9'3 TRAFFIC DIRECTION

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9.3 TRAFFIC - DIRECTION

• TCLEOSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• 07/29/04

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Unit Goal 9.3. The student will be able to
control and direct traffic in a safe and legal
manner.
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9.3.1. Describe the legal authority to establish
effective traffic flow based on situational
priorities.
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Legal Authority Defined in TC 541.002
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Factors to expedite movement and to relieve
congestion
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Assess amount of traffic, length of time traffic
may be stopped, availability of an alternate
route capable of handling flow, and availability
of additional manpower
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Coordinate signals and gestures with other
officers
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Emergency vehicles
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Emergency vehicles are of the highest priority
(ambulance, fire fighting apparatus, etc.) TC
545.156
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Clear the approach for the emergency
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Halt all other traffic to allow for safe movement
of the emergency vehicle
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Points of greatest potential congestion
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Longest line of traffic
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Line of traffic threatening spillbacks into other
lanes and intersections
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9.3.2. Explain and practice directing/controlling
traffic, utilizing appropriate positioning,
signals, and equipment.
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Positioning in a highly visible and safe location
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Signals
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How to stop traffic

• Select vehicle(s) to be stopped
• Look directly at driver. With arm extended point
  at driver then raise palm and hold position until
  traffic has stopped.
• When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point
  beam in direction of oncoming traffic (not
  directly in drivers eyes) and move beam back and
  forth at right angles. Then use hand signal for
  stopping as indicated above.

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How to start traffic

• Attract attention of driver by extending arm and
  pointing at driver
• Turn palm inward, bring the hand up and over to
  the driver, bending the arm at elbow
• When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point
  beam at driver to gain his attention. Then point
  beam toward the ground, and indicate with the
  beam the direction to proceed (keeping beam
  pointed toward ground). Repeat as necessary to
  keep traffic moving

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Signals for right and left turn movements

• Attract drivers attention by extending arm and
  pointing
• While arm is extended, bring hand across in front
  of the body, bending elbow slightly, and point in
  the direction you want to turn traffic

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Pedestrian control

• Protect pedestrians by holding them back behind
  curb (off roadway) until traffic movement has
  stopped
• Start and stop pedestrian flow same as traffic
• Indicate where pedestrian should walk
• Prevent jay-walking and other illegal crossing

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Whistle

• One long blast of police whistle is used to
  attract drivers attention to stop (include hand
  signal)
• Two short blasts of police whistle used to
  attract drivers attention to start (include hand
  signal)
• Short rapid blasts (normally three) used to give
  warning signal

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Equipment

• Direct traffic using flare/traffic cone patterns
  and barricades
• Determine number required (request assistance if
  additional devices are needed)
• Place device properly

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Consider

• drivers reaction time
• overpass,
• hills curves,
• weather conditions
• other hazardous situations (i.e., spilled
  gasoline, etc.)