Traffic Management Midterm Exam Topic

Lateral Placement

Lateral placement means the proper positioning of the motor vehicle while traversing
on a traffic way or parked in the Philippines unless a different course of actionist
required in the interest of the safety and the security of life person or property or
because of unreasonable difficulty of operation in compliance herewith ever person
operating motor vehicle or an animal draw vehicle on a highway to another every
motor vehicle shall be conducted to the right of the center of the intersection of the
highway on the other hand motor vehicle should be parked only on designated areas
and so properly parked without encroaching the parking stall or space of another
vehicle.

Rules on Right of Way

Sections 42-44 of R.A.4136 provides for the rules on giving the right of way stated and
illustrated as follows;

a.In case of two vehicles approaching or entering an intersection at the same time, the
driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way: however, the driver of any
vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed forfeits this right (Sec. 42.a). See figure 7.1.

b.In case of a vehicle approaching but has not yet entered the intersection, its driver
shall yield the right of way to vehicles already with in such intersection or turning
therein to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned vehicle.

c.In case of a vehicle on a highway within a business or residential district, its driver
shall yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the highway within a crosswalk,
except at intersections where traffic is regulated by a peace officer or a traffic signal. If
there is no crosswalk, pedestrians shall yield the right of way to vehicles on the
highways (Sec.42.c).

d.In case of vehicle traversing a “ thru high way” its driver should bring it to a full

e.Stop before crossing. However, if it is clear and no hazards exist, the vehicle may
slow down to 5 miles per hour instead of a full stop (Sec. 42.d.).

Exceptions to the Right of Way Rule

Right-of-way rules do not apply in the case:

1. If a vehicle entering from a private road or drive. The right of way is in favor of all
vehicles utilizing the highway ( Sec 4.3) See figure 10on the next page.
2. The driver of 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”.

Making a Right Turn (Normal Procedures).

The following are the rules to be observed in making a correct turning to the right from
a four-lane street to a four-lane street.

a.Signal your intention to turn right with your turning signal light or a hand signal at
least 100 ft. before you intend to make your turn.

b.Stay on the right lane of the road.

c.Never make a right turn from left lane.

d.At an intersection with a red traffic light, make a right turn ONLY after coming to a
full stop to make sure that no vehicle is coming from the left.

e.If there is a sign prohibiting a right turn unless the light is GREEN. DO NOT turn
right while the RED LIGHT IS ON.

Making a Left Turn (Normal Procedures).

Motor vehicles intending to turn left from a four-lane street to four-lane street should
observe the following procedures:

a. Signal your intention to turn left with your turning signal or a hand signal at least
100 feet before you intend to make your turn.

b. Stay on the left lane of the road.

c. NEVER make a left turn from the right lane.

d. At an intersection with a traffic light vehicles

GOING STRAIGHT have the right of way. Wait for

them to pass first before you turn left.

e. At an intersection with a traffic light, make a left

turn ONLY WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT IS ON OR

WHEN THERE IS A LEFT TURN LIGHT.

Making a U-Turn on a Two-Lane Road (Normal Procedure)

Following is the recommended procedure in making a U-Turn on two-lane road.

a. Make a right turn signal at least 100 ft. before you

start moving to the right side of the road.

b. Stay as close to the right side as possible. Come to

a complete stop if necessary. Check behind you for

traffic. Also check for oncoming traffic on the other

lane.

c. Once all traffic has passed you, initiate you U-Turn.

See to it that you can make it in one “sweep.” If you

have a long vehicle look for an intersection or a wide

section of the road to make a U-Turn in.

d. At this point, you should be making the U-turn IF

you know the turning radius of your vehicle.

e. Do not move immediately to the middle of the

road. Keep to the right side until you have increased

your speed sufficiently to move to the middle of the

lane.

Making a U-Turn on a Four-Lane Highway

(Normal Procedure).

Following is the correct procedure.

a. Check for traffic behind you and indicate your

intentions with a left turn signal. If no fast vehicles,

stay on the left lane.

b. Clear the “other side’ for oncoming traffic and

initiate your turn as soon as it is clear. Do not come to

a complete stop. Straighten out on the right lane and

begin gaining speed.

c. As soon as you have reached a relatively safe

speed, signal your intention to move to the fast lane

with a left turn signal.

d. Move to the fast lane as soon as you are fast enough to hold up traffic moving in the
same direction.

