REVIEW NOTES ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT

INVESTIGATION WITH DRIVING

Prepared by: Dr. Edelito P Deles

Table of Specification
The registered criminologist can perform the competencies under the following sub-
topics:
1. Recall, explain and use the legal provisions of the following: Registration
and renewal of motor vehicles; Driver’s License and renewal; traffic signs,
traffic lights, and other control devices, pavement markings, speed limit;
conduction permit, license plate; passengers on the top cover, failure to
provide canvas cover to cargos, permitting a passenger to ride on running
board, step board or mudguard; failure to dim headlights when approaching
another motor vehicle, hitching or permitting a person or a bicycle,
motorcycle, tricycle or skate roller to hitch to a motor vehicle, counter Flow,
illegal U-turn, Right of Way Rule, the Rule on Overtaking; and other special
penal laws such as seatbelt, drunk driving, distracted driving and others;

2. Described, explain, and use the principles of the following: Pillars of Traffic
Law Enforcement; Pillars of Traffic Management; Pillars of Traffic
Administration; legal provisions on Early warning devices, road worthiness
of vehicles, extra loud mufflers and horns, smoke-belching, and the lemon
law;

3. Explain, use, and organized the processes of traffic accident investigation,

hit and run, collision and non-collision type of accident, Chain of Events in
an accident, key event of an accident, causes of accident, Marks on the
road in a collision and non-collision type of accident, the Last Clear Chance
principle, the state of necessity principle, civil and criminal liabilities of
driver’s and operators in an accident, the implication of accident to the
franchise of Public Utility vehicles, and the administrative liability of driver’s
license in an accident, means in committing a crime, and process of filing
charges in vehicular related incidents.
TRANSPORTATION
- is an act or process of conveying from one place to another
- from the Latin word “Terans” meaning across or and move and “Portare” means to carry

VARIOUS ANCIENT MODES OF TRANSPORATATION

A. MANPOWER
B. ANIMAL POWER
C. WIND POWER

ROADS AND VEHICLES HISTORY

WHEEL
- was invented probably in Western Asia
- one of man’s great inventions

THE ROMANS
- were the major road builders in the ancient world
- Roman road networks reached a total of about 50,000 miles (80, 000 km)

CANALS
- a body of water used to be channel of sea transportation
- the first canal was constructed by Engr. James Brindley

RAILWAYS
- channel of transportation wherein a parallel line of irons were used as roads
- the first railroad is the Stockton and Darlington line (1925)

TRAFFIC
- it refers to the movement of persons, goods, or vehicles, either powered by combustion system
or animal drawn vehicle, from one place to another for the purpose of safe travel
- originated from Greco-Roman word Trafico and Greek word Traffiga, origin of which is not
known

THE 5’Es OF TRAFFIC

1. ENFORCEMENT
- the action taken by the police, such as arresting, issuing traffic citation ticket and providing
warning to the erring driver for the purpose of deterring and discouraging and or preventing such
violation

2. EDUCATION
- the process of giving training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety knowledge

3. ENGINEERING
- the science of measuring traffic and travel, the study of basic laws relative to the traffic law
and generation; the application of these knowledge to the professional practice of planning, deciding,
and operating traffic system to achieve safe and efficient transportation of persons and goods

4. TRAFFIC ECOLOGY/ ENVIRONMENT

- the study of potentially disastrous population explosion, changes in urban environment due to
the scale and density of new urban concentration and new activities carried out, air pollution, water
pollution and crowding, transport congestion which result therein
5. TRAFFIC ECONOMY
- deals with the benefits and adverse effects of traffic to our economy

MANAGEMENT
- it is an executive function such as planning, organizing, Directing and supervising,
coordinating operating recording and budgeting traffic affairs

AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC

Land Transportation Office

- tasked to enforce laws, rules and regulation governing the registration of motor vehicles,
operation of motor vehicle and traffic rules and regulation as provided by RA 4136 as amended.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
- tasked to regulate transport route
- regulate franchising
- prescribe fare rates
- investigate traffic cases
- perform judicial function
- promulgate rules
- impose and collect fees
- formulate and enforce rules and regulation for transport operation for promotion of safety and
convenience of public
- coordinate with concerned agencies and enforce E.O. NO 125,124-A and
E.O. 202 dated June 19,1987

Department of Transportation and Communications

- in charge of planning programs coordinating implementing and perform administrative
function and promotion development and regulation of dependable and coordinated network of
transportation and communication in order to have fast, safe, efficient and reliable postal transportation
and communication services (EO No. 125.)

