AMANDO COPE COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

MODULE on

OLIVER B PABLO, RCrim, LPT

Professor

1
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

The course deals with the need for traffic operation and management; the areas of
application; the methods of traffic control; and the application of these learnings to traffic accident
investigation. It also discusses the specific responsibilities in traffic operation and management,
and the background of traffic law enforcement.

The emerging and rapid trend of transportation arises the need for better, faster, and
reliable traffic operation and management which are also a tool in accident investigations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the course, the learner shall able to:

1. Explain briefly the development of transportation;

2. Distinguish the various areas of traffic operation and management;
3. Distinguish the various aspects of traffic direction and control;
4. Identify the different traffic control devices and aids;
5. Apply the concept of traffic law enforcement;
6. Integrate the concept of traffic management with traffic accident
investigation;
7. Discuss the chronological steps of traffic accident investigation;
8. Appreciate the importance of traffic education, engineering, and
enforcement as the real need to reduce traffic accidents;
9. Display traffic safety consciousness;
10. Show sensitivity to traffic needs and other traffic-related problems;
11. Accept his responsibility as part of traffic system;
12. Obey traffic rules and regulations;
13. Recognize importance of the different traffic control devices and aids;
14. Demonstrate the proper way of directing and controlling traffic;
15. Illustrate the different traffic control devices and aids.

2
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

INTRODUCTION

During the course of the 19 th and 20th centuries, people’s everyday lives have been changed
to extraordinary degrees and in previously unimagined ways of technological advances.
Achievements in transportation, communications, and the conversion of energy have affected a
modern society characterized by great speed. Medical knowledge has provided longer and healthier
human life spans. Electronics, especially computer technology, is not only in itself a huge field, but
makes possible further advances in all areas of technology. The use and improvement of tens of
thousands of materials in all forms of industry have made for better standards of living and much
more leisure time.

From the time of Galileo [who knows Galileo] to the present days, science and technology
played a vital role in shaping the world. While there is rapid urbanization [commercial buildings,
factories, etc.], technical and industrial modernization takes place in every facet of human lives.

In the field of transportation, great men in science and technology provided wide rang e of
knowledge in the development of transportation facilities. Etienne Lenoir, initiated the
development of the internal combustion engine which paved the way for the development of
automobile. The invention of motor vehicle enabled man to go places which much ease than using
animal-drawn carriages. Henry Ford’s assembly-line process further transformed society by
putting the public on wheels and was adopted for the mass production of many other goods. The
rapid development of computers in the mid-20th century also revolutionized motor vehicle
technology like those found in highly-urbanized countries where their production line of
automobiles is mostly done by robots programmed by computers. We can also see these kinds of
programs in movies wherein driver-less cars are fast moving.

The variety of human needs, in the areas of politics, social, cultural and economics motivated
man to further improve his transportation system with the aid of modern technology. Land mass
transportation systems like the light rail transits, busses, and huge cargo trucks were introduced
to meet the demands in transportation of people and goods.

As early as 3000 BC, the civilization of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley developed
roads, first for pack animals and then wheeled vehicles. The Romans further made innovations on
road building from a city-state by conquering other small states; they built roads into the conquered
regions to help consolidate their gains.

Advancement in engineering during the 18 th century paved the way for the construction of
modern roads and streets. And later, in the 20 th century, motorways and highways were introduced
for fast moving motor vehicles [signs for slow moving or minimum speed].

3
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

To speed up traffic, modern highways are constructed in almost straight line across
open country rather than following old or established routes [we also have alternate
roads to decongest traffic]. Congested areas are avoided or passed through elevated
highways and tunnels [mountains are dramatically cut-holed]. Safety is increased by
separating traffic and controlling devices. Vehicles traveling in opposite directions are
separated by median. Modern highways are designed so that motorists can enter
or leave highway only at interchanges where the highway and another major road
intersect. One of the other road crosses over the other on a bridge, and ramps
connect the two roads so motorists can have access to the connecting road without
disturbing the flow of traffic. This system was later named as flyovers and
overpasses.

Illustration 1

Other characteristics of modern highway include adequate lighting for change lanes,
climbing lanes, reversible lanes, bus lanes, reflective signs and pavement markings, and traffic-
control signals. All of these are designed to expedite the traffic flow and increase safety.

