FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

FINALS TOPIC
TRAFFIC CONTROL

 Generally, it refers to procedures, devices, and

communication systems that help vehicles and vessels
safely share the same roads, rails, waterways, or air
space. Traffic control establishes a set of rules and
instructions that drivers, pilots, train engineers, and
ship captains rely on to avoid collisions and other
hazards. Safe travel for pedestrians is an additional
goal in highway 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,
usually in heavily populated urban areas.
CONTROL TECHNIQUES

Following are the 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.
OTHER TRAFFIC-CONTROL TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:

the use of one-way streets,

enforcement of traffic flow regulations,
channelization (building traffic islands,
turning lanes and so on), and
the use of traffic signals.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Motorist depend on traffic control devices to avoid collisions and travel safely
to their destinations.
 Traffic Signs. Traffic signs are the most extensively used form of traffic
control in the United States. More than 55 million traffic signs in the nation’s
roadside. They provide information about speed limits and road conditions.
They direct traffic along certain routes and to specific destinations. By using
signs, traffic control planners tell drivers what to do, what to watch for, and
where to drive.
 Pavement Markings. Pavement markings separate opposing streams of
traffic and direct vehicles into proper positions on the roadway. For example,
pavement markings delineate turn lanes at intersection and establish no-
passing zones. White and yellow paint is customarily used for pavement
markings. Reflective devices are more visible at night and are used in some
locations to mark lanes and other significant places on the road.
 HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
 Traffic-Signal. Traffic signals are installed to permit safe movement of vehicles
and pedestrians at busy intersections. The light signal is probably the most easily
recognized traffic control device. At a busy intersection in a large city, a traffic
signal may control the movements of more than 100,000 vehicles per day. Traffic
signals direct streams of vehicles and pedestrians when to go, stop, or proceed
with caution. The signals increase the traffic handling capacity of most
intersections. They can work independently on timers, or connect to computer-
controlled system that operates over several intersections.
 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. In the 1st century BC, Roman Emperor Juluis 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 restrict truck travel
through certain neighborhoods.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CONTROL

 Restraints. As an alternative to banning traffic, traffic

control planners use devices to discourage heavy use of
route. Island built in the centers of intersections force
drivers to proceed slowly. Speed bumps discourage high-
speed commuting through residential neighborhoods.
Concrete median strips prevent vehicles from making
turns except at intersections.
TRAFFIC SIGNS
INTRODUCTION
 Traffic Signs, like traffic signal lights and road markings are used to
convey quickly and accurately the wide range of information needed
by road users, particularly vehicle drivers, and to promote a safe and
efficient use of the road system.
 Traffic Signs refer to any device mounted on portable support
whereby a message is conveyed by means of words or 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 motorists.
 Standardization of traffic signs shall conform to the standards
set forth in the erection and display of standard road signs and
markers as prescribed by the DPWH as to shape, color,
dimension, shape, size, height, letterings or symbols.
 Traffic signs shall be installed only under public authority or by
the official having jurisdiction for that purpose, and it shall not
bear any commercial advertisement.
 A thorough knowledge of traffic signs, signals, road and
pavement markings is necessary to all drivers. Every motorist
must be able to recognize and obey them without hesitation
even with the absence of traffic police officer.
CLASSIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS.
Danger Warning Signs. These
signs 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:
warn motorist of approaching
hazardous road conditions,
seek caution for the approaching
road hazards, and
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. These are intended to:
 inform road users of certain laws and
regulations, and
 special obligations, instructions, or
prohibitions which they must comply with
and violations of which constitute
misdemeanor.
Regulatory signs are usually round in shape with the
exception of “Stop Signs” and “Yield Signs”. These signs are
further classified into two:
-- prohibitive and restrictive signs, and
INFORMATIVE SIGNS
 These signs are also known as
“guide signs”, or “direction signs.”
The rectangular shape white-
colored on blue background is used
for informative signs. Green
background is usually used for
route markers and destination
signs. Informative signs are
intended to:
a. guide motorists along established routes,
b. inform the motorists of the proper roads, and
c. help motorists along the way in the simplest and direct method.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS

 These refers to any power operated

traffic control device by which traffic
is warned or directed to take some
specific actions. Traffic light signals
are used to control traffic at junctions
and also to stop traffic to provide
safe crossing points for pedestrians
and cyclists.
 PROBLEMS CONCERNING TRAFFIC LIGHTS
 A society that has little or no respect for traffic laws will have a hard time
respecting the advantages that a traffic light can offer specially when there
are no traffic enforcers around. Sadly, to say, Filipino society is one of
those in which respect for traffic laws needs tremendous improvements.
 When a traffic light suddenly becomes inoperative, very seldom does order
and a sense of discipline prevail. It always ends up as a massive free for
all.
 Not only drivers are guilty of disobeying traffic lights but PEDESTRIANS
have a habit of turning DON'T WALK signs into WALK signs effectively
STOPPING traffic that should really be GOING.
 Even if there are traffic enforcing officers present, they very seldom do
anything about pedestrians swarming around in droves, holding up traffic.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS

 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.
 Progressive System. These are signals at successive
intersections along the artery are timed to change from
red to green at staggered intervals, permitting a vehicle
that maintains a constant speed to proceed without
interruption under normal circumstances.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS
 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.
 Progressive System. These are signals at successive
intersections along the artery are timed to change from red to
green at staggered intervals, permitting a vehicle that maintains a
constant speed to proceed without interruption under normal
circumstances.
 Computerized Control of Signal Networks. Signal changes
are not predetermined, but are ordered by the demands of traffic
and are directed by computers that operate on the basis of traffic
information relayed from vehicle sensors on the streets.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Steady Red
STOP at the designated line.
Vehicles will be crossing from the "other side".
Expect pedestrians to cross at the pedestrian
lane.
Unless specified, you can TURN RIGHT after a
FULL STOP to clear traffic coming from the left.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
Steady Green
It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side to STOP.
Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the pedestrian
lane in front of you.
Unless specified, you can move up to the middle
section of the intersection and make a left turn when
clear.
Vehicles GOING STRAIGHT have the right of way.
DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN LIGHT.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
Steady Green
It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side to STOP.
Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the pedestrian
lane in front of you.
Unless specified, you can move up to the middle
section of the intersection and make a left turn when
clear.
Vehicles GOING STRAIGHT have the right of way.
DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN LIGHT.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Steady Green Arrow.

GO
Vehicles turning left can do so.
On coming straight traffic is still RED to
give way for the vehicles turning left.
DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN ARROW.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Steady Yellow.
PREPARE TO STOP
It is the turn of the vehicles on the
other side and will be given the GO
signal shortly.
DO NOT BEAT A YELLOW LIGHT.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Flashing Red.
This is the same as a STOP SIGN.
STOP at the designated line.
Vehicles will be crossing from the "other side".
Expect pedestrians to cross at the pedestrians’
lane.
PROCEED WHEN CLEAR.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
Flashing yellow.
This is the same as a YIELD SIGN.
Proceed through the intersection with
CAUTION.
You have the right of way over a flashing RED
LIGHT.
Vehicles on the other side will proceed after
coming to a FULL STOP.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Steady Green and Steady Left/Right Arrow.

Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the left
lane can make a left turn.
Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the right
lane can make a right turn.
The RIGHT GREEN signal might or might NOT
have a road sign disallowing a right turn while the
RED light is ON.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL BLACKOUT

If all traffic signal lights are not working because

of an electrical power failure, you must stop at
the intersection and then proceed when you
know other turning and approaching vehicles,
bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A
blacked-out traffic signal works the same as a
four-way stop intersection.
PAVEMENT
MARKINGS
AND
MARKERS
PAVEMENT MARKINGS
 These pertain to all lines, patterns, words, colors, or other
gadgets except signs set into the surface or applied upon or
attached to the pavement or curbing or to objects within or
adjacent to the roadway, officially placed for the purpose of
regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
 They are in the form of lines, symbols, messages or numerals,
and may be set into the surface of, applied upon, or attached to
the pavement. In some cases, pavement markings are used as a
supplement to other traffic control devices, such as traffic
signals and road signs. It guides traffic or gives advance warning
or may impose restrictions supported by traffic regulations
 TYPES OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS
 1. Pavement Markings. These are the lines usually white and yellow or a
combination of yellow and white officially set on the roadway as separation for
motor vehicles traveling in the opposite direction or the same direction in case of
two-lane one-way street, two-lane two-way street or four-lane two-way street.
 2. Curb Markings for Restrictions. These are markings placed on the curbs or
edges of the traffic for restriction or for parking regulation purposes.
 3. Object Markings. These are markings placed on objects on the road or
beside the road like humps, rocks or similar hazardous objects on the side of the
road.
 4. Reflectorized Markings. These are markings or gadgets designed to reflect
and become luminous when hit by vehicles’ headlight. These are placed or
installed in the middle of the roadway to supplement separation lines or on object
at the side of the roadway which are too near or within the road pavement itself.
SPECIFIC MEANING OF
PAVEMENT MARKINGS
1. SOLID WHITE SHOULDER LINE

This denotes the edge of the roadway.