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

- created under RA. 7924 and sets policies concerning traffic in Metro Manila, coordinates and
regulates implementation of program related to traffic

Congress and Local Council

- the branch of government primarily tasked to create laws for the welfare of the public

Judiciary
- the branch of government that interprets the law through adjudication of cases

Traffic Management Group (TMG)

- the basis service of the PNP tasked to direct and control traffic, perform accident
investigation, enforce the laws and issue citations.

AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

Department of Public Works and Highways

- has responsibility of determining traffic flow planning approval of program and budget
finding of construction and maintenance of road and instrument
Local Public Works and Engineering Offices
- local government units and instrumentalities that have the same function as the DPWH
- perform such powers within their territorial boundary

AGENCIES INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC EDUCATION

Schools

Elementary
- tasked to educate children to obey traffic rules through their programmed curricula

Secondary
- tasked to educate students in obeying tha traffic rules by imposing school policies intended for
the welfare of the students

Higher Education
- they offer subjects on driving and traffic safety course or any allied subjects

TRAFFIC EDUCATION
- is priceless gem in the entire scale of social order of the road
- is the process of inculcating to an individual the knowledge, skill, responsibilities and values
to become a fully developed person
- the key to smooth traffic flow is discipline and to acquire discipline people must be educated

PURPOSE OF DRIVER EDUCATION

1) To Instill awareness of one's legal and moral responsibilities in traffic; and
2) To teach abilities required for one to be eligible for a driver’s license.

SAFETY CAMPAIGN
- the aim of this campaign is to make road users behave properly
- focuses on public information attitudes; this is characterized as road propaganda

BIORHYTHM
- the theory asserting that man exhibit constant variation of energy and mood states

The Environmental Factors in Man’s Theorized Cycles and Interpretation of Biorhythm

1. The exchange of Light and darkness
2. The four seasons
3. Wet and dry seasons
4. The waxing and waning of the moon

The Biorhythm Cycle

1. 23 days of physical cycle
2. 28 days of emotional cycle
3. 33 days of intellectual cycle

The High State

Physically high
- people are energetic, strong and agile
Emotionally high
- people are creative, artistic and happy
Intellectually high
- people think quickly and logically

The Low State

Physically low
- people tend to be tired and succumb to sickness
Emotionally low
- people are moody, irritable and depressed
Intellectually low
- people find it difficult to think logically and lacks coordination

LEGAL SYSTEM FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

LICENSING SYSTEM
- it is the system of issuing license to any person who is qualified to fulfill the responsibilities
required by the licens
- administered by the LTO

DRIVER’S LICENSE
- issued to the drivers as privilege granted by the government providing statutory qualification

LICENSING PROCEDURE

REQUISITES FOR ISSUANCE OF LICENSE

- At least 16 years old for student’s permit
- 17 years old for sub-professional
- 18 years old for professional

KINDS OF DRIVER’S LICENSE

1. Student permit
2. Non-professional
3. Professional
4. Military
5. International

RESTRICTION CODE
1. Restriction Code No 1 - limited to drive motor motorcycles
2. Restriction Code No 2 - limited to drive vehicle weighing not more than 4500 kg
3. Restriction Code No 3 - limited to drive vehicles weighing more than 4500 kg
4. Restriction Code No 4 - limited to drive weighing 4500 kg and with automatic transmission
only
5. Restriction Code No 5 - limited to drive vehicle with automatic clutch and weighing more
than 4500 kg

DRIVER
- Licensed operator of a vehicle

DUITES OF DRIVER IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS

1. Stop immediately.
2. Show the license to the victim and give the true name, address and contact number.
3. Driver is not allowed to leave the scene without aiding the victim.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE PRECEEDING TOPIC
1. If he is in imminent danger of being seriously harmed by reason of accident;
2. If he reports the accident to the nearest police station; and
3. If he has summoned the physician or nurse to aid the victim.