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. In addition, pedestrians, as part of the traffic system, their fundamental
duty is to observe and obey all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should also
know the rights of the pedestrians so that they will not be using the portions of the
traffic way allocated for the pedestrians for parking purposes.

General Parking Rules and Similar Regulations

1. Parking on Cities. In cities and towns, unless

otherwise directed by a city or municipal ordinance,

motor vehicles will be parked parallel and within 12

inches of the curb.

For additional pre-caution while parking.

Observe the following:

a. Downhill with or without curb-turn wheels to right.

b. Uphill curb with curb-turn wheels from curb.

c. Uphill without curb-turn wheels to curb.

2. Parking on a Highway. On rural roads, pull

entirely off pavement to park, whenever practicable,

turn on your parking lights.

3. Parking Prohibited in Specified Places. No

driver shall park a vehicle, or permit it to stand,

whether attended or unattended, upon a highway in

any of the following places.

a.Within an intersection.

b.On a crosswalk.

c.Within six meters of the intersection of curb lines.

d.Within four meters of the driveway entrance to any fire station.

e.Within four meters of a fire hydrant.

f.In front of a private driveway.

g.On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or packed at the curb or edge of the
highway.

h.At any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking.

FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

Traffic Control

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.

A.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. In smaller towns, with
lighter traffic, similar but simpler control devices and engineering techniques are used.

B.Control Techniques. The primary emphasis of traffic control is on the safe and
efficient flow of cars, buses, vans, and lorries over urban streets and highways. The
means of promoting this can vary from simple improvement of local streets by
installing traffic signs and road markings to constructing comprehensive motorway
control systems. Such comprehensive systems use:

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:

1.the use of one-way streets.

2.enforcement of traffic low regulations.

3.channelization (building traffic islands turning lanes and so on), and

4.the use of traffic signals.

B.Highway Traffic control. Motorists depend on traffic control devices to avoid

collisions and travel safely to their destinations. Traffic control devices for highway
travel include signs, signal lights, pavement markings and a variety of devices placed
on, over, near, or even under, the roadway.

Primordial Purpose of Signal Control

1. To minimize traffic conflicts and time delay

2. To reduce vehicular accident.

3. To economize manpower.

Classes of Traffic Signs

1. Danger Warning Sign- These signs are intended to warn road users of danger that
lies ahead of its nature.

2. Regulatory Signs-These are intended to warn road users of special obligation,

restrictions or prohibition with which they must comply. It is subdivided into three
categories:

a. Priority Signs-These are signs intended to regulate priority over a particular road
section or roadway intersection.
 b. Prohibitory or Restrictive Signs-These signs can be used on specified section of the
road that will be easily seen by motorist to indicate regulation that is prohibitive or
restrictive in nature.

c.Mandatory Signs-These signs are intended to guide road users of special rules in
which they must comply for the safety convenience and smooth flow traffic

3. Informative Signs-These signs are intended to guide road users while travelling, and
are subdivided into:

1) Advance Signs

These are the names and distance of the principal destination or destination
served by the intersection roads.

2) Direction Signs

Unlike the advance direction signs, direction signs shall be placed at the
right of intersection to show the direction and destination of a route. Direction signs
are different from mandatory signs, since these signs gave only information as to
direction and destination of place, while mandatory signs require compliance.

3) Place Identification Signs

These may be used to show the frontier between two countries or for the
purpose of showing the beginning and/or end of built-up areas.

4) Confirmatory Signs

These are used to confirm the direction of a road. They shall bear the names
of one or more places. Where distances are shown, the figures expressing them shall
be placed after the name of the locality.

5) Other signs indicating facilities for road users.

Road Classifications

1. According to Political Subdivision

A) National roads- The main road as the conduit system with a right of way from 20
meters to 120 meters.

B) Provincial Road-The linkages between two municipalities with right of way from 15
meters to 60 meters.

C) City Roads-The inter-link between municipalities and within city proper with right
of way of 15 meters.
 D) Municipal Road-All roads within the town proper with right of way not less than
120 meters.