The Philippines, in her quest to cope-up with the demands of land transportation adopted
inventions and discoveries of Japan, the US, and some European countries.

Various transportation system like the metro rail transit [MRT] faster air-conditioned buses,
and sleeker motor vehicles were introduced in the country to expedite the movement of people,
and to achieve a safer trafficways.

4
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
The Philippines also adopted the modern technique of road building and constructed the
first expressway north of manila – the north division road. Flyovers, pedestrian and motor vehicle
overpass were also constructed not only within the metropolitan manila but also to other urbanized
places outside of manila.

We can also notice the constructions of boulevards all over the archipelago. Aside
from the fact that it is an alternate road, a considerate amount of wonder from the
scenic view it brings.

Most would agree, however that such stupendous [stunning] technological achievements do
not come without a price. Sophisticated weapons technology has provided the means for mass
destruction of life and property; instantaneous communication and wide dissemination of
information of all kinds have brought with them less privacy; the great use and abuse of natural
resources has brought sever threats to the environment; and the comparatively frenetic pace of
human existence may ultimately call into question of the benefits of high technology.

Similarly, modernization of land transportation is severely reciprocated by turbulence.

Since the invention of the internal combustion engine, countless changes in the
development of transportation had evolved.

Setting aside disputes between the land owners and the developer of huge
companies, Environmental and noise pollution, all of this are but just the inevitable
presence of technology in which people do not mind.

However, with the tremendous increase in the number of motor vehicles, the traffic system
became antiquated. It could no longer accommodate the voluminous traffic users. The expected
expeditious and safer transportation is nowhere to be felt. It became fact of motorist’ life: traffic
can and will stop for long periods of time, often for no apparent reason.

Taking notice of the traffic light in San Pablo City, the street or lane going to the
city proper has a longer time than those at the national highway. 90 seconds for
the lane going into the city and 60 seconds for the national way.

The traffic light favors the motorists of San Pablo since it is located, maintained,
and operated by them.

In the United States, traffic engineers and scientists noted the most obvious and frequent
culprits: accidents and construction sites. The federal highway administration estimates that 60
percent of traffic jams in the United States are in this “non-recurring” category which also includes
those jams triggered by rubberneckers.

In New Jersey, U.S.A., traffic jams result from ills as poorly planned or overloaded
intersections; narrowing roadways; too many access drives along the highway; and regular over -
flowing of ramps.

5
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

In the Philippines, traffic jams and other traffic related problems are also caused by accidents
and ongoing road construction. Beside these, undisciplined drives passengers and pedestrians,
poor traffic control system, and poor implementation of traffic laws are the most obvious causes
of traffic congestion. Inclement weather sometimes also causes unexpected traffic snarls
particularly in metro manila where because of drainage problems, floodwaters rise along the main
thoroughfares.

Elsewhere in Baguio where rainfall is a normal occurrence in the late afternoons, stalls traffic
flow in the central commercial area because traffic lights become inoperative and sometimes traffic
enforcers have to seek protection from getting wet with raindrops. In addition to this, Baguio city
councilor Elmer Datuin noted that traffic congestion in the city results from a combination of factors
such as the increase in the volume of motor vehicles, the blatant disregard for pedestrian lanes,
the accidents caused by indiscriminate and unregulated roadways, illegal parking and undisciplined
motorists, and lack of planning and enforcement by government agencies and probably the need
for adequate and effective legislation.

ACTIVITY 1.

Taking on consideration Ziga Ave., Tabaco City which are very congested when we refer to
traffic. As a concerned citizen, a future Police Officer, or a Law maker, what would be your
suggestions to decongest traffic considering there are now the presence of alternate routes.
Expound.

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________ ________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
________________________________________________________________________________________
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

________________________________________________________________________________________
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

Various measures were introduced to lessen traffic-related problems to increase road safety
level and to eventually sped-up traffic flow. Many countries now regularly implement low-cost to
treat “backspots” – places where accidents cluster. Successful treatments include: changes in the
lay-out at junctions to define priorities more clearly (use of roundabouts or traffic circle, has been
widespread in the United Kingdom); more widespread use of road markings to delineate traffic
lanes and waiting areas for turning vehicles; improvements in skidding resistance of wet roads;
more uniform street lighting; and more highly visible and legible direction, information, and warning
signs. Correspondingly, law enforcement has an important part to play in improving road safety.
Police activity in this respect is most effective when technological aids are available and when the
laws are acceptable to the majority of road users.