CONDUCTOR
- Licensed person allowing limited number of passengers, freight or cargo in public utility truck
or buses

TEN COMMANDEMENTS OF TRAFFIC

1. KEEP RIGHT - (two lanes, two ways) in case of one way the left lane shall be the fast lane
and the slow lane is the right.
2. OBSERVE ROAD COURTESY- yield to emergency vehicle, pedestrians, trains, vehicle
with right of way, vehicles ahead, large vehicles, uphill traffic, vehicles with momentum,
straight traffic, and traffic signs.

Emergency Vehicles:
1. Vehicle with physician
2. Ambulance on emergency call
3. Vehicle with wounded or sick person
4. AFP/ PNP vehicle on official call
5. Vehicle in pursuit of criminals
6. A police or fire on call

RIGHT OF WAY RULE

- the right to proceed ahead of another vehicle or pedestrian
1. Intersection- when two or more vehicle is entering an intersection the one on the left will give
way to the right vehicle.
2. Pedestrian- drivers should yield to pedestrian crossing except at intersection whereas the
movement of vehicles is regulated by a police officer.
3. Through highway/ railroad crossing- the driver shall bring to a full stop before traversing to an
intersection. If there is no hazard the driver may slowdown to 5mph.
4. Police /emergency vehicle- all drivers should yield to emergency to emergency vehicle except
as directed by traffic enforcer. Fire trucks are accepted to speed limit but they are prohibited to
have unnecessary speed.
5. From private road to highway- vehicle from private road must yield to that on a highway.

3. PROHIBITED PARKING
Places where parking is prohibited:
1. Near an intersection
2. Crosswalk/ pedestrian lane
3. Within 6 meters from drive way of any response installation, fire hydrant and private roads
4. Double parking
5. Sidewalks, alleys, foot of the bridge
6. Places wherein official signs are posted

4. WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT OVERTAKE.

- overtaking lane is the lane to the left of overtaken vehicle going in the same direction,
overtaken vehicle is the privileged vehicle
CONSIDER THESE IF YOU OVERTAKE:
1. Signal the intention.
2. Make sure that the overtaking lane is clear and free of oncoming vehicle for sufficient distance
to facilitate proper overtake.
3. Maneuver at own risk, the vehicle being overtaken is the privileged vehicle. Drivers keep his
lane, maintain speed and yield to overtaking vehicle.
4. He shall increase his speed until the overtaken vehicle has cleared the way
5. In a two lanes, on a divided roadway, they may use either of the lanes.
6. In an expressway with fast and slow lanes, on a divided roadway, they may use either of the
lanes.
7. Overtaking is prohibited at crest of a grade curve, railway crossing, at the intersection and
between construction and caution.

5. THE BUS STOP RULE

1. The buses queue up in a single file in their order arrival.
2. Lead bus moving toward the center of column of busses lining on the bus stop zone, and
remain until zone is filled with busses, but longer than three minutes.

6. RULE TO PREVENT OR UNTANGLE TRAFFIC JAMS

- Keep lanes and intersection open in heavy and slow traffic to avoid overtaking. In a
construction, vehicles should merge alternately.

7. OBSERVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES

- Observe and obey traffic notices sign like notices and pavement markings.

8. THE PHILOSOPHY OF PINOY DRIVER

- Motorist should observe equity of the lead vehicle, doctrine of the last clear chance on rotunda
drive.

9. ON PEDESTRIAN
- Keep off the roadway except when crossing on crosswalk. Wait embark and alight at bus or
jeepney stop.

10. REMEMBER THE INTERNATIONAL SAFETY REMINDER- “SAFETY FIRST”

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

- the action taken by the police to compel obedience to traffic laws and ordinance regulating the
use and movement of motor vehicle for the purpose of creating a deterrent to unlawful behavior by all
potential violators

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCER

- a person duly deputized by an agency of government authorized by law to enforce traffic laws,
rules and regulations

POLICE TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

- the part performed by the police and other agencies with police power including deterrent to
law violations created by the presence of uniformed police officer and their special equipment, special
assistance to court and prosecutor and incidental service to highway users
COURT TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
- the performed by the court through adjudication and penalization
POLICE COURT ENFORCEMENT PROCESS

FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS

1. DETECTION - wholly police activities and entails looking for defects in the behavior
motorist, pedestrian, vehicle, equipment and roadway condition.
2. APPREHENSION - a police responsibility wherein the police are required action to prevent
continued and future violation.
3. PROSECUTION - it is a court function, the police also provides corresponding influence
through preparation and introduction of evidence or close contact with the prosecution office.
4. ADJUDICATION - it is court function, the police provides influence on this step by as a
witness to the prosecution by supplying additional evidence. It determines the guilt or
innocence of the accused.
5. PENALIZATION - the imposition of penalty upon the accused. Penalty can be influenced by
previous records of conviction as provided by the police.

