LESSON 4.

TRAFFIC ISLANDS1
Concept

A. Traffic Islands Defined.

These are areas within the roadway constructed in a manner to establish physical channels
through which vehicular traffic is guided.

B. Functions of Traffic Islands. Traffic islands as part of traffic control devices are designed to:
1. segregate pedestrians and vehicles; and

2. control streams of traffic in order to minimize conflict, expedite traffic flow or increase
safety.

C. Classifications of Traffic Islands. Traffic islands are classified according to the design, place
of installation, and purpose of construction.

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
to prevent motor vehicles from using the sidewalk for parking and passing purposes

2. Traffic Islands. These are the raised portion in the middle of the traffic way constructed to
separate the strearns of motor vehicles traversing on opposite directions and at the same
time preventing motorists from using the opposite lane for overtaking (see figure 41.1-41.3)
Traffic islands are further sub-classified into three (3):

a. Division Islands. These are constructed primarily to divide the streams of the motor
vehicles.
b. Channelizing Island. These are constructed to channelize or direct the flow of traffic.
C. Rotary Islands. These are constructed along intersections or "rotundas" for purposes of
turning around.

Their functions are:

(1) prohibit pedestrians from crossing major thoroughfares at points where such
crossing are exceptionally hazardous,

(2) minimize imprudence and delays to vehicular traffic, and

(3) channelize and control pedestrians.

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Traffic Management & Accident Investigation Reviewer, Prof. Oscar Gatchalian Soriano
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Page 2 of 20
Page 3 of 20
TRAFFIC SUPERVISION2
Overview

Traffic Supervision 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 road to
fullest extent, and 4) to uphold that roads are primarily built to move traffic and not for carnivals.

LESSON 5.1

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

Traffic Law Enforcement Defined. 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.

As 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 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

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Traffic Management & Accident Investigation Reviewer, Prof. Oscar Gatchalian Soriano
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 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 PROSECUTION, 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:

1. To increase safety level - enforcement effort should be directed towards the reduction of
accidents or minimizing their effects.

2. To increase traffic efficiency - when traffic violators are reduced particularly those related to
traffic obstruction through an effective enforcement, there will be free-flow of traffic.

3. To insure harmonious and comfortable environment - when there is an increase safety level
and increase traffic efficiency, traveling is more comfortable and luxurious and it may reduce
chaotic situations in the traffic way.

D. Major Elements of Traffic Enforcement System. In the pursuit of effective traffic enforcement,
three elements are involved. Removing one of the elements or any of the elements, enforcement is
not complete.

1. Enforcement System. This area consists of legislation, police and the courts. Legislation
defines and specifies correct or incorrect road user behavior. Police and the courts are charged
with the responsibility of insuring that these laws are adhered to.

2. Road Users System (Traffic Way User). This element includes pedestrians, pedal cyclist,
drivers, passengers and others.

3. Road System (Traffic System). This area is composed of the entire road and vehicle
complex, as well as all traffic rules and regulations.

E. Five (5) Essential Steps in the Enforcement Process. Enforcement of traffic laws includes
the following process:

1. Detection (of violation). A whole police responsibility that entails looking for defects in the
behavior of motorist; pedestrians, vehicle, equipment and roadway condition. Requires
knowledge of law on the part of the police.

2. Apprehension. It is also a whole police function which involves the actual taking of
enforcement actions.

3. Prosecution. This area is handled by the prosecution and partly the court where the police
also provide corresponding influences through preparation and introduction of evidence or
close contact with the prosecuting officer

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 4. Adjudication. While this is obviously a court and prosecutions' function, the police provide
influence on this step by acting as witness to the prosecution or supplying additional evidence.
This step determines the guilt or innocence of the accused.

5. Penalization. The court after due process imposes the penalty upon the accused if found
guilty. The penalty is greatly influenced by previous records of conviction as provided by police
Penalty involved is either fine or imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment or may result to
the suspension or revocation of the driver's license of the accused.