Traffic control systems have also vastly improved in highly urbanized countries. Their
traffic signals are no longer limited to fixed signal system but they now use
computerized signal system – a signaling system which monitors traffic volume by
computerized sensors installed on the road pavements which automatically signals to
go the lane where there are more vehicles.

In the country, traffic managers adopted some of the strategies applied by other countries
like optimizing the use of traffic control devices and aids, and traffic enforcers. In addition, various
measures are introduced to ease traffic problems: like the reorganization of the land transportation
office as the lead government agency for the improvement of land transportation system; and the
creation of the metropolitan manila development authority (MMDA) where one of its primary
functions is for the effective traffic operation and management of metro manila. Traffic
enforcement is also intensified by deputizing the Philippine national police-traffic managements

7
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
group and other police traffic auxiliaries for the sole purpose of directing traffic and enforcement
of traffic laws.

However, despite of these endeavors of the governments, traffic problems continue to

hound the people. The economy continues to degenerate because of the delay in the movement
of workers, goods and other economic trades. As councilor datuin noted, “traffic congestion has
caused tremendous losses to everybody in terms of time, money and opportunities lost and that
the perennial traffic problem has also caused embarrassment to the city as domestic and foreign
tourists have become disappointed and disgusted with our traffic situation which i s similar if not
worse than metro manila.

The ill effects of traffic development are not limited to social, political and economic facets
of human lives. The environment deteriorates because of the continuous emission of carbon gases
of motor vehicle engines. In the United Kingdom, around half of the atmospheric nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) is due to road transport.

In Manila, photochemical smog as a combined result of carbon emission from

motor vehicles and factories hovers over the metropolis which is usually mistaken as
fog.

In the city of Baguio, concerned government agencies like the department of health (DOH),
department of environment and natural resources (DENR), the Philippine atmospheric geophysical
and astronomical science authority (PAGASA) found out that continuous burning of carbon fuel by
motor vehicles as the leading cause of air pollution in the city.

8
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
Literally, problems related to traffic affected every aspect of human endeavors.
Hence, there is a need for an effective traffic management and accident
investigation.

This course, traffic management and accident investigation attempt to awaken the
awareness of every individual on the causes and effects of traffic problems. Hence, this author
believes that these compiled notes should also be read by any individual bot only by criminology
students.

Furthermore, the author tries to present the impending issues on traffic in different view;
and traffic management as viewed by the pedestrians, the motorists, traffic violators, other traffic
way users and concerned sectors of our society.

Therefore, as part of the traffic system (traffic law enforcers, criminology students, road
users, pedestrians, passengers and motorists), it is imperative to understand all the different
aspects of the traffic issues to come up with the best possible approaches to correct such issues.

This course deals with two phases of study which are traffic management and the
investigation of traffic accidents. It has been further coupled with the study of laws
governing traffic and with proper approach to would be violator. This course is
primarily formulated to meet the needs of criminology students on the
development of knowledge about traffic management and investigation and the
familiarization of the provisions of republic Act. 4136 as they prepare themselves
to their longing search of their true vacation, law enforcement, however, this could
be a comprehensive reference for all who are concerned with the rudiments of
traffic management and accidents investigation.

With these accounts, this self-learning instructional material which

comprehensively discusses the different areas of traffic management and accident
investigation hopes to promote better understanding not only on the part of the
criminology students but also to the readers of this work.

MODULE 1
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION

Overview

This module presents the historical development of land transportation used by man. It is
imperative for future traffic officers and traffic managers to familiarize themselves to the various

9
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
inventions and innovations related to land transportation to enable them to understand the present-
day traffic problems. For better understanding, it is divided into:

Lesson 1. Manpower, Animal power and wind power

Lesson 2. Roads and Vehicle history

Module I PRE-TEST

Choose the best or nearest answer by writing the corresponding capital letter of your choice.

1. The earliest human beings were believed to have constantly moved from one place to
another because –
A. They were nomadic.
B. Of their involvement with barter trading.
C. They have to see the rest of the world.
D. They have to conquer places for them to survive.