GOALS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

1. Increase safety level
2. Increase traffic efficiency
3. Ensure harmony and comfortable environment
4. Maximize safety

ACTIVITIES OF TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

1. Preventive activities
2. Persuasive activities
3. Punitive activities

MAJOR ELEMENTS OF TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM

1. Enforcement system
2. Road user system
3. Traffic system

TRAFFIC LAWS AND THE ROLE OF ENFORCEMENT

CHARACTERISTIC OF TRAFFIC LAWS

1. Laws are developed from experiences of the public over the years.
2. Laws reflect beliefs, behavior and standards agreed upon by society.

VIOLATIONS
- those act and omissions against traffic laws

CLASSIFICATION OF VIOLATION
1. Hazardous traffic violations that cause danger to road users. Unsafe behavior and unsafe
conditions are the causes of these violations.
2. Non-hazardous violations that do not affect safety of the public but affect the use of roads.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE VIOLATING TRAFFIC LAWS

1. Physical infirmities
2. Ignorance
3. Mental disorder
4. Lack of training
5. Wrong attitude
6. Habitual violators
7. PUV drivers are aiming for more compensation

POLICE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

- these include arrest and citation of any person

PURPOSES:
1. Prevent such violation from endangering the public and inconvenience
2. Prevent continued violation
3. Discourage future violation

KINDS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

1. Traffic arrest - the taking of a person into custody of the law. It is made when:
a) the offense is serious;
b) detection is needed to avoid continued violation; and
c) there is reasonable doubt that violators may not appear in court.

2. Traffic citation - made to compel violators to appear in court in absence of arrest.

3. Traffic warning - an act reminding the driver of his violation in order for him to not do it
again. No arrest or citation is made.

TYPES OF WARNING
1. Visual warning - using gestures and signals.
2. Verbal warning - oral warning made when there is newly enacted law
3. Written warning - combination of two preceding types with written note of citation.

TRAFFIC PATROL
- part of traffic supervision by patrolling to ensure public obedience

OBJECTIVES:
1. Deterrence of violators
2. Detection and apprehension
3. Observation and reporting of traffic condition and road condition
4. Providing certain services to public

TYPES OF PATROL
1. Line patrol- it is assigned to a particular place
2. Area patrol- type of patrol assigned to an area of vicinity

TRAFFIC OBSERVATION
1. Stationary traffic observation - officer is assigned at specific place
2. Conspicuous traffic observation - officer attracts attention
3. Visible traffic observation - stationary observation that the observer is in full view
4. concealed traffic observation - observer is not visible to the public

THINGS TO CONSIDER IN PURSUIT AS TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

1. Decision - nature of violation
2. Pursuit technique
3. Safety driving technique

STOPPING AND APPROACHING TRAFFIC VIOLATORS

1. It must be done with consideration to safety of both parties engaging
2. Upon approaching officer must be from the left side from the rear, be alert
TRAFFIC ROAD CHECK
- It is done to inspect the following:
1. Faulty vehicle equipment
2. Registration and licensing procedure
3. Intoxication or cargo check

TYPES OF TRAFFIC CHECK

1. Faulty vehicle
2. Officer directing road check

CONSIDERATION IN ROAD CHECK

1. Minimum delay to motorist
2. Thorough checking procedure
3. Protection and safety of parties involved
4. Timing and location and frequency

OBJECTIVE IN DEALING WITH VIOLATORS

1. Immediate objective- to act against the person
2. Ultimate objective- to change the future of a person

POINTS TO REMEMBER
1. Violators are diversified
2. Conflicts arises in violators
3. You are professional officer, there is no professional violator
4. Be alert for an unexpected
TRAFFIC SUPERVISION, DIRECTION AND CONTROL
- an act of overseeing the traffic to keep order on street and highways within existing laws

POLICE WORKS
1. Accident investigation
2. Less serious offense
3. Serious traffic offense

OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SKILLED IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:

1. Accident scene
2. Emergencies
3. Planned and special events
4. Regular points and integration control
5. Directing pedestrian movement

OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO KNOW HOW TO DIRECT IN THE FOLLOWING

PLACES:
1. Not signalized intersection
2. Signalized intersection
3. Between intersection

SUPERVISED ROUTE
- A street or highway on which traffic is supervised to some considerable degree

POLICE TRAFFIC DIRECTION

- It involves telling the public how and when they should not stand and move
POINT/ AREA CONTROL
- It is the part of the traffic direction concerning the control of vehicular/ pedestrian movement

POLICE TRAFFIC ESCORT

- It involves mobile supervision of traffic movement, directing orally and visually are done to
allow free and safe movement of escorted vehicles.

TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL

- It is the control direction of traffic units according to proportionate time to prevent traffic
accident to maintain smooth flow of traffic.

MEANS OF DIRECTING
1. Signaling
2. Whistling
3. Gestures

HAND SIGNAL
1. Use hand signals
2. Use uniform signals
3. It must be clear
4. Don’t make verbal
5. Be alert, stand erect
6. Look to the person when signaling
7. Arm signal should be shoulder high
8. Supplement it with whistle
9. Hang your hand when not in use
10. Constant waving of hands causes confusion
11. Maintain 90 degrees turn of the body
12. When stopping point to a man you want to stop
13. Hand signal should be with arm and palm facing the person

WHISTLE SIGNAL
1. One long blast for STOP
2. Two short snappy blast for GO
3. Three blast to be used TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE

A. COMMAND OF TRAFFIC
- Stand where you can be seen with firm and posture

B. GESTURE IN STOPPING
- Point the arm and index finger toward the vehicle to be stopped then show your palm
- Repeat the process at the opposite side
- Not lower your arm until traffic is ceased

C. GESTURE TO START TRAFFIC

- Stand sideways
- point your index finger toward the vehicle to start, hold it till he verified, swing your hand up
to your chin
- drop and repeat the process at the opposite side
- Use it when they are slow or hesitant to move

D. RIGHT TURN GESTURES

- Not required at intersection
- Point to the vehicle you want to turn and point to the direction of turning
- Vehicles to your left for right turn bend your left arm and allow a thumb sign

E. LEFT TURN GESTURES

- Vehicles turn left from right, stop vehicle from right and direct vehicle to the left
- Left turn vehicle from your right, turn around and repeat the procedure above
- Street with one lane only
a. allow space for ongoing straight and turning left vehicles
b. direct finger left turning car with proper finger left
c. semaphore signals may be used

F. TWO-OFFICER TRAFFIC
- The team leader shall initiate command followed by the members.

TECNIQUES IN TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL

1. Keep intersection open
2. Don’t allow motorist to cross without exit
3. Stop motorist at their lane
4. Prefer to stop the last moving vehicle

TRAFFIC JAM
- It is caused by such factors as vehicular accident, stalled vehicle, absence of traffic enforcer
and road construction.

PROCEDURES IN TRAFFIC JAM

1. Determine the cause
2. In case of accident conduct fast investigation
3. In case of engine trouble assist the motorist in pushing car to place
4. Establish oneself and conduct systematic flow of traffic
5. Observe the traffic flow if it smooth, if not repeat procedure no. 1
6. Implement traffic regulation to prevent jam

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAFFIC ENFORCER

1. Enforce the law without fear or favor and assist public when needed
2. In an intersection, remember the following:
a. personal safety of enforcer
b. policeman’s visibility
c. visibility of officers to traffic
d. non obstruction to traffic
e. ability to effect necessary control
3. Officer shall not leave his post during tour of duty without permission from higher authority. In case
personal necessity he should notify the station.
4. Respond immediately to emergency calls and notify the station
5. Be calm and control the temper even under provoking situation
6. He should be in proper uniform
7. In apprehending issue citation, and do it in one minute
PEDESTRIAN CONTROL

PROGRAM OF PEDESTRIAN ENFORCEMENT BASICALLY DEPENDS ON THE

FOLLOWING:
1. Campaign
2. Guiding on the post
3. Warning ticket

DRUNKEN DRIVERS
- it is a driver who drives under the influence of alcohol with 10% of intoxicating level

FIELD SOBRIETY TEST

1. Walk on straight line
2. One foot balance
3. Reading
4. Spelling
5. Counting from 1 to 10
6. Video tape the movement
7. Photograph the unguarded movement