E) Barangay Roads-Commonly called farm to market road with right of way of not less
than 2 meters

2. According to Functions

1) Feeder Roads- Intended for farm-to-market roads 2) Local Collector Roads-Intended

to collect traffic from feeder road to municipal road.

3) Major Collector Roads-Intended as major arteries to collect inter-locality traffic to

provincial road.

4) Major Highway-Serve as main artery that caters on big volume of vehicular traffic
on national roadway.

5) Expressway-A through traffic for free-flow of vehicular movement.

6) Tunnel Road-A passage of wide section cur through a hill or sea to shorten
circuitous roadway.

7) Subway-An underground conduct running entirely under the ground for fast travel
route of commuters. 8) Skyway-A modern urban system of roadway above street level
for free-flow traffic.

3. According to Topographical Terrain

1) Flat Road

2) Zigzag Road

3) Steep-Hill Climbing Road

4) Down-Hill Road

5) Winding Road

6) Mountainous Road

7) Roller Coaster Road

Sidewalks

It is an integral part of the roadways in any metropolitan cities of the world-it is

also one of the species of geometric designs. Sidewalk is the answer for the safety of
pedestrian safety. Thus, sidewalk reduced the hazards of pedestrian to slender
yardstick of traffic engineering
Intersections

Today, urban cities of the world walk on 2-legs-man and machine. But the
continuity of its locomotion depends upon the inter-link of connection road network at
intersection to meet traffic demand.

The plan and design of intersection is based on traffic component, traffic

volume, speed, traffic distribution, canalisations of traffic accidents and future traffic
demand.

Kinds of Intersections

1. Three-Leg Intersection

1) T-Type

2) Y-Type

2. Four-Leg Type

1) Right angle

2) Oblique

3. Multi-Leg Intersection

4. Rotary Intersection

WAYS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

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’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.

2. 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.

3. Traffic-Signal. Traffic signals are installed to permit safe movement of vehicles and
pedestrians at busy intersections. The signal light 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. More than 60
percent of all miles driven each year are on roadways controlled by traffic signals.

Priority Control. In one of the oldest method of traffic control, one form of
transportation is given priority restricting or banning other forms of transportation. In
the 1st century BC, Roman Emperor Julius 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 strict truck travel though certain neighborhoods.

Bus-lanes and high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) lanes exist in many urban areas. Only
specified types of vehicles, primarily those carrying several occupants, can use these
lanes. By giving priority to high-occupancy vehicles, transportation planners
encourage carpooling and reduce congestion.

Restraints. As an alternative to banning traffic, traffic control planner 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. Concrete median strips prevent vehicles from making turns
except at intersections.

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. control
traffic , 2. to safeguard the flow of traffic , 3). To expedite traffic and 4. to guide traffic
and motorists.

Traffic signs, like traffic signal lights and road marking are used to convey quickly and
accurately the wide range of information needed by road users, particularly vehicles
drivers, and to promote a safe and efficient use of the road system.

Standardization of traffic signs shall conform to the standard set forth in the
erection and display of standard road signs and markers as prescribe by the DPWH as
to shape, color, dimension, shape, size, height, letterings or symbols.

Traffic signs shall be installed only under public authority y the official having
jurisdiction for that purpose and it shall not bear any commercial advertisement..

A thorough knowledge of traffic signs, signals, and road and pavement

markings is necessary to all drivers. Every motorist must be able to recognized and
obey them without hesitation even with the absence of traffic police officer.
B. INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS.

As explained in the VIENNA CONVENTION, the system of signs and signal s

which it has prescribed is based on the use of shapes 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 practically by every motorist
regardless of the nationalities. These basic sign shapes are:

1. Round and red sign; regulates the movement of turning and passing traffic
regulations:

2. Round black yellow signs; a warning that you are approaching a railroad crossing:

3. Equilateral triangle red signs; a sign at the intersection directing drivers to yield the
right – of – way to vehicles in the road being crossed.

4. Eight –sided (octagonal) red and white stop sign: the most popular and understood
sign by all tongues and colors; and

5. Triangle red and black sign approaching a danger zone, hill, slope, winding road,
and others.

C. CLASSIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS.

International Traffic Signs are classified into three.

1. Danger warning signs

2. Regulatory signs, and

3. Informative signs.