2. The earliest form of traveling used by man was –

A. By foot travel.
B. Through domestication of animals.
C. By using sledge pulled by animals.
D. By wheeled carts.

3. To ease the travelling by foot, the earliest human beings –

A. Invented the wheel.
B. Used wind power to move their vehicles.
C. Domesticated animals which helped them carry their loads.
D. Domesticated animals to pull their wheeled carts.

4. Wheel is believed to have originated in –

A. Europe C. America
B. Western Asia D. Africa

5. When wheeled carts were invented, the next problem by man I travelling was –
A. An engine that will power the wheeled carriages.
B. How to power the vehicles.
C. How to get rid of the domesticated animals.
D. A wider pathway which could accommodate the much wider wheeled carts.

6. Which of the following were considered as the pioneers of road building in ancient
history?

10
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
A. Americans C. Europeans
B. Australians D. romans

7. The Frenchman who is attributed for the invention of the internal combustion engine is
–
A. John MacAdam C. Etienne Lenoir
B. John Boyd Dunlop D. Henry ford

8. Who among the following pioneered the mass production of motor vehicles?
A. Henry ford C. Gottliel Daimler
B. Etienne Lenoir D. Nicholaus Otto

9. Who is attributed for the introduction of pneumatic tire?

A. John MacAdam C. Etienne Lenoir
B. John Boyd Dunlop D. Henry Ford

10. What kind of animal was domesticated in Siberia during the beginning of the Christian
era for transportation purposes?
A. Ox B. reindeer C. cattle D. llama

LESSON 1.1
MANPOWER, ANIMAL POWER, AND WIND POWER

Concept

Transportation is the movement or conveying of persons and goods from one location to
another.

Man’s need to travel dates back as early as the creation of human beings. Biblical passages
alleged that when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden tree, they were sent out by God
from Paradise of Eden.

11
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
“Therefore, the lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from
where he was taken.”

Since then, the human race expanded and our ancestors constantly move from one place
to another to enable them to survive and other various reasons. Other biblical passages mentioned
that Moses was chosen by God to speak to the Pharaoh, king of Egypt to let his children out of
Egypt. So, the children of Israel were gloriously brought from Egypt to serve God.

Soon, others became nomadic. They constantly migrate from one place to another according
to their own detailed knowledge of exploitable resources.

The term nomad, from the Greek, “to pasture,” was originally used to refer to
pastoralists – groups that migrate in an established pattern to find pasture lands for
their domestic livestock. However, the term has since been generalized to include all
non-settled populations, of which there are three types.

The first type comprises foraging populations who wander in search for their food. It is
estimated that 99 percent of all humanity have lived in this way.

The second type, the most significant numerically and historically, comprises the pastoral
nomads who move with their families, belongings, and herds of cattle, camel, sheep, or goats
through an annual cycle o pastures whose availability determined by the alteration of hot and cold
or wet and dry seasons.

The third type comprises gypsies, tinkers, and similar itinerants in urban and complex
societies.

What worth noting is how man travelled during the ancient period. It is believed
that early human beings travelled to places by foot, carrying their loads on their
backs or on their heads, while others pulled crude sleds. They used every means to
make their transportation with the least time and effort.

Various ancient modes of transportation:

A. MANPOWER. Early man, who had no domesticated animals, carried his own burdens. More
so today, manpower is important in transportation in many parts of the world.

12
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

1. Carrying pole – in china and other parts of

the far east, the carrying pole, balanced on one
shoulder is a popular carrying device. On islands of the
pacific, the ends of the pole are supported by two
men, with goods suspended from the pole in between.

2. Back load and Tumpline – in many parts of

the world, goods are carried on the back. In
Subtemala, pots are carried on a wooden framework
supported by a tumpline across the forehead. In the
Andes, the load is held on the back by a strap
passing over their chest.

Canadians introduce tumpline contingent in 1915. the new method of carrying loads called
‘The Tumpline,’ which the Canadians introduced into the army. The ‘tumpline’ consists of a broad
band, to each end of which a long strap is sewn. The straps are fastened around the load which
the carrier then places on his back and passes the brow band over his brow. Thus, the weight is
borne on the head and the pressure of the weight is in a straight line down the spine, which can
support heavy weights, while carrying them easier than any other part of the body.

