Lecture Notes in CDI4
Lecture Notes in CDI4
Lecture Notes in CDI4
CDI 4
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WITH DRIVING
CHAPTER 1
HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION, MOTOR VEHICLES AND LOCOMOTIVES
INTRODUCTION
Man’s need to travel dates back as early as the creation of human beings. Biblical
passages alleged that when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden tree, they were sent out
by God from Paradise of Eden.
“Therefore, the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from
when he was taken.”
Since then, the human race expanded and our ancestors constantly move from open place
to enable them to survive and others for various reasons.
NOMADIC
One who constantly migrate from one place to another according to their own detailed
knowledge of exploitable resources
The term nomad, from the Greek, “to posture,” was originally used to refer to pastoralists
– groups that migrate in an established pattern to find pasturelands for their domestic livestock.
However, the term has since has been generalized to include all non-settled populations.
B. ANIMAL POWER. The domestication of animals greatly increased the potential power
available transportation..
a. Ox-Cattle
b. Reindeer
c. Dog
C.WIND POWER
a. Ancient Chinese Kite- kites have been flown as a popular past time in the Far East since of the
begging of the history. According to a Korean tradition, the kite was first used for transport when
Korean general employed one in bridge building. By means of a kite, a cord was conveyed
across the river, to a cord, heavier ropes were fastened and finally the bridge cable. In the late
10th century, several European armies experimented with kites in transporting men.
b. Da Vinci’s Ornithopter- the great renaissance artist, scientist and engineer, Leonardo Da
Vinci, made study of the flight of the birds and his notebook sketched a number of ornithopter
(a.k.a. orthopter) which derives its principal support and propelling from flapping wings like
those of a bird. It was not until the 19th century hat rigid wings were envisaged.
c. Montgolfier Balloon- The Montgolfier brothers of France Joseph Michel and Jacques Estienne
have successfully released several balloons when they proposed to use to condemned prisoners
for the first ascent with passengers. Pilatre De Rozier, a natural historian protested this and
claimed the honor for 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
9000 yards and remained in the air for 20 minutes.
d. Siemens’ Rocket plane- Ernst Werner Von Siemens who later achieved fame as an electric
industrialist, in 1847 designed rocket plane, which was to be propelled by explosive force of
gunpowder. Like da Vinci’s orthopter Siemens rocket plane was never carried beyond the
designed stage
e. Lilienthal Glider- Otto Lilienthal, a German inventor who also made a study of the flight of
birds and experimented with ornithopter going so far as to build a model ornithopter. His chief
work was with gliders. However, in 1891, he made first of a number of a glider flight which
were to exert a profound influence on the development of aviation.
f. Santos Dumont’s Airship- one of the pioneers of the development of lighter-than-air craft was
Alberto Santos Dumont, a Brazilian who experimented with the stemmed powdered balloons in
Paris. He made his first balloon ascent I n1897and in 1898 completed the construction of his first
airship. He thereafter. Built several other airships and in 1901, made 30 minutes round trip flight
between St. Louis and the Elftel tower.
g. Wright brother flying machine – inspired by Liliental’s glider experiment, two young
Americans Orville and Wilbur Wright began studying the problems of heavier-than-air flight.
They built biplane kite then over 200 different wings types which they tested in the wind tunnel
of their own invention, before they conducted their first man-carrying powered machine.
The following are some of the inventions and innovations and important events that lead
to modern land transportation:
Wheel was invented probably in Western Asia
Solid wheels on fixed axle- this ancient cart represents an early step in the evolution of wheeled
vehicles. It’s solid wheels which were made of a single piece of wood rotated on single axle.
Sumerian chariot with flank wheels- this chariot of about 2400 B.C, had solid wheels built up of
three pieces and so was more durable than the one.
Greek quadrica with spoke wheels – drawn by four horses, was a light and elegant vehicle for
gentleman about 250 B.C. It had spoke wheels and axles of irons or bronze, handles for aid in
mounting, and sea formed by a board placed across the handles.
Roman carpentrum – a closed, two-wheeled cart was the favored vehicle when Roman women
journeyed outside the city.
Italian cocchio – a traveling wagon in which the passengers were protected by a covering or
leather or cloth fixed over a wooden framework.
ROMANS - were the major road builders 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
were necessary to make roads that would carry heavy traffic for many years.
JOHN L. MACADAM - practice the theory of feeder road building and perfected the
macadamized road in England.
