunken Drivers

1. Submit him to the nearest laboratory for testing
2. Impound the vehicle
3. Confiscate the license
4. Recommend the suspension of privilege
5. Sue him for violation
6. If acquitted recommend suspension of license

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Accident
 That occurrence in a sequence of events which usually produces unintended
injury, death or property damage

Traffic Accident

An accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way

Motor Vehicle Accident

Event resulting in unintended injury or property damage attributable directly or

indirectly to the action of a motor vehicle or its load

When we deal with traffic accident investigation, we wanted to know what went wrong?

Purposes:

1. Everyone involved is curious about the cause and circumstances of the accident.

2. For the Police – to find out whether there is enough evidence of law violation in
the accident.

3. Insurance claims.

4. Officials wanted to know specific information about the incident to formulate

policies in the prevention of the same.

Five Levels of Activities in Accident Investigation

1. Reporting – it involves basic data collection to identify and classify a motor

vehicle, traffic and persons, property and planned movements involved.

2. Scene Investigation – involves all action taken by the investigator at the

scene of the crime or accident.

3. Technical Preparation – involves delayed traffic accident data collection and

organization for study and interpretation.

4. Professional Reconstruction – involves effort to determine from whatever

information is available, how the accident happened.

5. Cause Analysis – involves the final analysis on the cause of accident.

Skidmarks as Tool in Traffic Accident Investigation

Skidmarks are tire impression on road surface a result of sudden application of

brakes.

Implications of Skidmarks
 1. Measurements of skidmarks gives idea on how fast the car which left these marks
was going before the accident.

2. Estimates of speed based on skidmarks may lead to convictions; or knowing how

to estimate speed correctly may help keep an innocent person from being
convicted.

3. A test on skid marks resulted to measure 20 ft long skidmarks at 20 mile per

hour.

4. So if a skid mark measures 10 ft long, the vehicle must be running 10 miles per
hour.

Other Tire Marks

1. Centrifugal skidmark – a marking on a road surface left by a rotating tire and

wheel of a speeding vehicle on a curve when the speed of the vehicle is above the
critical speed.

2. Impending skidmarks – marks caused by forward rotation of the wheels

being slower than the forward movement of the vehicle.

3. Yawn mark – a scuff mark made while a vehicle is yawning the mark made on
the road by a rotating tire which is slipping in a direction parallel to the axle of the
wheel.

4. Skip mark - a braking skid mark interrupted at frequent regular intervals; the
skidmark made by a bouncing wheel on which brakes keep the wheel from turning.

5. Side skid Mark – is a roadway marking left by the tire and wheel of a vehicle
sliding sideways as a result of force other than centrifugal force.

6. Gap Skid – a braking skid mark which is interrupted by release and

reapplication of brakes or which terminates by release of brakes before collision.

Skidmarks as Evidence in Accident Cases

Skidmarks will:

1. Aid in determining the speed of the vehicle prior to the collision.

2. Show the direction of travel of the vehicle.

3. Indicates whether the driver failed to observe the right of way.

4. Show if the driver did not obey traffic signals

Kinds of Traffic Accidents:

 1. Non-motor Vehicle Traffic Accident – this refers to any accident
occurring in a traffic way involving person using the traffic way or travel or
transportation, but not involving a MV.

2. MV Non-traffic Accident – any MV accident which occurs entirely in a

place other than a traffic way.

3. MV Traffic Accident – any MV accident occurring on a traffic way.

Chain of Events in a Vehicular Accident

1. Perception Hazard – it is seeing, feeling, or hearing and understanding the

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

2. Start of Evasive Action – it is the first action taken by a traffic unit to

escape from a collision course or otherwise avoid a hazard.

3. Initial Contact – the first accidental touching of an object collision course or

otherwise avoids a hazard.

4. Maximum Engagement – it is the greatest collapse or overlap in a

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

5. Disengagement – it is the separation of traffic unit in motion from an

object with which it has collided.