CHEMICAL TEST
1. Blood test
2. Urine test
3. Perspiration test
4. Breath test
5. Skin test

EVIDENCE AGAINST DRUNKEN DRIVERS

1. Drivers admission
2. Co-occupants testimony
3. Material witnesses testimony
4. Photograph of drunken driver
5. Video/ voice tape of driver
6. Officers testimony

LEGAL ACTION AGAINST DRIVER

1. Submit him to the nearest laboratory for testing
2. Impound the vehicle
3. Confiscate the license
4. Recommend the suspension of privilege
5. Sue him for violation
6. If acquitted recommend suspension of license

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
- defined as calculating manipulation or direction. It includes forecasting of future traffic
demands.

FUNCTIONS
1. Fact finding survey and recommendation of traffic laws
2. Supervision and maintenance of the application of traffic devices
3. Planning of traffic regulation
OBJECTIVES
1. Achieve free and efficient and rapid flow of traffic
2. Prevent traffic accident
3. Promotion of traffic engineering
4. Show that good police action and performance makes engineering plans effective

APPLICATION OF THE OBJECTIVES OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

1. Habitually congested commercial areas
2. Heavily traveled thoroughfares
3. Congested local areas and intersection
4. Special occasion of event
5. Disaster or emergency
6. School crossing

METHODS IN ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

I. PLANNING AND GEOMETRIC DESIGN

- composition of traffic stream
- traffic volume and capacity
- origin and destination

II. FACTORS INFLUENCING DESIGN

- traffic composition
- traffic volume
- vehicle speed
- movement of traffic
- performance value

III. REGULATION AND CONTROL

a.
Limited to public safety and convenience
b.
Limitation imposed on road users
c.
General rule of road use and conduct
- speed
- overtaking
- right of way
- lateral placement
- pedestrian right and duty
- general rules on parking
d. Prohibited and restriction
- one way regulation
- speed control
- curb parking control
- turning regulation
- stop rule

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE

1. ELEMENTARY REQUISITES
- Compel attention
- convey simple meaning at a glance
- allowing time for response
- command respect
2. FUNDAMENTAL TRAITS
- design and outward aspect
- position and placement
- maintenance and condition, appearance and visibility

3. TYPES OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE

- traffic or road sign
- pavement markings
- traffic light
- traffic island

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

1. Regulatory devices
2. Warning devices
3. Guiding devices

AIMS OF SIGNAL CONTROL

1. Reduce traffic conflict and delay
2. Reduce accident
3. Economize police time
ADVANTAGES OF SIGNAL INSTALLATION
1. Made for well ordered movement
2. Reduce accident frequency
3. Provide means of interpreting heavy traffic
4. Economical over manual control at intersection
5. Coordinating in providing continuous flow of traffic
6. Increase traffic capacity

CLASSES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

a. DANGER WARNING SIGNS

b. REGULATING SIGNS
- priority signs
- prohibitory signs
- mandatory signs

c. INFORMATIVE SIGNS
- advance sign
- place identification sign
- confirmatory sign

PRINCIPLES OF SIGNS
1. Red triangle connotes hazard
2. Red ring with diagonal line connotes prohibition
3. Blue/ green provides information
4. Signs on blue disc give positive instruction

INTERNATIONAL SIGN
1. Round and red; regulatory movement
2. Round black yellow sign, warning sign
3. Equilateral triangle red sign, directing to yield the right of way
4. Octagon red and white, STOP
5. Red triangle and black sign, approaching danger zone

TRAFFIC LIGHTS
1. Red- stop
2. Amber- slowdown
3. Green- go

PAVEMENT MARKINGS
1. Arrows point to direction
2. Straight lines means no overtaking
3. Broken lines means overtaking is allowed

ROAD CLASSIFICATION

ACCORDING TO POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

1. National road- right of way 20 to 120 meters
2. Provincial road- link between to municipalities, 15 to 60 meters
3. City road- interlink in the city, 15 meters
4. Municipal road- within town proper 10 meters
5. Barangay road- from market to town 2 meters

ACCORDING TO TOPOGRAPHICAL TERRAIN

1. Flat road
2. Zigzag
3. Steep hill
4. Down hill
5. Winding road
6. Mountainous road
7. Roller coaster road

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF ROADWAY

1. VEHICLES PASSES SAFELY ON
- climb lane
- overtaking lane
- acceleration lane
- turning lane
2. PART OF THE ROAD USED FOR:
a. standing lane
b. stopping lane
c. Bus stop