F. Reasons for Violation of Traffic Laws. Road users violate traffic laws and ordinances due to
varying reasons. The following are the common reasons why road users violate traffic laws, rules
and regulations and other traffic statutes:

1. physical disabilities or infirmities

2. ignorance of traffic
3. lack of training and experience
4. wrong attitude towards driving
5. PUV drivers for increased compensation
6. driver's apathy towards signs, signals and markings
7. influential person violate because they feel they are exempted from punishment

G. Considerations that act as deterrents to motorist and pedestrians. Some road users are
hesitant in violating any traffic law or ordinance because of varying reasons which are enumerated
as follows:

1. fear of fine or punishment

2. loss of driving privilege
3. possibility of being involved in accident
4. positive area of good citizenship doing what is right and setting an example

H. Kinds of Enforcement Action. When traffic enforcers detected violation of traffic laws, an
enforcement action may be taken against the individual which is either arrest, or citation, or
warning alone.

1. Traffic Arrest. It is an enforcement action which consists of taking a person into custody for
the purpose of holding or detaining him to answer a charge of law violation before a court.

a. When a traffic violator can be arrested?

(1) offense committed is serious
(2) detention is necessary to avoid continued violation
(3) there is reasonable doubt that the violator will not appear in court

b. How is arrest made? In general, arrest is made by any of the following:

(1) by an actual restraint of the person to be arrested, or
(2) by his submission to the custody of the person making the arrest.
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c. Use of force in arresting. No violation or unnecessary force shall be used in making an
arrest and the person arrested shall not be subjected to any greater restraint than is
necessary for his detention.

d. Arrest in Traffic. In arresting a traffic violator, the traffic officer 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 suspended violator before a court to answer a
charge of violation.

e. Recording the Data of Arrest. Whichever action is used by the officer or Agency, the
following information are necessary:
(1) Date/time of Arrest.
(2) Place of Arrest.
(3) The common name of the offense for which the person is arrested.
(4) The full name of the arrested person, his home address, his business address and
his telephone number.
(5) Physical description of the arrestee, including his date of birth, nationality and
marital status.
(6) Name of witnesses to the arrest.
(7) Name and badge number of arresting officer.

f. When taking 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 the 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.

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 (2) Give instructions to the transporting officer about the place where the arrested is to
be delivered.
(3) Have the necessary information and instructions written out so that the transporting
officer will not err in the delivery
(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.

h. Warrantless Arrest or Citizen's/Civilian Arrest. Oftentimes, arrest in traffic is made

right after the commission of the traffic violation. Hence, traffic enforcers should know the
following rules to be observed in arresting a person without warrant of arrest as stipulated
by paragraphs a-c, Sec. 6, rule 113, Rules of Court:

(1) When in the presence of the arresting officer, the person to be arrested has
committed, is actually committing, or is about to commit an offense.
(2) When an offense has in fact been committed, and the arresting officer has
personal reasons to believe that the person to be arrested has committed it.

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 proper authority,
the traffic officer should confiscate the violator's driver's license and issue Traffic Citation Ticket
(TCT), TOP, or Traffic Violator's Receipt (TVR).

a. Apprehension. As an apprehending officer duly designated by the LTO, you should

observe the following when apprehending a traffic violator:
(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.

b. Where the violator should report? The violator should be advised to report to:
(1) Traffic Court, if in Manila and for violation of the City's Traffic Ordinance.
(2) City/Provincial Prosecutor, if in other chartered cities or provincial capitals without
traffic courts, for violations of local traffic ordinances.
(3) Municipal Court, in its municipalities, for violation of local traffic ordinances.
(4) LTO Central Office (TAS) for Metro Manila or its counterparts; REGIONAL
TRAFFIC ADJUDICATION SERVICE (RTAS) for violation of the Land Transportation
and Traffic Code (RA 4136), and its rules and in the provinces regulations.

c. Uses the TOP, the TCT, and the TVR. These are official documents designed for various
purposes, namely:
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 (1) It serves as a receipt for the confiscation of a vehicle or the driver's license or the
CR/OR of the vehicle.
(2) It serves 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) It is an official for of judicial or administrative citation to facilitate action on the case
for which it is issued.
(4) It is a record for disposing a case cited therein either administratively or judiciary.
(5) It is also a receipt for release of the confiscated items after adjudication and
termination of the case.