The device enables a man to carry the load of two men for greater distances over slippery and
shell torn ground with less time and fatigue. It also enables troops to shift their packs on the
march, greatly increasing their marching capacity. Almost any small article required in the front
line can be carried by the tumpline. Each ‘tumper,’ by means of special packs, can carry from 32
to 40 rations. Tumpline companies have been formed in connection with each brigade.”

Although tumplines were not generally introduced into general use by the Canadian Army until
the later years of the Great War, their use, which originated with the First Nations people of
Canada, proved to be a very effective means of carrying heavy loads, eg. ammunition, rations
and supplies.

13
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

3. Sledge on rollers –
the moving of heavy burdens
was to place them on sledge
which rested on a series of
rollers.

4. Sledge on runners – a simple

sledge, probably man-drawn, was in use
at the end of the old stone age in northern
Europe, as evidence by fragments of
wooden runners which survived.

5. Travois – this travois, as the pole

arrangement called, serves as a platform
on which the burdens are placed.

B. ANIMAL POWER. The domestication of animals greatly increased the potential power available
for transportation. Pack animals were introduced as conveyances mainly to save labor. A man
can tend several pack animals moving together, each of which (except dogs) can carry more
than he usually can. Little advantage in speed is gained unless part of the animals’ carrying
capacity is sacrificed.

1. Ox – cattle, which were first domesticated in Mesopotamia, were used as draft animals
to draw war chariots. Oxen are still used to draft animals in many regions of the world. In some
parts of Africa, they are used as pack animals and for riding.
14
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
2. Reindeer – these were first domesticated in Siberia in the beginning of the Christian era.
In the Altai Mountains, they were ridden with saddles. Elsewhere, they draw sledges somewhat
like the dog sledges of the far north.

3. Dog – the dog, the first animal domesticated, is too slight to carry heavy loads. The plain
Indians sometimes packed light loads on dogs’ backs, and piled goods on a travois which the dogs
dragged. In the far north, the dogs team drawing sledges are the chief means of transportation;
and in parts of Europe, the dogs are used to draw small carts.

4. Donkey – the donkey or ass, first domesticated in the Middle East. Early dogs came to
use as a back animal before the domestication of the camel. Donkey caravans carry goods between
the cities of southwest Asia and Egypt and the donkey is still the chief beast of burden among the
farmers of the near East, the Mediterranean area and Mexico, where it was introduced from Spain.

5. Llama – In pre-Columbian America,

the Llama was the only new world animal
other than the dog capable of
domestication for use in transport. In the
high Andes, the Llama was used as a pack
animal by the Incas and their Spanish
conquerors, as it’s by modern Andean
people.

6. Elephant – The Carthaginians used African elephant in their war against Rome but in
recent centuries, these animals have not been tamed. In India, elephants were formerly used in
war and are still employed to some extent for ceremonial processions and big game hunting. In
Burma and Thailand, these huge animals are widely used in the lumber industry.

7. Horse – Around 2,000 B.C., horse drawn chariots appeared in southwest Asia and 1,000
years later, the Persians arrived with cavalry which gave mobility and power to the German tribes
who invaded Europe and to the central Asian conqueror Genghis Khan. In Europe, horses were
used to draw wheeled vehicles and for riding for some time until the introduction of mechanized
vehicles.

15
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
8. Camel – There are two kinds of camel, the two-humped Bactrian camel of central Asia
and the one-humped dromedary of Arabia have long been used for transport. The Bactrian camel
has plodded along the caravan routes between China and Iran for at least 2,000 years. It is also
used to draw carts. The dromedary, which has less endurance but it is fleeter and special fast -
paced riding camel, is bred by the Arab nomads.

9. Yak – A long-haired type of cattle that

lives at high altitude on the Tibetan plateau
and in the neighboring Mountain Regions is
ridden and used as a pack animal at heights
were horses and ordinary animal could
survive.

C. WIND POWER – Man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned to utilize
such powers to lift rather than to drag. This paved way to invention of air lifted transportation
vessels.

1. Ancient Chinese Kite – Kites have been flown as a popular past time in the far east since
the beginning of the history. Based on a Korean tradition, the kite was first used for transportation
when a Korean general employed one in bridge building. By means of a kite, a cord was conveyed
across the river where heavier ropes were fastened and finally the bridge cable. In the late 10 th
century, several European armies experimented with kites in transporting men.