Any asphalt or concrete surface beyond
this line should not be used during the
normal operation of your vehicle.
2. DIAGONAL WHITE LINES

 An area filled with diagonal

white lines and bordered by solid
white lines is not considered part
of the roadway, and vehicles are
expected to stay off unless there
is an emergency. These areas
are often used to ease the flow
of traffic where roads diverge or
intersect.
3. BROKEN WHITE CENTER LINE OR LANE DIVIDER
 This denotes the center of a two-
lane road, or marks the division
between lanes on multi-lane roads.
It is a reminder to stay in your lane.
Straddling the line is illegal and
punishable under the law. As the
line is “broken,” however, this
means it is legal to cross it when
overtaking or changing lanes. Bear
in mind that vehicles continuing in a
straight line within their lane
automatically have right of way, so
wait your turn.
4. SOLID WHITE CENTER LINE

 This is often used to

divide traffic on a two-
way multi-lane road. As
this is a solid line, you
are discouraged from
overtaking over it
unless the way is
absolutely clear.
5. SOLID WHITE DOUBLE CENTER LINE

 You are forbidden from

overtaking over this line,
but you may make left
turns over it, provided the
way is clear. Remember,
however, that oncoming
traffic still automatically
has right of way.
5. SOLID YELLOW DOUBLE CENTER LINE

 As we noted a while back,

this line indicates that it
is unsafe to overtake at
any time. It is often found
around blind curves or in
areas where fast-moving
two-way traffic meets on
an undivided road.
6. MIXED CENTER LINE/SOLID YELLOW WITH BROKEN
YELLOW OR WHITE LINE

 This indicates that only

one side can overtake--the
side with the broken line.
This is often found
entering curves where the
view is obstructed coming
from one direction, but is
clear from the opposite
side.
7. SOLID WHITE LANE DIVIDER

 These are often found near

intersections, and are
reminders to stay in lane. As
a practice, if you're turning at
an intersection, it's best to
get into the turning lane 50m
before the intersection, while
the lane divider is still broken.
8. DIRECTIONAL ARROWS

 When combined with solid white

lane dividers, they indicate which
directions you are allowed to go
within a lane. If the arrow points
forward only, you cannot make a
turn from that lane. If it points
forward and to the side, you can
either go straight or turn. If it points
only to the side, you must turn
within that lane. Ignoring these
arrows might just get you a ticket,
or worse, get you into an accident.
9. BROKEN BLUE LANE DIVIDER

This indicates the

motorbike lane along
major thoroughfares. The
broken line indicates that
you can move into and
out of it, but the lane is
preferentially for
motorbikes.
10. SOLID YELLOW LANE DIVIDER

 This indicates the bus lane

on EDSA, but can also be
used to indicate bicycle
lanes in some areas.
Bicycle lanes may also be
indicated by solid white
lines on the side of the
road.
11. BROKEN YELLOW LANE DIVIDER

 This indicates areas

where you can merge
into the bus lane in
preparation for turning off
EDSA.
12. MIXED DOUBLE LANE DIVIDER/SOLID YELLOW
WITH BROKEN YELLOW OR WHITE LINE

 This indicates that traffic on

the solid yellow side cannot
cross lanes, while traffic on
the other side may do so if
the way is clear. This is often
used where smaller arteries
merge into main roads or
where feeder roads merge
onto the highway.
13. Rumble strips. These
tightly spaced horizontal
white lines not only give
your car's suspension a bit
of a workout, they also
indicate hazards ahead,
such as dangerous curves
or merging traffic.
 14. Solid white horizontal line. This indicates
where you must stop at a stoplight or stop sign.
 15. Zebra crossing. This indicates a
pedestrian crossing zone. Stopping over this at a
red light is a traffic violation, so make sure to
pay attention to those light timers!
 16. The yellow box. This box indicates the
part of the intersection that must--by law--be
kept open at all times. Even if you have a green
light, if the traffic is stopped on the other side
ahead, it's best to wait until there's enough
space for you to clear the yellow box. Even in
the absence of a light, the yellow box must be
kept clear.