d. Preparation of the Information/Complaint. Within your tour of duty, prepare information or

complaint by filling up the TOP for processing of all traffic apprehensions at the appropriate
office.

e Filing of Information/Complaint. Within 24 hours from the time of apprehension, file the
complaints, together with the confiscated items, with the Clerk of Court or Provincial
Prosecutor or the court having appropriate jurisdiction as previously stated. Table 3 below
shows the summary steps followed in traffic citation,

f. Preliminary findings and disposition of License. Within 72 hours or three (3) days from the
filing the case with the respective traffic enforcement offices, the hearing authority shall
make immediate preliminary findings on the basis of police or complainant's witness reports
as to whether or not there is an imperative necessity of withholding the driver's license
confiscated.
(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.

g. Records of court proceedings.

(1) When the violator appears in Court 15 days and pleads guilty, the Clerk shows the
fine schedule and the violators pays the fine at the Treasurer's Office, receipt of which
is shown to Clerk of Court who records the same the TOP, and his license, if cleared
for release, is now returned to the driver.
(2) If the violator appears after 15 days, his license is forwarded to the LTO for
suspension or revocation, he shows his TOP copy to the LTO for proper disposition of
his license. Clerks of Courts, in every case, should inform the LTO and/or the
apprehending officer of the final disposition of the case.
(3) The violator appears in Court and desires not to plead guilty to the charge, the
Clerk of Court sets the date of hearing and notifies the accused accordingly and sends
a corresponding subpoena to the apprehending officer for his appearance.
(4) When the accused is found not guilty after trial, his license, if in the possession of
the Court or of the LTO, shall immediately be returned to him unless there is any other
legal ground for its suspension or revocation.
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 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: visual, verbal, and written.

a. Visual Warning. This is usually used when you have observed a minor violation but are
more importantly occupied at a moment. Indicate by gesture of the hand and /or of the
head.
b. 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.
c. Written Warning. This is a combination of verbal warning and citations. It gives the spirit
of verbal warning and the form of citation. This is seldom used nowadays.

I. Decision Enforcement. In determining what enforcement action to be taken, whether you arrest,
cite or warn the apprehended violator, consider the following:
1. Degree of violation;
2. Accuracy of observation;
3. Traffic and weather condition;
4. Evidence gathered;
5. Whether a new law or not; and
6. Continuous or momentary actions, a factor in some type of violations.

J. Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement. Pursuit is a part of routine enforcement activity performed by

police and is used when a violating driver is detected.

Pursuit is a part of the apprehension of a violator. In general, a driver who is aware of

his violation at your presence will stop his vehicle when signaled to do so. In this instance,
apprehension is complete and pursuit is not necessary. There are times, however, when a driver is
not aware that he has been detected in violation and must be pursued until apprehended. Pursuit
and successful apprehension of a violator may require the operation of your patrol vehicle at high
speed for an extended distance.

1. When to pursue? When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal reaction is to pursue
the violator until you apprehend him. However, due to traffic congestion or other complications,
such action is sometimes neither practical nor safe. In pursuing, observe the following:

a. Pursuit must always 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 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. Type of serious violation is an important factor in deciding to pursue:

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 (1) Non-hazardous violations. Pursuit to apprehend this violator seldom warrants a
prolonged chase or operation of your police vehicle at high speed. These violations do
not justify the same degree of risk as may be justified as hazardous violations.
(2) Hazardous violations. These violations present continuing danger to other road
users that require immediate and sometime aggressive pursuit. Examples are:
(a) Driving while under the influence of liquor;
(b) Reckless driving; and
(C) Driving on excessive speed.

e. Consider the following when pursuing hazardous violators:

(1) A violator of this nature is likely to have little concern for other drivers at their
safety.
(2) Successful flight from identification and apprehension is usually his only concern.
(3) Be prepared for acts of this type of violator which could give him an advantage
while interfering with your pursuit and successful apprehension. Like trying to force
you or other motorists off the road.