6. Stopping – it is when the traffic unit/s involved come to rest. It usually

stabilizes the accident situation.

7. Injury to persons and damage to property.

8. Other Events:
a. Point of possible perception – perception of the hazard.
b. Point of no escape – time when the accident can no longer be prevented.
c. Perception delay – point of possible perception to actual perception.
d. Final position – resting of objects/ persons involved in the accident.

Possible cases in Traffic Accident:

1. Reckless imprudence resulting in Homicide;
2. Reckless imprudence resulting in Serious Physical Injury;
3. Reckless imprudence resulting in Less Serious Physical Injury;
4. Reckless imprudence resulting in Slight Physical Injury;
5. Reckless imprudence resulting in Damage to Property;
6. Abandonment of One’s Own Victim – Additional criminal case for hit and run
cases.

Defenses in Imprudence Cases

 1. Accident – A justifying circumstance where the accused is NOT criminally
liable, but only civilly liable. The person invoking this should have acted
carefully & diligently, without violating any traffic laws, rules and regulations.

2. Doctrine of the last clear chance – A driver who has the last clear chance
to avoid the accident but did not do his part to avoid it is liable for the
resulting injury and/ or damage to property.

3. Contributory negligence – A defense of the accused that due to some

negligence of the victim, the accident had occurred. The liability of the
accused is mitigated.

Steps to be taken during Traffic Accident Investigation

STEP 1. Upon Learning the Incident Check the Following:

1. What Happened?
2. Who are involved?
3. Where and when it happened
4. How it happened
5. Why it happened

STEP 2. When Emergency under Control

1. Preliminary question to driver
a. Who is driving.
b. Ascertain sign of nervousness.

2. Gather clues for identification

3. Ask other witnesses
4. Examine driver’s condition
a. Check the license and other record
b. Check registration
c. Verify ownership
d. Account step by step events

5. Position and location of vehicles

a. Lights
b. Gear position
c. Mark the position of vehicle
d. Look for the unusual things inside the car

6. Form preliminary opinion

7. Photograph skid mark and location for later measuring
8. Record place in which person/ damaged vehicle is placed

STEP 3. After Getting Short-Lived Evidence

1. Make a test skid
2. Ascertain if the violation is tantamount to arrest
3. Complete examination of vehicle
4. Locate key event or point of impact
 5. Additional photographs
a. Vehicle damages
b. View obstruction
c. Present condition
d. Control devices
6. Measure scale or diagram
7. Get additional facts at the scene
8. Report to station by radio

STEP 4. After leaving the Scene

1. Get the medical report.
2. Notify the relatives.
3. Develop the photographs.
4. Analyze the specimen.
5. Complete accident report, made copies and file.
6. Complete data on the investigators’ report.
7. Reconstruct the accident.
8. Complete the investigation and file it.

STEP 5. If the Case goes to Court

1. Seek the desire of the prosecutor to strengthen the case.
2. Return to the scene of the incident to gather additional data.
3. Make a pre-trial conference.
4. Testify in court.
5. Arrange the file for future purposes.

In Cases of Injuries:
1. Stop arterial bleeding.
2. Ask for help.
3. Protect the wound for exposure.
4. Cordon the place.

Classification of Vehicle Accident According to Severity

1. Fatal
2. Non-fatal
3. Property damage

Classification of Vehicle Accident According to key Event

1. Running off road
2. Non-collision on road
a. Overturning
3. Collision on road of vehicles with the following:
a. Pedestrian
b. Moving vehicle
c. Parked vehicle
d. Bicycle
c. Railroad train
e. Fixed objects

Causes of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident

 a. Simultaneous Factors
1. Road condition
2. Driver’s attitude
3. Weather condition

b. Sequential Factors
1. Unsafe greater speed
2. Defective vehicle

c. Operational Factors
1. Road hazard
2. Driver’s non compliance

d. Perception Factors
1. Driver’s inability to react
2. Driver’s faulty action to escape

Hit and Run Investigation

This applies to drivers who failed to stop at a road accident.

