Tabaco College

College of Criminal Justice Education

Coverage: MIDTERM PERIOD

CDI 2: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

I. LEGAL SYSTEM FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

Licensing System – it is the system of issuing license to any person who is qualified to fulfill the responsibilities required by
the license. This is administered by the LTO.
Driver’s License – it is issued to the drivers as privilege granted by the government providing statutory qualification as
provided.

Licensing Procedure:

Requisite for Filing of License

 at least 16 years old for student’s permit
 17 years old for non-professional
 18 years old for professional

Kinds/ Categories of Driver’s License

1. Student Driver’s Permit - issued to those who want/desire to learn driving (Note: a student driver cannot operate
a vehicle unless accompanied by an instructor who may either be a licensed prof. or non-prof. driver)
Qualifications:
 At least 16 years of age
 Physically sound, good health and no contagious ailment
 Mentally capable
 12 months’ validity
2. Non-Professional Driver’s License – issued to a person who drives private motor vehicle only; restricted up to
4500 kg
Qualifications:
 At least 17 years of age
 With SP issued to applicant for at least 1 month from the date of application
 5 years’ validity (A.O. No. 2016-034)
 Identifying color is green (word non-professional)
3. Professional Driver’s License – issued to a qualified person who drives private or public vehicles for paid or hired
Qualifications:
 At least 18 years of age
 With non-prof issued to applicant for at least 4 months and SP issued to applicant for at least 6
months
 5 years’ validity (A.O. No. 2016-034)
 Identifying color is red (word professional)
4. Military Driver’s License – issued to an enlisted personnel who drive military vehicles; bearing the word “for
government use only”
5. International Driver’s License– Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) – a document along with your
valid home driver’s license allows you to legally drive a motor vehicle while abroad; foreigner can operate vehicle
but not beyond 90 days

Ground for Revocation of Driver’s License:

a. Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime upon conviction by court;
b. Commission of a crime in the course of apprehension, upon conviction by a regular court;
c. Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs or similar substance, upon conviction by
court;
d. Reckless driving; and
e. Submission of fake documents in the application of driver’s license or renewal.

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Driver’s Restriction Codes:
1 – Motorcycle/ Motorized Tricycle
2 – Vehicle up to 4500 kgs. GVW
3 – Vehicle above 4500 kgs. GVW
4 – Automatic clutch up to 4500 kgs
5 – Automatic clutch above 4500 kgs
6 – Articulated vehicle 1600 kgs
7 – Articulated vehicle up to 1601 to 4500
8 – Articulated vehicle above 4501 kg
9 – Disabled/ PWD’s

Drivers’ Condition:
1. A – wear eyeglasses
2. B – drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
3. C –drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
4. D – daylight driving only
5. E – accompanied by a person with normal hearing

Classification of Registered Motor Vehicle

1. Private (not for hire) – for family used, personal used of the owner; plate color is green/black with white
background
2. Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) (for hire) –used for the conveyance of passengers and other commercial goods. The
car plate color is yellow.
3. Government – owned by government offices and are used for official purposes; red plates with white background
4. Diplomats (Diplomatic Vehicle) –used by foreign diplomats/ dignitaries and consuls assigned in the Philippines;
Blue plate
5. Commemorative Plate – special plate numbers are issued for specific purposes such as fund-raising for
government projects and programs

Schedule of Registration: (annual)

Last Digit of Plate Number Middle Digit of Plate Weekly Deadline

Number
(working days of month only)

1 - Jan 6 – Jun 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2 - Feb 7 – Jul
3 - Mar 8 – Aug 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
4 - Apr 9 – Sep
5 - May 0 – Oct 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

9 0 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance of weekly deadline. For motorcycles, use the 3 rd digit.

Example: Plate Number – TNG 984

The above motor vehicle shall be registered in April every year because the last digit is “4” and the day of
registration falls in April 15-21 since the middle digit is “8”.

Letter Prefixes on Plate Numbers

- It indicates:
1. Place of initial registration of the motor vehicle;

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 2. Year of initial registration and the possible year model of the registered motor vehicle could be
determined from the order of the letter prefixes, i.e., the higher the letters the later the year of
registration and year model of the motor vehicle.