f. Consider your driving skill and experience. Driving skill is that collection of proper habits
which enable a person to detect and evaluate road and traffic conditions about him, and to
maneuver his vehicle properly without consciously thinking about what he is doing. Check
your skill in these areas:
(1) Manipulative skills - making your vehicle behave as you intend.
(2) Recognizing road and traffic conditions that may hinder your pursuit.
(3) Defensive driving anticipating and allowing bad driving by others.

g. Resisting distraction. You should know what evasive actions will permit you to avoid or
escape unfavorable traffic conditions. A driver can often protect himself from danger if he
knows how to recognize the danger in time and take proper evasive action.

2. Pursuit Techniques. A successful pursuit operation can be attained if the pursuing officer
knows the following:

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, or by
having a police car to operate.

3. Identification of Pursued Vehicle.

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.

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 b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehicles on a "hot sheet" within easy viewing range while
in driving position. The list should be arranged by cases of offense for rapid identification of
violators wanted for more serious offense.
c. Identify the violator's vehicle for later identification, particularly when pursuit is lengthy,
interrupted, 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." Sometimes prescribed registration number on a clipboard is the only clue to the
identification of an escaping violator who has struck or injured an officer.

4. Itemized Identification Features of the Vehicle. For an effective identification of the pursued
vehicle, the officer must be familiar with the following features:

a. COLOR - For example, red, black, etc. When the vehicle has more than one
color, first give the color of the body and then the top, i.e., black body, gray top.
b. YEAR OF MANUFACTURE - learn to identify the year model of a vehicle, i.e.,
"1996".
c. MAKE - Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, etc..
d. BODY TYPE - p-up, wagon, 4dr sedan, truck, etc..
e. LICENSE PLATE NUMBER - city or province of issuance, letter and number
prefixes, i.e., AAA 456
f. OUTSTANDING FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES - "wide bank racing stripe,"
vinyl top, particular damage which are noticeable as crumbled fender, damaged
door, or cracked door.
g. UNUSUAL FEATURES OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS - clothing, air,
glasses, etc..

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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K. Officer-Violator Relationship. The first reminder for an officer is to establish PLEASANT
RELATIONSHIP with offending motorists or pedestrians. This may be accomplished by:
1. The appearance of your uniform, equipment and person which will create the violator's
impression of you. A neat, clean uniform properly worn and well-groomed person will create a
good impression.
2. Observance of the following rules when talking with the violators:
a. Get your emotions under control. Don't appear before him when you are both at the peak
of tension.
b. Advise the violator the nature of the alleged violation in a manner that he can fully
understand.
c. Allow the violator to talk and explain his side.
d. Be courteous and business-like. You may introduce yourself or use only "good morning",
"Sir" or "Madam." By using "Sir" or "Madam."
e. Request compliance. Use requesting words such as "May I," "Please" and "Kindly" when
directing the violator.
f. Avoid telling the driver what not to do. If you want him to do something, whenever
possible, explain why you want him to do it.

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 with 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 driver's license 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.

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 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 vehicle registration certificate until you are about to
terminate the interview.

6. In terminating your contact with the violator -

a. Explain to the driver what action he must take.

b. Tell him when and where he must appear.
c. Don't discuss probable bail penalties with the violator.
d. Avoid any naughty suggestion that he should engage in the services of a counsel or how
he should plead.
e. When you are certain the driver understands what he should do, close the interview by:
(1) Thanking the driver for his cooperation.
(2) Explaining how he may avoid further difficulty.
f. Help the driver get safely through the traffic.
g. When the violator leaves, don't follow him immediately, He may feel that you are just
waiting to nab him again.

L. Road Check. This is another enforcement activity where it involves the conducting of actual
inspection of vehicles, and motorists on the road.