Legal Cases to be filed:

1. Abandonment of one’s victim
2. Failure to lend assistance
3. Reckless imprudence resulting to homicide
4. Reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property
5. Failure to render assistance to victim
6. Violation of section 55 of RA 4136
7. Civil liability

Common Nature of Hit and Run

1. Ran over pedestrian
2. Sideswiped pedestrian
3. Collided with moving vehicle while overtaking
4. Collided with moving vehicle while overtaking on opposite direction
5. Damaged parked vehicle
6. Crushed police road block
7. Bumped by stray animal

Investigating for Unknown Facts

1. Victim’s identity
2. Kind of vehicle
3. The make of vehicle
4. The driver
5. The eyewitnesses

Fast Tracked Investigation

1. Send the corpse to laboratory after investigating
2. Obtain fingerprint and other specimen and send it to laboratory
 3. Splintered glass can be a lead
4. Broken headlamp manifest a run over
5. Paints might stick at victim belonging
6. Don’t forget to bring paper and pencil for initial note taking

Examination of Recovered Vehicle

1. Recover physical evidence immediately
2. Measure the vehicle
3. Photograph the vehicle, debris and chipped off part
4. Check the interior of the car for driver’s identity

Investigation Aid for Traffic Accident Investigation

1. Motor vehicle certified registration
2. Repair shop
3. Department records

Documents to be filed in Case of Death

1. Referral slip
2. Arrest report
3. Traffic accident report (TAR)
4. Affidavit of parties involved
5. Witness’ statement
6. Photograph

Documents to be filed in case of Injury

1. Memorandum of preliminary investigation
2. Traffic Accident Report
3. Estimated amount of damage, it is made by authorized repair shop
4. Affidavit of parties involve
5. Witness statement
6. Photograph

Common Words and Phrases used in Traffic Accident Investigation

1. Motor Vehicle – any device which is self-propelled and every vehicle

which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but
not operated upon rails

2. Key Event – an event on the road which characterizes the manner of

occurrence of a motor vehicle traffic accident

3. Debris – the scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other
materials left at the scene of the accident caused by a collision

4. Skid Marks – these are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not free
to rotate, usually because brakes are applied strongly and the wheels locked

5. Traffic Unit – any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other
purposes as a pedestrian or driver, including any vehicle, or animal.
 6. Hazard - a hazard is generated when a critical space-motion relationships
between a traffic unit and another object develops due to the movement of either
or both (ex. A curve in the path is a hazard; another traffic unit in the path is a
hazard.)

7. Safe Speed – the speed adjusted to the potential or possible hazards or the
road and traffic situation ahead; safe speed on the road is determined by the road
rather than the particular driver of a vehicle (ex. A curve ahead is a hazard and a
safe speed for it is a speed at which it can be taken comfortably

8. Strategy – 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

9. Tactic – any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like
steering, braking or accelerating to avoid collision or other accident.

10. Impact – the striking of one body against another or a collision of a motor
vehicle with another motor vehicle.

11. 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 striations,
rub-off of material or puncture.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Cause – the combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any
one of which result could not have occurred.

15. Attribute – any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a person that

affects the probability of a traffic accident.

16. Modifier – a circumstance that alters an attribute permanently or

temporarily

BASIC RULES IN DRIVING

Right of Way – This principle refers to the legal or customary precedence (priority in
time and place) which allows one vehicle to cross or pass in front of another.

Rules of Right of way (Sec. 42-44 of RA 4136)

1. In case of two vehicles approaching or entering an intersection at the same

time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield right of way;
 2. In the case of a vehicle approaching but has not yet entered the intersection, its
driver shall yield right of way to vehicles already within the intersection or
turning therein to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned vehicle.

3. In case of vehicle on a highway within business or residential district, its driver

shall yield right of way to pedestrians crossing the highway within a crosswalk,
except at intersections where traffic is regulated by a peace officer or a traffic
signal

Right of Way Rule

The right to proceed ahead of another vehicle or pedestrian

1. Intersection - when two or more vehicle is entering an intersection the one

on the left will give way to the right vehicle.