SIDEWALK
- it is the portion of the road that answers the safety of pedestrians

ACCIDENT
- that occurrence in a sequence of events which usually produces unintended injury, death or
property damage

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
- an accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

- event resulting in unintended injury or property damage attributable directly or indirectly to
the action of a motor vehicle or its load

KINDS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

In the investigation of traffic accidents, it is imperative for the traffic investigator to know the kinds of
accidents occurred in order to map out the necessary activities to be done when responding and
investigating.

1. NON-MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

- refers to any accident occurring on a traffic way involving persons using the traffic way or
travel or transportation, but not involving a motor vehicle in motion (ex. Pedestrian and a cyclist in a
traffic way)
2. MOTOR VEHICLE NON-TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
- any motor vehicle accident which occurs entirely in any place other than a traffic way (ex.
Accident on a private driveway)

3. MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

- any motor vehicle accident occurring on a traffic way (ex. Collision between automobiles on a
highway)

CHAIN OF EVENTS IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

1. PERCEPTION OF HAZARD – it is seeing, feeling or hearing and understanding the usual
or unexpected movement or condition that could be taken as a sign of an accident about to
happen
2. START OF EVASIVE ACTION – it is the first action taken by a traffic unit to escape from
a collision course or otherwise avoid a hazard
3. INITIAL CONTACT – the first accidental touching of an object collision course or
otherwise avoids a hazard
4. MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT – it is the greatest collapse or overlap in a collision; the force
between the traffic unit and the object collided with are greatest at maximum engagement
5. DISENGAGEMENT – it is the separation of a traffic unit in motion from an object with
which it has collided; the force between the object ceases at this time
6. STOPPING – this is when the traffic units involved come to rest; it usually stabilizes the
accident situation
7. INJURY – it is receiving bodily harm; this event does not necessarily occur after the accident
but within any of the chain of events; it may also happen right after the evasive action taken
by the drivers involved or during the initial contact

STEPS TO BE TAKEN DURING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

STEP 1. UPON LEARNING THE INCIDENT CHECK THE FOLLOWING

1. What happened
2. Who are involved
3. Where and when it happened
4. How it happened
5. Why it happened
STEP 2. WHEN EMERGENCY UNDER CONTROL
1. Preliminary question to driver
- who is driving
- ascertain sign of nervousness
2. Gather clues for identification
3. Ask other witnesses
4. Examine driver’s condition
- check the license and other record
- check registration
- verify ownership
- account step by step events
5. Position and location of vehicles
- lights
- gear position
- mark the position of vehicle
- look for the unusual things inside the car
6. Form preliminary opinion
7. Photograph skid mark and location for later measuring
8. Record place in which person/ damaged vehicle is placed

STEP 3. AFTER GETTING SHORT-LIVED EVIDENCE

1. Make a test skid
2. Ascertain if the violation is tantamount to arrest
3. Complete examination of vehicle
4. Locate key event or point of impact
5. Additional photographs
- vehicle damages
- view obstruction
- present condition
- control devices
6. Measure scale or diagram
7. Get additional facts at the scene
8. Report to station by radio

STEP 4. AFTER LEAVING THE SCENE

1. Get the medical report
2. Notify the relatives
3. Develop the photographs
4. Analyze the specimen
5. Complete accident report, made copies and file.
6. Complete data on the investigators’ report
7. Reconstruct the accident
8. Complete the investigation and file it

STEP 5. IF THE CASE GOES TO COURT

1. Seek the desire of the prosecutor to strengthen the case.
2. Return to the scene of the incident to gather additional data
3. Make a pre-trial conference
4. Testify in court
5. Arrange the file for future purposes

IN CASE OF INJURIES:
1. Stop arterial bleeding
2. Ask for help
3. Protect the wound for exposure
4. Cordon the place

CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO SEVERITY

1. Fatal
2. non fatal
3. Property damage
CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO KEY EVENT
1. Running off road
2. Non-collision on road
- overturning
3. Collision on road of vehicles with the ff:
- pedestrian
- moving vehicle
- parked vehicle
- bicycle
- railroad train
- fixed objects
CAUSES OF MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
A. SIMULTANEOUS FACTORS
- Road condition
- Driver’s attitude
- Weather condition