1. Objectives of road check. The objective of road check is to detect and inspect the
following:

a. faulty vehicle equipment

b. registration and licensing violations
c. intoxicated drivers
d. the load or cargo of commercial transportation vehicle for load weight

2. Considerations to be taken.

a. minimum delay to motorist

b. thorough checking procedure
c. protection/safety of both motorist and
d. timing, location and frequency officers

In case thorough checking of vehicles will be conducted, take note of the legalities of
searches or the instances that validates the search, i.e., search incidental to lawful arrest,
consented search, search of moving vessel, and search by "tips".

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LESSON 5.2
TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL3

Concept:

As discussed earlier, the movement of people, goods, vehicles, trains, ships, and airplanes
from one place to another is called traffic. And controlling traffic involves attempts to make these
movements as fast, safe, and efficient as possible. Aside from utilizing traffic signs, pavement
markings and markers, and traffic signal systems, one important aspect of traffic control is the
assigning of traffic officers along intersections where traffic congestions are common problems.
Assigning of traffic officers on strategic places does not only ensure the obedience to traffic
Taws, rules and regulations but it also serves as emergency solution when traffic lights suddenly
Fail or when the traffic signal light could not control the flow of traffic. Traffic officers manning
intersections can also provide emergency services to the public not only during lights out but also
during disasters or calamities like fire or ambulances responding to fire or crime scenes. During
these moments, traffic officers can immediately give way to responding fire engines, police cars, or
ambulances by directing and control traffic along intersections.
Intersection Defined. As applied to a street or highway means the space occupied by two
streets at the point where they cross each other. Usually, this is the place where traffic direction
and traffic control is needed.
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 the PNP-HPG, police
auxiliaries, MMDA Traffic Management Section. In some places, volunteers coming from barangay
security forces and other civic organizations assist in the directing and controlling of traffic
particularly during rush hours, special occasions, and time of emergencies.

B. Directing and Guiding Traffic. The following are the basic concept for an effective directing
and guiding traffic:

1. When you are assigned to direct traffic, you are expected to indicate to the drivers and
pedestrians how, when, and where they may move.
2. In order to do this, use a type of sign language which shall be clearly understandable to all
persons you will be directing.
3. However, if your signals are different from those used by other officers, motorists would
probably fail to understand them and ignore you altogether.
4. Hence, it is important for the efficient direction of traffic that the officers use uniform gestures
and signals.
5. Moreover, the signals should be able to be seen over a fairly long distance. When directing
traffic, you first want drivers and pedestrians to recognize that you are the officer who will tell
them that to do. But you must also know how to tell them when to stop, go or turn by using
gestures alone.

3
Traffic Management & Accident Investigation Reviewer, Prof. Oscar Gatchalian Soriano
Page 15 of 20
 6. Normally, this is in the center of the intersection. Stand as though you mean business. Stand
straight with your weigh equally distributed to each foot.
7. When you are not signaling, let your hands fall at your sides. When you authorize vehicles to
move, do not face them. vehicle. Stand so that your side is toward the oncoming

C. Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic.

1. Use hand signals to designate decisions to motorists and pedestrians (see figure 42).
2. Supplement the arm/hand signals with a whistle:
a. one long blow to STOP.
b. two short snappy blasts for GO.
c. three blasts to be used for assistance.
3. If two or more officers are assigned in one intersection, only one makes the decision, while
the other take theirs from him.
4. To stop a moving lane, point at the car you intend to stop and give the driver the opportunity
to stop (see figures 42.1 42.4).
5. The hand signal should be made with the arm extended and the palm facing the person or
vehicle to be stopped.

D. Night Control of Traffic. There are instances when traffic officers are needed to direct and
guide traffic during night time, not only during lights out where traffic lights are not functioning but
also during some instances where an accident occurs and traffic officers are needed to guide the
motorists. Whichever case, the following are the suggested methods to be used while directing and
guiding traffic during night time.
1. When light is sufficient, work as in day time.
2. If light is not sufficient, use flashlight:
a. To STOP, direct the flashlight in line of the vision and move back and forth.
b. To START, use the same motion as in daylight except with flashlight.
c. Supplement the actions with whistle.

E. Hand Signals. Some standard hand signals when directing traffic.

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