2. Da Vinci’s Ornithopter – the great

renaissance artist, scientist and engineer,
Leonardo da Vinci, made study of the flight of
the birds and his notebooks sketched a number
of ornithopter (a.k.a. orthopter) which derives
its principal support and propelling from
flapping wings like those of a bird. It was not
until the 19tth century that rigid wings were
envisaged.

16
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

3. Montgolfier Balloon – the Montgolfier brothers of France

Joseph Michel and Jacques Entienne have successfully released
several balloons when they proposed to use two condemned
prisoners for the first ascent with passengers. Pilatre de Rozier,
a natural historian protested this and claimed the honor for
himself. In 1783, he and the marquis d’ Arlanoes became the
first men to make a free balloon ascent. The balloon constructed
of linen and inflated with hot air travelled 9,000 yards and
remained in the air for 20 minutes.

4. Siemens’ Rocket Plane – Ernst Werner

Von Siemens who later achieved fame as an
electric industrialist, in 1847 designed rocket
plane which was to be propelled by the explosive
force of gunpowder. Similarly, siemens’ rocket
plane was never carried beyond the design
stage.

5. Lilienthal Glider – Otto Lilienthal, a

German inventor who also made a study of the
flight of birds and experimented with ornithopters,
going so far as to build a model ornithopter. His
chief work was with gliders. However, in 1891, he
made the first of a number of a glider flights which
were to exert a profound influence on the
development of aviation.

6. Santos Dumont’s Airship – one of the pioneers

of lighter-than-air craft was Alberto Santos Dumont, a
Brazilian who experimented with the steam-powered
balloons in Paris. He made his first balloon ascent in 1897
and in 1898 completed the construction of his first
airship. He, then built several other airships and in 1901,
made a 30-minute round trip flight between St. Louis and
the Eiffel Tower.

17
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
7. Wright Brothers, Flying
Machine – inspired by Lilienthal’s glider
experiments, Orville and Wilbur Wright
began studying the problems of
heavier-than-air flight. They built
biplane kite then over 200 different
wing types which they tested in a wind
tunnel of their own invention, before
they conducted their first man-carrying
powered machine. This flew
successfully at kitty hawk, North Carolina on Dec. 17, 1903. By 1909, airplanes became sufficiently
accepted to justify beginning commercial manufacture of the machine.

8. Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis –

Following the initial flight of the Wright brothers’
airplane, the development of aviation was rapid. The
first airmail was delivered in 1911 and World War I
gave an impetus to plane design and the training of
pilots. During the 1920’s, many new records were
set. A feat which particularly captured popular
imagination was the first solo flight from New York
to Paris, made by Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh in May
1927 in a plane especially built for the flight, the
Spirit of St. Louis.

LESSON 1.2
ROADS AND VEHICLES HISTORY

Concept

As man, from ancient times to the 20 th century, sought to make their transport facilities
more efficient, they have always endeavored to move people and property with the least
expenditure of time, effort, and money.

It was stated in the preceding lesson that man first travelled by foot. Then, primitive man
supplemented their own carrying of goods and possessions by starting to domesticate animals –
training them to bear small loads and pull crude sleds.

18
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
The following are some of the inventions and innovations and important events that lead to
modern land transportation:

A. WHEEL was invented probably in western Asia – such invention was a milestone
and a great step forward in transportation. As wheel was perfected, crude carts
and wagons began to appear in TIGRIS-EUPHRATES VALLEY about 3500 B.C., and
later in CRETE, EGYPT AND CHINA. The wheel was one of man’s great inventions.
It enabled him to transport burdens beyond the power of man or animals to carry
or drag, and permitted much greater facility of movements than the simple sledge
on rollers which had to be continually picked up and moved by hands as the sledge
is advanced. The following were some of the earliest types of wheeled carts:

1. Solid wheels on fixed axle –

this ancient cart represents an
early step in the evolution of
wheeled vehicles. Its solid
wheels, which were made of a
single piece of wood, rotated on
single axle.

2. Sumerian chariot with flank

wheels – this chariot, of about
2400 B.C., had solid wheels built
up of three pieces, and so was
more durable than the one-piece
wheel.

3. Greek quadrica with spoked

wheels – drawn by four horses,
was a light and elegant vehicle
for gentlemen about 250 B.C. it
had spoked wheels and axles of
irons or bronze, handles for aid in
mounting, and seat formed by a
board placed across the handles.