JOHN PALMER - introduced his first fast mail coach. Significant improvement of road
vehicle began with the adoption of coach spring about 1650. In the mid-18 th century English
roads were so bad that coaches could average only about 4 mph (6.4 km/h), and boys on horses
for delivering the mail usually carried the mail. The first mail coach run in March 1785 and by
1800 the English mail coach system was in full swing.
Bicycle in the early 19th century served as a nursery of automobile builders. One of ancestors of
the modern bicycle was the Hob horse, which could be seen on the English macadamized roads
after 1818. The wheels of these machines were of wood, with tires of iron, and riders pushed
themselves along with their feet on the ground. There was a steady improvement in the bicycle
throughout the 19th century, until the safety bicycle, with pneumatic tires, at last appeared. Some
of the earliest automobiles ran on four bicycle wheels.
KIRKPATRICK MACMILLAN, - made the first machine with pedals. which were attached to
and drove the rear wheel by means of cranks.
NICOLAUS OTTO AND GOTTLIED DAIMLER - pioneered the manufacture of gas engines
and became a successful automobile manufacturer.
RUDOLF DIESEL - developed an internal combustion engine that is similar with the gasoline
engine but requires no electrical ignition system or carburetor.
FELIX WANKEL - developed an advanced-type of engine, named after him, it operates very
differently from gas and diesel engines.
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.
The word traffic originates from Greco-roman word “trafico” with reference to the
movement of people that dates back from the dawn of history: from the domesticated horse-
drawn wheels to horseless carriage. The Greek originally called the system “trafriga” after the
early horse-drawn chariots with spoke wheels.
If savants of Rome are to be believed, there is no dispute that the word “trafico” is a
Greco-roman word, but the word traffic created form the famous “Trafalgar square,” the hub-
center of commerce and culture in the heart of London.
But in Latin, the word traffic is denominated as “commercium” with reference to the
movement and control of goods in transit from un-wheeled axle to horseless carriage. This
intellectual discourse of discoveries only reinforces the universal dictum that traffic refers to the
movement of people and goods and not vehicle. Perhaps, this was missing jewels in the
systematic strategies of traffic management.
Operation- pertains to a course or series of act affect a certain purpose, manner of action, or a
vital or natural process of activity.
Traffic- refers to the movement of persons, goods or vehicles, either powered by combustion
system or animal drawn from one place to another for the purpose of travel.
Traffic way- refers to the entire width b/n boundary lines of every way or w/c any part is open to
the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular traffic as a matter of right or custom.
R
The ff. are the major causes of traffic congestion.
1. PHYSICAL INADEQUACY: this is characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges,
railroad crossing, lack of traffic facilities.
3. HUMAN ERRORS: many traffic congestions are caused by slow drivers or poor driving
habits, pedestrian mistakes, officers’ error, poor planning, poor legislation and traffic accident
w/c are mostly attributed to human errors.
For a successful and effective traffic management specific rules and responsibilities are
vLested on the ff agencies:
1. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). The DOTC through the
Land Transportation office (LTO) is responsible for the implementation of the Land
Transportation Code of the Philippines (R.A. 4136) particularly on the assurance of driver’s
license, registration of motor vehicles, approval of franchises for public conveyances (thru the
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulator Board (LTRFB)) and conducting traffic safety
seminars.
2. City or Municipal Engineers Office. These officers are responsible for the planning,
construction and maintenance of traffic facilities w/in their respected locality.
3. DPWH. This is the main executive department w/c responsible for the planning,
construction and categorized as national highways and other major road arteries.
4. Legislation (Congress/ City or Municipality Boards) - the Legislative bodies are not
only responsible for the passing or amendment of laws concerning traffic but also, they are
involved in the planning and approval of government projects.
5. PNP (Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG) - is responsible primarily for the direct
enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
7. Courts. The court is responsible for the adjudication of traffic- related cases filed before
them.
9. Citizen Support Groups. The private institution or organizations also help in the
prevention of traffic congestion by assisting government officers in various activities particularly
during special occasions and holidays where traffic problem is likely to happen.
10. Media. Government and privately- owner publications and radio and television
broadcasting companies provide necessary and updated traffic related information to the public
through the respective programs.
PILLARS OF TRAFFIC
1. Traffic Engineering
Is the science of measuring traffic and travel, the study of basic laws relative to the traffic
laws and regulation, the application of knowledge to the professional practice of planning.