Example: Vehicle 1 – PLT 255 Vehicle 2 – TNU 636

Between the above motor vehicles, Vehicle 1 was registered earlier than Vehicle 2 and possibly, Vehicle 2's model
is later than Vehicle 1.

Special Plate Numbers for Government Officials (DOTR Department Order No. 2014-004):
1 – PANGULO (President of the Phil.)
2 – Vice President
3 – Senate President
4 – Speaker of the House of Representatives
5 – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
6 – Cabinet Secretary
7 – Senators
8 – Congressmen
9 – Associate Justices of the SC
10 – Presiding Justice/ Other Justices of the CAs/ Solicitor General
11 – Chairman on the Commission on Election
12 – Cabinet Under Secretary
14 – Chief of Staff, AFP/ Chief, PNP
16 – RTC Judges

Words and Phrases used in R.A. 4136:

Motor Vehicle – any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using the public highways, but
excepting rollers, trolley cars, street sweepers, sprinklers, lawnmowers, bulldozers, graders, forklifts, amphibian
trucks and cranes if not used on public highways; also vehicles which run only on rails or tracks, and tractors,
trailers and traction engines of full kinds used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
- Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled or intended to be propelled by attachment to a motor
vehicle, shall be classified as a separate motor vehicle with no power rating.
Passenger Automobiles –all pneumatic tire vehicles of type similar to those usually known under the following
terms: touring car, command car, speedster, sports car, roadster, jeep, cycle car (except motor wheel and similar
small outfits which are classified with motorcycles), coupe, landaulent, closed car, limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.
- The distinction between “passenger truck” and “passenger automobile” shall be that of common usage:
Provided, that a motor vehicle registered for more than nine passengers shall be classified as “trucks”.
Articulated Vehicle –any motor vehicle with a trailer having no front axle and so attached that part of the trailer
rests upon the motor vehicle and a substantial part of the weight of the trailer and of its load is borne by the motor
vehicle. Such trailer shall be called as “semi-trailer”.
Garage – any building in which two or more motor vehicles, either with or without drivers, are kept ready for hire to
the public, but shall not include street stands, public service stations, or other public places designated by proper
authority as parking spaces for motor vehicles for hire while awaiting or soliciting business.
Gross weight – measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable carrying capacity in merchandise,
freight and/or passengers, as determined by the Commissioner of the LTO.
Highways – every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley and callejon, but shall not
include roadway upon grounds owned by private persons, colleges, universities, or other similar institutions.
Parking or parked – a motor vehicle is parked or parking if it has been brought to a stop on the shoulder or proper
edge of a highway, and remains inactive in that place or close thereto for an appreciable period of time. a motor
vehicle which properly stops merely to discharge a passenger or to take in a waiting passenger, or to load or unload
a small quantity of freight with reasonable dispatch shall not be considered as parked, if the motor vehicle again
moves away without delay.

Persons:
DRIVER – every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle.
PROFESSIONAL DRIVER – every and any driver hired for driving or operating a motor vehicle, whether for private
use or for hire to the public. Any driver driving his own motor vehicle is a professional driver.

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 CONDUCTOR – license person allowing limited number of passengers, freight or cargo in public utility, truck or
buses.
PASSENGER – persons on-boarding a motor vehicle
PEDESTRIAN – persons un-board in a motor vehicle
OWNER – actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name as such vehicle is duly registered with the LTO.
- The owner of a government-owned motor vehicle is the head of the office or the chief of the Bureau to
which the said motor vehicle belongs.
DEALER – every person, association partnership or corporation making, manufacturing, constructing, assembling,
or setting up motor vehicles; and every such entity acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes styles, or
kinds of motor vehicles, dealing in motor vehicles, keeping the same in stock or selling same or handling with a view
to trading the same.
Tourist – a foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or culture.

