FUNDAMENTALS

OF
TRAFFIC CONTROL
 TRAFFIC CONTROL
Generally, it refers to procedures,
device , and communication system
that help vehicles and vessels safety
share the same roads , rails ,waterways
, or air space.
Traffic Control as Applied to Land Transportation
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.
 Control techniques
The primary emphasis of traffic control is on the safe and
efficient flow of cars ,busses , vans , and lorries over urban
streets and highways.
The means of promotion this can vary from simple
improvement of local streets by installing traffic signs
and road markings to constructing comprehensive motor
way control system: These system are :
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 in case of accident and injury.
Other traffic-control techniques include
1. the use of one way streets,
2. enforcement of traffic flow regulation,
3. channelization(building traffic island, turning lines
and so on ), and
4. the use of traffic signals.
Highway Traffic control
Motorist depend on traffic control devices to
avoid collisions and travel safely to their
destination.
Traffic control devices for highway travel
include signs signal lights , pavement
markings , and a variety of device placed on
,over , near or even under roadway .
5 method of highway traffic control
1. traffic sign
2.pavement markings
3.traffic signals
 4. Priority control
5. Restrain
1.Traffic signs
Traffic signs are the most extensively used form of traffic
control in the United States.
More than 55 million traffic signs line the nation roadside.
They provide information about speed limits and road
conditions.
They direct traffic along certain routes and to specific
destination.
By using signs , traffic control planners tell drivers what to
do , what to watch for , and where to drive.
2.Pavement Markings
Pavement markings separate opposing stream of
traffic and direct vehicles into proper positions an the
roadway .
White and yellow paint is customarily use for
pavement markings.
Reflective devices are more visible at night and are
used in some location to mark lanes and other
significant places in the road.
3.Traffic signals
Traffic signals are installed to permit safe movement of
vehicles and pedestrians at busy intersection .
The signal light is probably the most easily recognized
traffic control device .
At a busy inter section in a large city , a traffic signal
may control the movements of more than 100,000
vehicles per day.
More than 60 percent of all miles driven each year are
on roadways controlled by traffic signals .
4.Priority control
In one of the oldest method of traffic control , one
form of transportation is given priority by restricting
or banning other forms of transportation.
5.Restraints
As an alternative to banning traffic , traffic control
planners use devices to discourage heavy use of a route
.
Island built in the centers of intersections force drivers
to proceed slowly.
Speed bumps discourage high speed commuting
through residential neighborhoods .
TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs
Refer to any device mounted on portable support
whereby a message is conveyed by means of words and
symbols officially installed for the purpose of
regulating ,warning , or guiding traffic . Traffic signs
are installed to serve the following functions: 1)to
control traffic,2)to safeguard the flow of traffic ,
3)to expedite traffic , and 4)to guide traffic and
motorist
Historical background
In Britain , early signpost were erected by private
individual at their own expense.
In 1648 , parishes were required by law to place
guideposts at crossroads .
 in 1773, these are mileposts were required to be
erected and maintained by turnpike trust .
The motor car Act of 1903 made local authorities
responsible for placing certain warning and
prohibitory signs.
International Traffic Signs
The system of signs and signals which it has prescribe
is based on the use of shape and colors, characteristics
of each class of sign , and whenever possible on the use
of graphic symbols rather than inscriptions with few
exceptions one of which is the stop sign of the United
States .
It has been adopted very likely because it is
understood vertically by every motorist regardless of
nationalities.
These basic sign are:
Round and red sign : a warning the movement of
turning and crossing traffic regulations;
Round black yellow sign : a warning that you are
approaching a railroad crossing;
Equilateral triangle red sign : a sign at the
intersection directing drivers to yield the right of way
to vehicles in the roads being crossed;
Eight side (octagonal) red and white stop sign : the
most popular and understood sign by all tongues and
colors ; and
 Triangle red and black sign :approaching a danger
zone ,hill ,rope ,winding road , and others .
Classification of International Traffic Signs
International traffic sign are classified into three.
These are :
1) danger warning sign
2)regulatory sign
3)informative sign
These are common International Traffic Signs use
in the philippines

Triangular and Inverted triangle Traffic signs

Circle Traffic Sign
Rectangular traffic sign
Dangerous Curves or Bends
Narrow road and bridge
Crossing and Intersection
Caution sign
Danger Warning Signs
These sign are also known as “caution signs”. These
signs have an equilateral triangular shape with one
side horizontal and having red borders.
These are signs intended to:
a . Warn motorist of approaching hazardous road
conditions ,
b . Seek caution for the approaching road hazards ,and
c . call the reduction of speed.
Regulatory Signs
These are signs which impose legal restrictions
applicable at particular location usually enforceable in
the absence of such signs.
Regulatory signs are usually round in shape with the
exception of “top signs” and “yield signs”.
These signs are further classified into two:
a. prohibitive and restrictive signs, and
b. mandatory signs.
Informative Signs
These sign are also known as “guide signs ” or
“direction signs ”. the rectangular shape white colored
on background is used for “informative
signs”. Green background is usually used for markers
and destination signs.
Informative signs are intended to :
a. guide motorist along established routes ,
b. inform the motorist of the proper roads , and
c. help motorist along the way in the most simple and
direct method.
Gend to international traffic signs
Danger Warning Signs
 1.Dangerous bends
 2.Dangerous left bend 1 2 3
 3.Dangerous right bend
 4.Dangerous left double bend
 5.Dangerous right double bend
 6-13.Dangerous warning signs to
indicate road intersection 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
 14. Approaching intersection
 15. Approaching intersection 14 15
16
, side road
 16. Approaching intersection
, merging traffic
 17. Swinging bridge
 18.Traffic signals ahead 17
 19. Road works 18 19
 20. Pedestrian crossing
 21. Animal crossing
 22. Road narrow 22
 23. Uneven road , bad 20 21
condition
 24. Steep descent
 25. Steep ascent
 26. Slippery road 23 24 25 26
27. Quay or river
28.Runabout ahead
29.Two-way traffic
30. Danger: falling rocks
31. Railroad crossing
27 28

29 30 31
 Regulatory Signs
 A . Prohibitive and Restrictive
Signs 32 33 34
 32.No entry for all types of vehicle
 33.No entry for cars
 34.No entry for jeeps
 35.No entry for bicycles
 36.No entry for tricycles 35 36 37
 37.No entry for buses
 38.No entry for trucks
 39.No entry for power vehicles
drawing trailers
 40.No entry for motorcycles
 41.No entry for pedestrians 38 39 40
 42.No entry for animal drawn
vehicles
 43.No entry for push cars

41 42 43
 44.No left turn
 45.No right turn
 46.No U-turn
 47.No parking
 48.No vehicle or vehicle and trailer
through if total length in excess of 10
meters
 49.No overtaking
 50.No blowing of horns
 51.No entry for vehicles having an
overall width exceeding specified
figures in meter
 52.No entry for vehicles exceeding in
tons laden weight
 53.No entry for vehicles having a
weight exceeding a specified figures
in tons on one axel
 54.No entry for vehicles whose overall
length exceeds specified figures in
meter.
 55.Speed limit
Mandatory signs
56-61. directions which
vehicles are obliged to 56 57 58 59 60
follow
62. compulsory minimum
speed 61 62
Priority Signs
63.stop sign
64. yield sign 63 64
Informative Signs
65. directional sign
66. place identification sign
67. stop sign for loading
and un loading
65 67
66