Functions:
a. Fact-finding, surveys and recommendations,
b. Supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices,
c. Planning of traffic regulations.
The objectives of road check are to detect and inspect the following:
3. Intoxicated drivers.
2. Traffic Education
It is the process of giving training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety
knowledge. (Schools, Public Information Office, Citizen Support Groups.
3. Traffic enforcement
This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules
and regulations.
a) Land transportation office (LTO) this office is responsible for the following:
1. Vehicle registration
2. Vehicle inspection
3. Drivers licensing (examination, suspension, and revocation.)
4. Public to police on stolen or wanted vehicles.
b) Legislative bodies.
c) Police traffic enforcement
1. The metropolitan manila development authority (MMDA) for the national
capital region (NCR).
1. Police auxiliaries
2. LTO Playing squad
4. Traffic environment
This pillar is very recent which includes the study of potentially disastrous population
explosion change in urban environment due to the scale and new activities carried out.
5. Traffic Economy
This is the most recent of the pillars of traffic that 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 affect the economic status of the commuting public.
Traffic Safety Education. It is the process of training roads users in the avoidance and
prevention of traffic-related accidents.
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.
3 principles that have been emphasized as effective in the prevention of traffic accidents are as
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 and 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
c. Changing of attitudes
3. Enforcement (Of traffic rules). One of the causes of accidents is the blatant non-
compliance of motorists and pedestrians to traffic rules and regulations. To minimize the
occurrence of accidents due to non-compliances of road users, enforcement must be conducted.
The following are highly recommended in areas of traffic enforcement.
a. Strengthening and simplifying the application of the law.
b. New technology to aid enforcement
c. Enhanced publicity
d. Education of teenagers in schools and
Driver’s education. In general driver instruction aims primarily to teach the rudiments of
driving.
Secondary aims are as follows
1.to instill awareness of one’s legal and moral responsibilities
2. to teach the abilities required for a driver ‘s license.
Four (4) basic type of instruction methods used in driver 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 drivers. The instructor has to give a commentary on his driving –what he sees.
What he does, why he does, what he proposes to do, what others are likely to do etc.
4. simulated conditions on and off the road training - the premise of simulated conditions
training is that the behavior of the driver-subject placed in condition will be relatively analogous
to normal behavior. Simulation is a static machine with all the important features of a car used in
driving methods of simulation presently adopted
BIORHYHM - it is the theory that 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:
Importance of biorhythm:
-To give us a hint how we will tend to feel in a certain day.
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
combination of these. It is also known as road propaganda which may be intended simply to
CHAPTER 4
TRAFFIC LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS (RA 4136)
The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and prohibitions in the country: Republic
Acts (R. A.s)
1) R. A. 4136. This is the basic law regulating land transportation in the Philippines.
2) R. A. 6539. The Act which is known as the “Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972” the act
preventing and penalizing carnapping.
3) R. A. 5448. 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, project and activities of science agencies to be financed therefrom and for
other purposes.
4) R. A. 8749. Also known as the Clean Air Act that regulates emission of toxic gases of
both gasoline and diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for gasoline engines.
5) R. A. 8750. The Act that provides for the attachment of seat belts for all types of motor
vehicles and imposes penalty for non-compliance thereof.
6) R. A. 7924. The Act creating the Metropolitan Manila Department Authority. Defining
its powers and functions, providing funds therefor and for other purposes.
7) R. A. 10586. Anti-drunk driving law overview: The law is also known as an Act
Penalizing Persons Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Other
Similar Substances. It is a law that condemns drunk drivers and gives the law enforcers
the power to fine and imprison drugged and/or drunk driver.
8) R. A. 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is a new law that prohibits motorists
from using communication devices and other electronic entertainment and computing
gadgets while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an
intersection. •
9) R. A. 10054. Known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, is the primary law that
mandates all motorcycle riders to wear helmet.
10) R. A. 10930. Meanwhile, extends the validity of the driver's license from 3 years to 5
years, reckoned from birthdate of the licensee. The extension does not apply to student
permits.
11) Presidential Decrees (P. D.s) P. D. No. 96. Regulating the use of sirens bells, horns.
etc. by prohibiting the attachment of any siren, horn bell, etc. on motor vehicle which
produce unusual or startling sounds as well as blinkers and other similar devices unless
the vehicles belong to the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BJMP, Hospitals and Fire Department
and are specifically intended for use in emergencies.