Provisions of R.A 4136 in which Every Traffic Law Enforcer Should Know:

1. Exceeding registered capacity (Overloading)

2. Cargo Carrying Devices –the total net weight of the device, including cargo, must not exceed 100 kilos
3. Riding on Running Board – except for conductors collecting passenger fare
4. Riding on Top of the motor vehicle –the weight thereof is not more than 20 kilos per square meter distributed in
such a way as not to endanger passenger’s or the vehicle’s stability
5. Required motor vehicle accessories –tires, brakes, horns, headlight, tail light, stop light, windshield wiper, use of
red flag, and mufflers.
6. Hitching on to a vehicle –the following are prohibited:
a. Hanging on to a riding on the outside or rear end of any vehicle.
b. Holding on to any moving vehicle whether on foot or otherwise.
c. Driver allowing any person to hang on to or ride outside of or at the rear end of the vehicle.
7. Driving while under the influence of liquor or other prohibited drugs.
8. Obstruction of Justice –operating a motor vehicle I such a manner as to obstruct, block, or impede the passage of
another vehicle is prohibited. This prohibition applies even when discharging or loading passengers.
9. Duties of driver in case of accident.
a. Stop immediately.
b. Show his driver’s license to inspecting traffic law enforcer.
c. Give his true name and address, including that of the owner of the vehicle.
d. Assist injured persons.
e. Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident (Sec. 55)
10. A driver could leave 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 person/s by reason of the accident;
b. He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of a physician or nurse to aid the victim.

GENERAL RULES OF ROAD USE AND CONDUCT

 Speed limit and other rules on speed – no person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway at such speed as
to endanger the life, limb and property neither of any person, nor at a speed greater than will permit him to bring the
vehicle to full stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

Maximum Allowable Speeds:

Passenger cars and Motor trucks and

motorcycles buses

a. on open country roads, with no blind corners not

80 km. 50 km.
closely bordered by habitations.

b. on “through streets” or boulevards clear of traffic, with

40 km. 30 km.
no blind corners, when so designated.

c. on city and municipal streets, with light traffic, when 30 km. 30 km.

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 not designated “through streets”.

d. through crowded streets, approaching intersections

at “blind corners”, passing school zones, passing other
20 km.
vehicles which are stationary, or for similar dangerous 20 km.
circumstances

Exception to speed limit:

1. A physician or his driver when the former responds to an emergency calls.

2. The driver of a hospital ambulance on the way to and from the place of accident or other emergency.
3. Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency treatment to a hospital, clinic, or any other similar
place.
4. The driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces while in use for official purposes in times of riot,
insurrection or invasion.
5. The driver of a vehicle, when he or his passengers are pursuit of a criminal.
6. A law enforcement officer who is trying to overtake a violator of traffic laws.
7. The driver officially operating a motor vehicle of any fire department, provided that exemption shall not be
construed to allow useless or unnecessary fast driving of drivers aforementioned.

Lateral Placement –means the proper positioning of the motor vehicle while traversing on a traffic way or while on parked.

Overtaking and Passing –in overtaking another vehicle, a driver should pass at a safe distance to the left of the vehicle
being overtaken and shall resume driving on the right side of the road only after passing clear of the
overtaken vehicle.
 Exception:
On the highways with two or more lanes where traffic goes in one direction, another vehicle may be
overtaken on the right. (Sec. 39, R.A. 4136)
 Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle
The driver of a motor vehicle about to be overtaken must give way to the overtaking vehicle and shall not
increase his speed until the overtaking vehicle has fully passed by.
 Restrictions on overtaking and passing (Sec 41, R.A. 4136)
a. To the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the
same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible, and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient
distance ahead to permit safety overtaking.
b. When approaching the crest of a grade, nor upon a curve in the highway, where the driver’s view
along the highway is obstructed within a distance of five hundred feet ahead, except on a highway
having two or more lanes for movement of vehicles in one direction.
c. At any railway grade crossing, nor at any intersection of highways, unless such intersection or
crossing is controlled by traffic signal, or a traffic officer.
d. Between any points indicated by the placing of official temporary or caution signs indicating that
men are working on the highways.
e. In any “no passing or overtaking zone”.

Right of Way –this principle refers to the legal customary precedence (priority in place or time) which allows one vehicle to
cross or pass in front of another.
 Exception:
a. Of a vehicle entering from a private road or drive. The right of way is in favor of all vehicles utilizing
the highway.
b. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to police or fire department
vehicles and ambulances when such vehicles are operated on official business and the drivers
thereof sound audible signal of their approach.
c. The driver of a vehicle entering a “through highway” or a “stop intersection” shall yield the right of
way to all vehicles approaching in either direction on such “through highway”.

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Starting, Stopping or Turning Rules –the driver of any motor vehicle on a highway, before starting, stopping or turning
from a direct line, shall first see that such movement can be made safely; and if any pedestrian is affected by such
movement, he shall give a clearly audible signal by sounding the vehicle’s horn.
 When other motorist is affected
Whenever the operation of any other approaching or following may be affected by such movement, the
driver making the movement shall give a signal for other driver/s of his attention to make such movement.
(Sec. 44,a)
 Hand Signal – the required signal shall be given by means of extending the hand or arm beyond the left
side of the vehicle or by an approved mechanical or electrical signal device.

Pedestrians’ Rights and Duties – pedestrians have the right to occupy or pass on spaces or portions of traffic way
allocated for them like crossing on pedestrian lanes and passing on sidewalks or catwalks. Their fundamental duty is to
observe and obey all traffic rules and regulations.

TEN COMANDMENT 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, and vehicles with momentum, straight traffic, and traffic signs.

 Right of Way Rule

Right of Way – it is the right to proceed ahead of another vehicle or pedestrian.

a. Intersection – when two or more vehicles are entering an intersection the one on the left will give way
to the right vehicle.
b. Pedestrian –drivers should yield to pedestrian crossing except at intersection whereas the movement
of vehicles is regulated by a police officer.
c. 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 slow down to 5mph.
d. Police/ Emergency Vehicle – all drivers should yield to emergency vehicle except as directed by
traffic enforcer. Fire trucks are exempted to speed limit but they are prohibited to have unnecessary
speed.
e. From Private Road to Highway – vehicle from private road must yield to that on a highway.

3. Prohibited Parking
 Places Where Parking is Prohibited:
a. Near an intersection
b. Crosswalk/Pedestrian Lane
c. Within 6 meters from drive way of any response installation, fire hydrant and private roads
d. Double parking
e. Sidewalks, alleys, foot of the bridge
f. Places wherein official signs are posted

4. If in Doubts, Do Not Overtake – overtaking lane is the lane to the left of overtaken vehicle going in the same
direction, overtaken vehicle is the privilege vehicle.
 Consider this if you are to overtake:
a. Signal the intention.
b. Make sure that the overtaking lane is clear and free of oncoming vehicle for sufficient distance to
facilitate proper overtake.
c. Maneuver at own risk the vehicle overtaken is the privilege vehicle. Driver’s keep his lane, maintains
speed and yield to overtaking vehicle.
d. He shall increase his speed until the overtaken vehicle has cleared the way.
e. In a two lanes, on a divided roadway, they may use either of the lanes.
f. In an expressway with fast and slow lanes, on a divided roadway, they may use either of the lanes.
g. Overtaking is prohibited at crest of a grade curve, railway crossing, intersection and between
construction and caution.

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 5. The Bus Stop Rule – the buses queue up in a single file in their order arrival. Lead bus moving toward the center
of column of buses lining on the bus stop zone, and remain until zone id filled with buses, but not 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 Driver – 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 a bus or
jeepney stop.

10. Remember the International Safety Reminder – “SAFETY FIRST”

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.

Causes of Traffic Congestion:

1. Physical Inadequacy – characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad crossings, lack of traffic facilities,
etc.
2. Poor control measures – ineffective traffic enforcers, mechanical control devices, and poor implementation of
traffic laws, rules and regulation
3. Human errors
- Drivers going too fast or maintaining an excessive speed
- Failing to give junction
- Following too closely
4. Poor maintenance – dilapidated roads, unrepaired diggings, open manholes, cracks on roads pavement or
unfinished road pavement concreting, etc.

II. TRAFFIC PATROL, SUPERVISION, DIRECTION AND CONTROL

 Traffic Patrol – part of traffic supervision by patrolling to ensure public obedience.

- The observation of road conditions, the behavior of the drivers and the other users of vehicles
for the purpose of traffic supervision and law enforcement and providing authorized traffic-
connected services to the public.
Objectives:
 Deterrence of violators
 Detection and apprehension
 Observation and reporting of traffic condition and road condition
 Providing certain services to public

Types of Patrol
 Line Patrol – it is assigned to a particular place
 Area Patrol – type of patrol assigned to an area of vicinity

Kinds of Traffic Observation

 Stationary Traffic Observation – officer is assigned at specific place

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  Conspicuous Traffic Observation – officer attracts attention
 Visible Traffic Observation – stationary observation the observer is in full view
 Concealed Traffic Observation – observer is not visible to the public

Deterrent to Violations and Dangerous Driving:

1. Detecting and apprehending violators.
2. Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
3. Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction which needs attention.
4. Providing certain services to the public.
5. Handling emergencies as they arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.

Road Intelligence – Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may observe an unusual amount of delay at
a certain intersection each morning, and when you learn the cause, be sure to report the situation at once to your superior
officer. You should also report unnecessary delay at stop signs or signals which are installed when traffic is heavier. Include
in your report all road and bridge condition.

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

Objectives of Road Check:

1. Faulty vehicle equipment
2. Registration and licensing procedure
3. Intoxicated drivers
4. The load or cargo check of commercial transportation vehicle for load weight

Types of Traffic Check

 Faulty vehicle
 Officer directing road check

Consideration in Road Check:

 Minimum delay to motorist
 Thorough checking procedure
 Protection and safety of parties involved
 Timing and location and frequency

Points to Remember:
 Violators are diversified
 Conflicts arises in violators
 You are professional officer, there is no professional violator
 Be alert for an unexpected

 Traffic Supervision – it is an act of overseeing the traffic to keep order on street and highways within existing laws.
- is the keeping order on the streets and highways within existing regulations to make their
use safe and expeditious. Its 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 to carnivals.

*** In the attainment of the objectives of traffic supervision, three (3) police activities are needed:
1. Traffic Law Enforcement
2. Traffic Direction and Control
3. Traffic Accident Investigation

Traffic Law Enforcement –is a 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.

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Scope of Traffic Law Enforcement:
1. The action taken by the police and the court to compel obedience to traffic laws and ordinances regulating the
movement and use of motor vehicles for the purpose of creating a deterrent to unlawful behavior by all potential
violators.
2. Enforcement of traffic legislation is an area of activity aimed at controlling road users, let behavior by preventive
persuasive and punitive methods in order to effect a safe and efficient traffic movement; and
3. It applies to all statutes, ordinances and legally authorized regulations relating to the use of street and highways and
operation of motor vehicles.

Police Works:
 Accident Investigation
1. Less Serious Offense
2. Serious Traffic Offense

Officers are required to be skilled in the following instances:

- Accident scene
- Emergencies
- Planned and special events
- Regular points and integration control
- Directing pedestrian movement

Officers are required to know how to direct with the following places:
- Not signalized intersection
- Signalized intersection
- Between intersection

Considerations that act as deterrents to motorist and pedestrians:

- Fear of fine or punishment
- Loss of driving privilege
- Possibility of being involved in accident
- Positive area of good citizenship doing what is right and setting an example.

Traffic Jam – it is caused by such factors as vehicular accident, stalled vehicle, absence of traffic enforcer and road
construction.

How to handle traffic jam? Steps to be taken by officer are:

a. Determine the cause of the traffic jam,
b. Where traffic jam is caused by vehicular accident, conduct fast, immediate but complete investigation and
remove vehicles involved at the scene of accident,
c. If traffic jam is caused by mechanical trouble, assist motorist to push the vehicle to a place where it will not
obstruct the flow of traffic,
d. Establish yourself and conduct systematic flow of traffic,
e. Observe if the flow of traffic become smooth, if not, refer back to letter “a” above, and
f. Implement proper traffic regulation to avoid further traffic jam.

Drunken Drivers – it is a driver who drives under the influence of alcohol with 10% of intoxicating level.

Field Sobriety Test:

- Walk on straight line
- One foot balance
- Reading
- Spelling
- Counting from 1 to 10
- Video tape the movement
- Photograph the unguarded movement

Chemical Test:
- Blood test

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 - Urine test
- Perspiration test
- Breath test
- Skin test

Evidence Against Drunken Drivers:

 Drivers admission
 Co-occupants testimony
 Material witnesses testimony
 Photograph of drunken driver
 Video/ voice tape of driver
 Officers testimony

Legal Actions Against Driver:

- Submit him to the nearest laboratory for testing
- Impound the vehicle
- Confiscate the license
- Recommend the suspension of privilege
- Sue him for violation
- If acquitted recommend suspension of license

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 monetary actions, a factor in some type of violation.

Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement:

Pursuit is a part of routine enforcement activity performed by police and is used when violating driver is detected. It
is a part of the apprehension of a violator.

1. When to Pursue?
When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal reaction is to pursue the violator until you apprehend
him. When deciding to pursue, the following should be taken note:
a. Pursuit must always be tampered with common sense and foresight of like hazards.
b. Better judgment is used in losing or apprehending the violator later.
c. Consider the type/ seriousness of violation:
(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.
d. 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.
e. Consider your driving skill and experience.
(1) manipulative skills – making your vehicle behave as you intend

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 (2) Recognizing road and traffic conditions that may hinder your pursuit.
(3) Defensive driving – anticipating and allowing bad-driving by others.
f. 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. The officer should know 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 on patrol, use a clipboard with attaché paper and pencil. Anchor the clipboard by sitting on part of it
so that notes can be written without looking down.
b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehicles on a “hot sheet” within easy viewing range while in driving position.
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 or
abandoned, or in case you are injured by the violators.
d. The registration plate is very important and accurate method of establishing identity of a vehicle is also
important. Train yourself to observe complete license plate number at a glance.
e. Record the registration number as soon as possible, and check it against your “hot sheet”. 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.

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 No. – 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, hair, glasses, etc.

5. Stopping and Approaching Violator. 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.

Officer-Violator Relationship – the first reminder for an officer is to establish PLEASANT RELATIONSHIP with offending
motorists or pedestrians thru:
a. The good and neat appearance of uniform, equipment, and well-groomed person;
b. Controlled emotions and courteous conversation;
c. Avoidance of sarcastic or derogatory words;
d. Being alert, decisive, and alert on what to say;
e. Ready assistance to the violator; and
f. Good explanation or advice before terminating the conversation.

 Fundamentals of Traffic Control

A. As applied to Land Transportation

Traffic Control is a system of traffic engineering, employing prescribed traffic rules and regulations and
devices such as signals, and markings, to relieve vehicular congestion and air pollution, and to promote safety and
pedestrian mobility, usually in heavily populated urban areas.

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 B. Control Techniques (comprehensive systems used)
1) Access-road meters to monitor and control motorway;
2) Closed-circuit television surveillance to detect quickly any deterioration in traffic flow; and
3) Emergency services to provide aid in case of accident and injury.

C. Other Traffic-Control techniques include:

1. The use of one-way streets;
2. Enforcement of traffic flow regulations;
3. Channelization (building traffic islands, turning lanes and so on);
4. The use of traffic signals.

Aims of Signal Control:

- Reduce traffic conflict and delay
- Reduce accident
- Economize police time
Types of Traffic Control Device
a. Traffic road sign
b. Pavement markings
c. Traffic light
d. Traffic island
Night Control of Traffic
1. When light is sufficient, work as in day time
2. If light is not sufficient, use flashlight by:
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.

Intersection – the space occupied by two streets at the point where they cross each other. These are three stops or the “T”
or “Y”, the four stops, the five stops, six stops, or cloverleaf.

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.

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, motorist 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 wand
drivers and pedestrians to recognize that you are the officer who will tell them what to do. But you must also know
how to tell them when to stop, go or turn by using gestures alone.
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. Stand so that your side is toward the oncoming vehicle.

Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic:

1. Use hand signals to designate decisions to motorist and pedestrians.
2. Supplement the arm/hand signals with a whistle:
a. One long blow to STOP.
b. Two short snappy blasts for GO.
c. Three blast to be used for assistance.
3. If two or more officers are assigned in one intersection, only one makes the decision, while the other takes 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.

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 5. The hand signal should be made with the arm extended and the palm facing the person or vehicle to be stopped.

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