B. SEQUENTIAL FACTORS
- Unsafe greater speed
- Defective vehicle
C. OPERATIONAL FACTOR
- Road hazard
- driver’s non compliance
D. PERCEPTION FACTOR
- driver’s inability to react
- driver’s faulty action to escape

HIT AND RUN INVESTIGATION

- This applies to drivers who failed to stop at a road accident

LEGAL CASES TO BE FILED:

1. Abandonment of one’s victim
2. Failure to lend assistance
3. Reckless imprudence resulting to homicide
4. Reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property
5. Failure to render assistance to victim
6. Violation of section 55 of RA 4136
7. Civil liability

COMMON NATURE OF HIT-AND-RUN

1. Ran over pedestrian
2. Sideswiped pedestrian
3. Collided with moving vehicle while overtaking
4. Collided with moving vehicle while overtaking on opposite direction
5. Damaged parked vehicle
6. Crushed police road block
7. Bumped by stray animal

INVESTIGATING FOR UNKNOWN FACTS

1. Victims identity
2. Kind of vehicle
3. The make of vehicle
4. The driver
5. The eyewitnesses

FAST TRACKED INVESTIGATION

1. Send the corpse to laboratory after investigating
2. Obtain fingerprint and other specimen and send it to laboratory
3. Splintered glass can be a lead
4. Broken headlamp manifest a run over
5. Paints might stick at victim belonging
6. Don’t forget to bring paper and pencil for initial note taking

EXAMINATION OF RECOVERED VEHICLE

1. Recover physical evidence immediately
2. Measure the vehicle
3. Photograph the vehicle, debris and chipped off part
4. Check the interior of the car for driver’s identity

INVESTIGATION AID FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

1. Motor vehicle certified registration
2. Repair shop
3. Department records

DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED IN CASE OF DEATH

1. Referral slip
2. Arrest report
3. Traffic accident report (TAIC)
4. Affidavit of parties involved
5. Witness’ statement
6. Photograph

DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED IN CASE OF INJURY

1. Memorandum of preliminary investigation
2. TAIC
3. Estimated amount of damage, it is made by authorized repair shop
4. Affidavit of parties involve
5. Witness statement
6. photograph

COMMON WORDS AND PHRASES USED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

1. MOTOR VEHICLE – any device which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is
propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails
2. KEY EVENT – an event on the road which characterizes the manner of occurrence of a
motor vehicle traffic accident
3.DEBRIS – the scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other materials left at the
scene of the accident caused by a collision
4. SKID MARKS – these are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not free to rotate,
usually because brakes are applied strongly and the wheels locked
5. TRAFFIC UNIT – any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other purposes as a
pedestrian or driver, including any vehicle, or animal.
6. HAZARD - a hazard is generated when a critical space-motion relationships between a
traffic unit and another object develops due to the movement of either or both (ex. A curve in
the path is a hazard; another traffic unit in the path is a hazard.)
7. SAFE SPEED – the speed adjusted to the potential or possible hazards or the road and traffic
situation ahead; safe speed on the road is determined by the road rather than the particular
driver of a vehicle (ex. A curve ahead is a hazard and a safe speed for it is a speed at which it
can be taken comfortably
8. STRATEGY – the adjusting of speed, position on the road, and direction of motion, giving
signals of intent to turn or slow down, or any other action in situations involving potential
hazards
9. TACTIC – any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like steering,
braking or accelerating to avoid collision or other accident.
10. IMPACT – the striking of one body against another or a collision of a motor vehicle with
another motor vehicle.
11. CONTACT DAMAGE – damage to a vehicle resulting from direct pressure of some foreign
object in a collision or roll over; it is usually indicated by striations, rub-off of material or
puncture.
12. FACTOR – any circumstance contributing to a result without which the result could not have
occurred or it is an element necessary to produce the result, but not by itself sufficient.
13. PRIMARY CAUSE – a misnomer loosely applied to the most obvious or easily explained
factor in the cause of an accident or the most easily modified condition factor.
14. CAUSE – the combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any one of which
result could not have occurred.
15. ATTRIBUTE – any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a person that affects the
probability of a traffic accident.
MODIFIER – a circumstance that alters an attribute permanently or temporarily