19
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY

4. Roman carpentum – a closed,

two-wheeled cart, was the
favored vehicle when roman
wemon journeyed outside the
city.

5. Italian cocchio, 1288 – a traveling

wagon in which the passengers were
protected by a covering of leather or
cloth fixed over a wooden framework.

B. WHEELED VEHICLES could not us the narrow paths and trails used by pack animals, and early
roads were soon built.

C. THE ROMANS were the major road builders in the ancient world. The romans road network
reached a total of about 50,000 miles (80,000 kms.), with FEEDER roads branching out from the
main highways. It was costly because its deep foundation, formed by layer after heavy stones, was
necessary to make roads that would carry heavy traffic for many years.

D. JHON L. MACADAM did not abandon the theory of feeder road building and perfected the
macadamized road in England about 1815.

E. AFTER THE FALL OF THE ROMANS in the 5 th century, land haulage generally declined
because highways suffered from inadequate maintenance. Such improvements however, as the
horse collars (10 th century), the addition of springs to coaches, new methods of road construction,
and the introduction of toll roads (18th century) all continued to ease and speed land travel.

F. SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD VEHICLE began with the adaptation of COACH

SPRING about 1650

20
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
G. IN THE MID-18TH CENTURY, ENGLISH ROADS were so bad that the coaches could average
only about 4mph (6.4 km/h) and the mail was usually carried by boys on horses.

H. JOHN PALMER introduced his first mail coach in march of 1785 and by 1800, the English coach
system was in full swing.

I. THE INVENTION OF BICYCLE in the early 19 th century served as a nursery of automobile

builders. One of the modern ancestors of the modern bicycle was the HOBBY HORSE, or dan horse.
The wheels were made of wood, with their tires of iron, and the riders pushed themselves along
with their feet on the ground.

advent

1. the German Baron in 1817 introduced a steerable wheel,

creating the “draisienne,” or “dandy horse.”

2. in 1838, KIRKPATRICK MACMILLAN, a scottish

blacksmith, made the first machine with pedals, which
were attached to and drove the rear wheel by means of
cranks.

J. PNUEMATIC TIRES (inflated by air) by a Scottish, JOHN BOYD DUNLOP appeared in late 19 th
century (about 1888).

K . MOTOR VEHICLE – the first mode of transportation to challenge the railroads.

1. Frenchman ETIENNE LENOIR made possible the introduction of motorized

carriages by his invention in the 1860’s and 70’s of the INTERNAL COMBUSTION
ENGINE.

2. NICOLAUS OTTO AND GOTTLIEB DAIMLER, pioneered the manufacture of gas

engines, and later Daimler became a successful automobile manufacturer.

3. RUDOLF DIESEL, a German engineer, developed an internal combustion engine

which is similar with the gasoline engine but requires no electrical ignition system
or carburetor and uses other form of liquid fuel, the diesel fuel.

21
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
 AMANDO COPE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLGY
4. The AUTOMOBILE found its greatest popularity in the U.S. where the first
HORSELESS CARRIEGE appeared in the 1890’s.

5. In 1908, HENRY FORD introduced the MODEL T, which was proven so popular
that by 1914, ford had adopted MASS PRODUCTION methods to meet the
demand.
6. In 1956, FELIX WANKEL, a German mathematician developed an advanced-type
of engine, named after him, that operates very differently from gas and diesel
engines, it is started by moving crankshaft.

From Ford Era, the demand of vehicles

became great for the transportation of
goods, products, communications and
people. Hence, man started manufacturing
largo cargo trucks and busses for mass
transportation. Ford Model T, 1914 model.

An index of affluence for Filipino in the days of the American rule was the possession
of an automobile. To this day, having a car—next to owning a house—continues to top the
list of goals of every working Pinoy. The car industry of the Philippines has a rich history and
owning an automobile has always been more than just a functional transportation invention;
it is a status symbol, a statement of success to be driven and flaunted on the road.

Presently, the introduction of the light trail transit (LRT), the metro rail transit (MRT),
flyovers, pedestrians and vehicle culverts, rock sheds and other modern traffic ways
contributed to the expeditious movement of traffic users.

22
MODULE 1 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION