CHAPTER FOUR

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND

TRAFFIC EDUCATION
Traffic Engineering
- the science of measuring traffic and travel
- the study of the basic laws relative to the
traffic flow and generation
- the application of this knowledge to the
professional practice of planning
- the operating traffic systems to achieve
safe and efficient movement of persons and
goods.
 Traffic Engineering helps to:
• Optimize road space;
• Develop road safety strategies and programs;
• Assess and implement traffic collision reduction
measures;
• Accessibility, parking and traffic impact studies;
• Integration of active transportation and transit
into road designs
• Intersection design and operation; and
• Road safety studies
 Role of a Traffic Engineer

1. Conducting capacity analysis to determine

how much traffic can logically fit on a
roadway in a safe and efficient manner;
2. Conducting traffic counts for roadways
and intersections to determine the volume of
traffic, where the traffic is going to and
from, and the type of traffic on the roadway;
3. Taking a second look at the safety
features of a road;
Determining appropriate signing and
pavement markings along a new or
existing road;
4. Investigating accidents and
determining if changes can be made to
roadways or intersections to make it
safer for all who use those roads; and
5. Working closely with a developer or builder
to determine the impact that a new
development or construction project might
have on the road system and then make
recommendations to mitigate or offset the
impact of that new development.
Emergence of Traffic Control
Devices
Traffic Control Devices include street
signs, traffic signals, and road
markings. These signs, signals, and
stripes guide drivers in navigation and
control of their vehicles.
Functions of Traffic Control Devices
1. Address a need;
2. Command attention;
3. Convey a clear, simple meaning;
4. Command respect from road users, and
5. Give adequate time for response.
 Shapes to be used for various
situations
• Round: Railroad crossing warning
• Octagon: To stop
• Diamond: To show that precautions need to be taken in
a specific area
• Square: To show some care needs to be taken
occasionally
• Rectangular: For directional or regulation information
• Star-Shaped: A unique shape used to mark highways
Characteristics of Traffic Control
Devices
1. Color
2. Night-time Visibility
3. Daytime Visibility
4. Shape and Size
5. Location
6. Messages
Classification of Traffic Control
Devices
1. Traffic Signs
2. Traffic Signals
 Traffic Signs
Standard Colors for Signs
1. Red
2. Black
3. Yellow
4. White
5. Fluorescent Yellow Green
6. Flourescent Orange
7. Green
8. Blue
9. Brown
Types of Traffic/Road Signs

1. Regulatory Signs
2. Warning Signs
3. Informative Signs
Regulatory Signs
a. Right of Way Series- includes “STOP
SIGN” and “GIVE WAY” sign.
b. Speed Series- includes speed limit signs,
truck speed, minimum speed signs.
c. Movement Series/ Directional Signs-
contains a number of signs that affect
specific vehicle maneuvers.
d. Stopping Signs and Parking Series- includes
parking sides which indicate not only parking
prohibitions or restrictions, but also indicate places
where parking is permitted
e. Prohibitive/ Restrictive Signs- indicate no entry
for either all vehicles or specific traffic units
f. Pedestrian Series- includes both legend and
symbol signs
g. Miscellaneous Sign- indicates road closures, sign
restricting vehicles carrying hazardous cargo or
substances, signs indicating vehicle weight, and
height limitations etc.
Warning Signs

1. Horizontal Alignment Signs

a. Sharp Turn
b. Curve Sign
c. Reverse Curve
d. Winding Road
e. Hairpin Bend
2. Road Width Signs
a. Divide Road
b. End Divided Road
3. Road Obstacle Signs
a. Steep Descent
b. Steep Climb
c. Slippery
4. Other Warning Signs
a. Low Clearance Sign
 Informative Signs( Guide Signs)
a. Route Markers- use to identify numbered
highways
b. destination signs- used to indicate the direction
to the critical destination point and to mark
important intersections.
c. Service Guide Signs- give information to the
driver
d. Tourist Information and Tourist Destination
Signs- written on white letters with a brown
background.
 Signs of Expressways
a. Expressway Approach Signs- signs installed in
advance or at the nearest intersection or
interchange leading to the expressway.
b. Expressway Information Signs- includes lane
direction, toll charges, and prohibited on
expressways signs.
c. Advance Exit Signs- signs placed in advance of
an exit
d. Expressway Exit Direction Signs- posted
overhead before the exit ramp of the interchange.
e. Expressway service Signs- include
advance informatio for service centre,
truck parking services and other services
or facilities of the expressway.
f. Expressway Traffic Instruction and
Regulatory Signs- special signs are
normally seen exclusively for
expressways.
e. Traffic Instruction Signs

a. Supplemmentary Signs- indicating

supplementary instructions.
b. Movement Instruction Signs- prescribes specific
movement for the motorist.
f. Hazard Markers- used to emphasize to the
approaching driver a marked change in the
direction of travel and the presence of an
obstruction
 Traffic Signals
- devices placed along, beside, or above a
roadway to guide, warn, and regulate the
flow of traffic
Basic Traffic Signal Operations
RED- (Flashing Red, Red Arrow)
YELLOW- ( Flashing Yellow, Yellow Arrow)
GREEN- (Green Arrow)
 Road Markings and Design
- road markings such as solid yellow lines
and painted symbols are used to divide
lanes, as well as indicate when it's legal
to pass, safe for changing lanes.
a. Pavement Markings
b. Curb Markings
c. Object Markings
d. Reflectors
 Types of Road Markings
White Lines
• single broken white lines
• single solid white lines
• double solid white lines
Yellow Lines
• broken yellow line
• solid yellow line
• solid yelow line alongside a broken yellow
• double solid yellow lines
• edges lines--solid white edge line- solid yellow edge line
Barriers and Channelizers
- also control traffic, warn against hazards,
and mitigate accidents.
 What is Traffic Education
- crowning jewel of traffic management
and abstract architect of social life and
unyielding master of man's destiny on
the roadwayss
Levels of Traffic Safety Education
1. Traffic Safety Education for Children
2. Driver's Education
3. Safety Campaigns
Agencies for Traffic Safety
Education
1. Schools (Public and Private)
• Elementary
• Secondary
• Higher Education
2. Public Information Programs
3. Control Support Groups
THANK YOU : )