1. Duly to Procure License - 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 shown or
surrendered for cause when demanded by a person authorized by R. A. 4136 to inspect the same.
(Sec. 19)
4. 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 100 kilos. (Sec. 32)
6. 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 wsy as not to
endanger passengers or the vehicles stability. (Sec. 32, b)
7. Required Motor Vehicle Accessories - Every motor vehicle when operated on a traffic way
should have the following specified accessories. a. Tires b. Brake c. Horns d. Headlight e. Tail
light f. Stop Light g. Windshield Wiper h. Use of Red Flag i. Mufflers
(Sec.53) 10. Obstruction of Traffic - Obstructions of traffic operating vehicle in such a manner
as to obstruct, block, or impede the passage of another vehicle in prohibited. This prohibition
applies even when discharging or loading passenger.
(Sec. 54) 11. Duties of Driver in Case of Accident - In the event that any accident should occur
as a result of the operation of a motor vehicle upon a highway, the driver shall observe the
following:
a. Stop immediately
b. Show his driver's license to inspecting traffic law enforcer.
c. Give his true name, address, including that the owner of the vehicle
d. Assist injured persons e. Take measures to protect belongings of passengers
f. Report the accident.
(Sec. 55) 12. A driver could live the area of accident without being held liable for HIT-AND-
RUN if:
a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other persons by reasons of the accident;
Chapter 5
FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL
Traffic Control
- It refers to the procedures, devices and communication systems that help vehicle and vessel safely
share the same roads, rails, waterways or air space. Traffic control establishes a set rules and
instructions that drivers, pilot, train engineers, and ship captain rely on to avoid collisions and
other hazards. Safe travel for pedestrian is an additional goal in highway traffic control.
D. Highways Traffic control. Motorist depends on traffic control devices to avoid collision and
travel safely to their destinations. Traffic control devices for highway travel include signs,
signals lights , pavement markings and a variety of devices placed on, over, near, or even
under, the roadway.
2. Regulatory Signs
These are intended warn the road users of special obligation, restrictions or prohibition with
which they must comply. It is subdivided into three categories:
1. Priority Signs
These signs intended to regulate priority over a particular road section or roadway
intersection.
2. Prohibitory or Restrictive Signs
These signs can be used on specified section of the road that will be easily seen by the
motorist to indicate regulation that is prohibitive or restrictive in nature.
3. Informative Signs
These signs are intended to guide road users while travelling, and are subdivided into:
1. Advance Signs
These are the names and distance of the principal destinations or destination served by the
intersection roads.
2. Direction Signs
Unlike the advance direction signs, direction signs shall be placed at the right of the
intersection to show the direction and destination of a route. Direction sign signs are different
from mandatory signs, since these signs gave only information as to direction and destination
of place, while mandatory sign require compliance.
3. Place Identification Signs
These may be used to show the frontier between two countries or for the purpose of showing
the beginning and/or end of built up areas.
4. Confirmatory Signs
These are used to confirm the direction of a road. They shall bear the names of one or more
places. Where distances are shown, the figures expressing them shall be placed after the name
of the locality.
5. Other signs indicating facilities for road users
Types of Road
The following are the main toll roads /expressways found in the Philippines:
According to Functions
1. Feeder Roads
Intended for farm-to market roads
2. Local Collector Roads
Intended to collects traffic from feeder road to municipal road.
3. Major Collector Roads
Intended as major arteries to collects inter-locality traffic to provincial road
4. Major Highway
Serve as main artery that caters on big volume of vehicular traffic on national roadway.
5. Expressway
A through traffic for free-flow of vehicular movement
6. Tunnel Road
A passage of wise section our through a hill or sea to shorten circuitous roadway
7. Subway
An underground conduct running entirely under the ground the ground for fast travel route of
commuters
8. Skyway
A modern urban system of roadway above the street level for free-flow traffic
Many are in quandary as to whale of difference between avenue and boulevard. There is an
international acceptance that they are both national roads. Both are broad thoroughfares, but boulevard is
more prestigious and sophisticating than an avenue. Often than not, boulevard is teeming with grass plots
and tress along the center, the sidewalk an oftentimes, boulevard is with lighted post in highly urban
centers of the world. It is for this reason that he boulevard is named after great men ad heroes.
Sidewalks
Intersections
Today, urban cities of the world walk on 2-legs-man and machine. But the continuity of its
locomotion depends upon the inter-link of connection road network at intersection to meet traffic demand.
The plan and design of intersection is based on traffic component, traffic volume, speed, traffic
distribution, canalizations of traffic accidents and future traffic demand.
Kind of Intersections
1. Three-Leg Intersection
1. T-Type
2. Y-Type
2. Four Leg Type
1. Right angle
2. Oblique
3. Multi-leg Intersection
4. Rotary intersection
1. Intersection should be avoided on cure Section Bridge, attaching part, cutting, and crest, near
entrance of tunnel and besides railroad crossing.
2. Intersections should not be greater than 4 legs. While 4-leg intersection is better than 3-leg
intersection however, If 5-leg intersection is unavoidable it must be used only as an exit.
3. Two roads should not intersect as a small angle. Intersect as a small angle. Intersecting at less
than 60 degrees makes it difficult for drivers to turn at acute angle and in effect constrict his
visibility particularly 10-wheeler trucks.
4. Distance between two intersections should be based on land use of density and road network.
Factors the determine the minimum distance of two intersections-queue length by the control
of traffic signals, length weaving section, length of turn and limit of driver’s concentration.
Chapter 6
Ways of Traffic Control
Priority Control In one of the oldest methods of traffic control, one form of transportation is giving
priority and restricting or banning other forms of transportation. In the 1 st century BC, Roman Emperor
Julius 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 strict truck travels though certain
neighborhoods.
Bus-lanes and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes exist in many urban areas. Only specified by type of
vehicles, primarily those carrying several occupants can use these lanes. By giving priority to high-
occupancy vehicles, transportation planners encourage carpooling and reduce congestion.
Restraints As an alternative to banning traffic; traffic control planner uses devices discourage heavy use
of route. Islands built in the centers of the intersection force driver to proceed slowly. Speed bumps
discourage high-speed commuting through residential neighborhoods. Concrete median strips and prevent
the vehicle from making turns except an intersection.
Traffic Signs
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In Britain, early signpost were elected by private individuals at their own expense in 1648,
parishes were require by law to place guideposts at crossroads, in 1773 and mileposts where
required to be enacted and maintained by Tumpike Trusts. The Motor act of 1903 made local
authorities responsible for placing a certain warning and prohibitory signs.
With increase international travel after World War II discussions took place in the United
Nation (UN) 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 00 road studs on the road England alone.
On June 6, 1973, the Philippine through P.D. 207 declared as a part of the laws of the
Philippines the UN Vienna Convention on road traffic, signs, markings and signals. The
participating countries to those convention to which the Philippines is a signatory, have agreed to
accept the system of traffic, road signs, signals and symbols and road marking described in said
convention and to adopt the same to facilitate international road traffic and to increase road
safety.
Traffic lights. This refers to any power operated traffic control device by which traffic is warned
directed to take specific actions. Traffic lights signals are used to control traffic at junctions and also to
stop traffic to provide safe crossing points for pedestrian and cyclist.
The color of traffic lights is chronologically arranged to give motorist better view of signal lights.
From the top, the series of color is Red, Yellow, and Green. If there is a left or right arrow the color
alternates from green, yellow to red and is usually installed at the left sides of the green, yellow and red
lights.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is reason for everything even for the red, amber, and green for traffic lights. The choice of
their colors, internationally adopted, was not arbitrary. It was the result of traditions, careful
considerations and experience.
Traffic lights were first introduced o railways- The American Railroads. Their applicationand
adoption to the road came only later.
1. The Colors Today. Traffic lights taken for granted. Few realized the amount of deliberation and
various factors the lead to their selection. They begin with fundamentals conditions had to be met.
a. The colors had to be recognized easily, quickly and mistakable.
b. This had to be possible from the considerable distance and while in motion
c. The quality, intensity and contrast of the colors had to be such that they serve their purpose in
all weather, day and night.
1. Red for “stop. Red was an obvious choice for stop, it had always represented danger. Fire
was red; man learned early on to keep a safe distance from it lest he burned. Blood was red to
shed it brought death. It is no wonder that, therefore, red become associated with emergency
and with danger.
Native tribes in many parts of the world made use of red give warning and strike terror.
The Incas in ancient Peru for instance made their messengers carry red beads when they
wished to give warnings in war. Hence “red” was best qualified through man’s constant
battle for life. In addition, in the prism of hue it was vivid and distinct.
2. White for “Go”. Though ”to give the green light” has become the proverbial permissive
signal in many a situation, green was not the original choice for “go”, white first indicated
that the railroad was safe and that the train could proceed without danger. After all, white had
always been regarded, though unscientifically so, as pure and clear color. Consequently, in
the language of symbolism if came to express purity. Therefore, it was decided upon to make
it the signal that the line was “clear”. Other factors favored the choice; as well a White light
was the most easily produced. It was “natural”, without the need of the paint or other coloring
aids. Like red for danger , It seemed the obvious selection.
3. Caution. Two “lights” were to control the running trains- white for “go” and red for”stop’. It
was then realized that safety would be served better still by introducing a cautionally light to
warn the driver of an imminent change. Its color once again was to be determined by
consideration of contrast, distinctiveness and visibility. The eventual choice was green.
4. Green for “Go”. It did not take long for “white” to prove wrong color for “go”. Bitter
experience taught that it was far from ideal. In fact, it could prove fatal and for a very
pertinent reason. At that early age, kerosene lamps served as the source of light.
1. The fixed-time system. A traffic control signal by which traffic is alternately commanded to stop
and permitted to proceed in accordance with predetermined time schedule this is the most widely
used system of traffic signaling the duration of the green lights remains constant and set is to the
favor traffic on the main roadways. Main road traffic is halted periodically to permit the side road
traffic to across the intersection for a short-fixed time before the signal again favor traffic on the
main road. The cycle lengths of the signal changes are determined by systematic studies of traffic
flow and pedestrian needs. Such cycle length can be set to vary during the day to accommodate
changing traffic patterns. Traffic activated controllers can also be used. These vary length of the
green light on the street according to changes in traffic demand.
2. Progressive System. The so-called progressive system used on major arteries of a number of
cities. Signals at successive intersections along the artery are timed to change from red to green at
staggered interval permitting a vehicle that maintains a constants speed to proceed without
interruption under normal circumstances. The progressive timing of signals is an integral part of
the operation of many large on-way arterial street systems.
3. Computerized control of signal networks. Signal changes are not predetermined but are
ordered by the demands of traffic are directed by computers that operate on the basis of traffic
information relayed from vehicle sensors on the streets.
Specific meaning of traffic lights to attain more effective and efficient controlling of traffic each
color of the traffic light has specific meaning of traffic regulation.
Pavement
This pertain of all lines, patterns, words, colors, or other gadget except sign set into the surface or
applied upon or attached to the pavement or curbing or to object within or adjacent to the roadway,
officially placed for the purpose of regulating , warning or guiding traffic.
Similarly pavement markings are placed on the roadway are standardizing as to color and location
to conform to international standard. Basically pavement markings are placed on the roadway to convey
warning and information to the road users without diverting his attention from the roadway under the
favorable condition.
Knowledge of the purpose and use of each type of markings is important in order for motorist
drive safely. Failure either internationally or by ignorance to observe the lines can prove disastrous.
TRAFFIC ISLANDS
Traffic Islands
These are areas within the roadway constructed in a manner to establish physical channels
through which vehicular traffic is guided.
Definition of Filter
The word filter in its literal meaning is to control or constrict the movement of vehicle as it passes
through the lane designated therefore. This traffic engineering design is to prevent traffic gridlock at the
intersection when turning left at the green arrow filter signal.
Channelization
A traffic engineering terminology that separates or regulates the conflict of traffic movement into
definite paths of travel by means of traffic island or pavement markings for the safe and orderly travels of
both man and machine.
Principles of Channelization
1. It reduces the area conflict in large paved intersection. In view of uncontrolled vehicle and
pedestrian movements it creates congestion and accidents.
2. The speed of traffic stream at the intersection may be controlled by the curvature employed in
the bending of the roadways. Thus, the minor flows will be sent to conform to the main
traffic stream.
3. Likewise, the speed of traffic stream at the intersection may be controlled by funneling. A
Scheme that not only controls the speed of entering vehicles but prevents overtaking and
passing in conflict area.
4. It blocks prohibited turn. To divert traffic streams, islands may be employed to encourage
drivers in the strict observance of prohibited turns.
5. It provides refuge for turning, and crossing vehicles. Adequate shadowing provides safe
refuge for waiting vehicle to cross or enter and uncontrolled traffic stream