2. Pedestrian - drivers should yield to pedestrian crossing except at intersection

whereas the movement of vehicles is regulated by a police officer.

3. Through highway/ railroad crossing - the driver shall bring to a full stop
before traversing to an intersection. If there is no hazard the driver may
slowdown to 5mph.

4. Police /emergency vehicle - all drivers should yield to emergency to

emergency vehicle except as directed by traffic enforcer. Fire trucks are accepted
to speed limit but they are prohibited to have unnecessary speed.

5. From private road to highway - vehicle from private road must yield to
that on a highway.

Exception to Right of Way

1. A vehicle entering from a private road shall always yield right of way to vehicles
utilizing the highway.

2. 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.

10 Commandments of Traffic

1. Keep Right - (two lanes, two ways) in case of one way the left lane shall be the
fast lane and the slow lane is the right.

2. Observe Road Courtesy - yield to emergency vehicle, pedestrians, trains,

vehicle with right of way, vehicles ahead, large vehicles, uphill traffic, vehicles
with momentum, straight traffic, and traffic signs.

3. Prohibited Parking
Places where parking is prohibited:
1. Near an intersection
2. Crosswalk/ pedestrian lane
3. Within 6 meters from drive way of any response installation, fire
hydrant and private roads.
4. Double parking
5. Sidewalks, alleys, foot of the bridge
6. Places wherein official signs are posted

4. When in doubt, do not overtake - Overtaking lane is the lane to the left of
overtaken vehicle going in the same direction, overtaken vehicle is the privileged
vehicle.

Consider these if you overtake:

1. Signal the intention.

2. Make sure that the overtaking lane is clear and free of oncoming vehicle
for sufficient distance to facilitate proper overtake.
3. Maneuver at own risk, the vehicle being overtaken is the privileged
vehicle. Drivers keep his lane, maintain speed and yield to overtaking
vehicle.

4. He shall increase his speed until the overtaken vehicle has cleared the
way.

5. In a two lanes, on a divided roadway, they may use either of the lanes.

6. In an expressway with fast and slow lanes, on a divided roadway, they

may use either of the lanes.

7. Overtaking is prohibited at crest of a grade curve, railway crossing, at

the intersection and between construction and caution.

5. The Bus Stop Rule

a. The buses queue up in a single file in their order arrival.

b. Lead bus moving toward the center of column of busses lining on the
bus stop zone, and remain until zone is filled with busses, but longer than
three minutes.

6. Rule to prevent or Untangle Traffic Jams - Keep lanes and intersection

open in heavy and slow traffic to avoid overtaking. In a construction, vehicles
should merge alternately.

7. Observe Traffic Management Measures - Observe and obey traffic

notices sign like notices and pavement markings.
 8. The Philosophy of Pinoy Drivers - Motorist should observe equity of the
lead vehicle, doctrine of the last clear chance on rotunda drive.

9. On Pedestrian - Keep off the roadway except when crossing on crosswalk.

Wait embark and alight at bus or Jeepney stop.

10. Remember the International Safety Reminder – “Safety First.”

Traffic Signs and Symbols

Pavement Markings and Symbols

Important Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations:

1. R.A. 4136 – The Land Transportation Code

2. R.A. 6539 – The Anti-Carnapping Law
3. R.A. 8749 – Clean Air Act
4. R.A. 8750 – Seat-Belt Law
5. R.A. 7924 – MMDA Law
6. P.D. 96 – Regulating use of sirens, bells, horns, etc.
7. P.D. 612 – Compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles
8. P.D. 1729 – LTO to dispose impounded vehicles if unclaimed for a certain
period of time.
9. L.O.I. 229 – Early warning Device (EWD)
10. E.O. 202 – LTFRB Law
11. E.O. 248 – LTO to supervise Driving School