Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with Defensive Driving

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION

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

a. Manpower Transportation
b. Animal Power
c. Wind Power

Wind Power Transportation

Ancient Chinese Kite – was first used for transport when a Korean general employed one in bridge
building.

Da Vinci’s Ornithopter – derives its principal support and propelling from flapping wings like those of a
bird.

Montgolfier / hot-air Balloon – invented by brothers ,Joseph Michel and Jacques Entienne Montgolfier

Siemen’s Rocket Plane – designed by Ernst Werner Von Siemens which was to be propelled by the
explosive force of gunpowder.

Lilienthal Glider – invented by Otto Lilienthal, a German inventor

Santos Dumont’s Airship – steam-powered balloons in Paris invented by Alberto Santos Dumont, a
Brazilian

Wright Brother’s Flying Machine – 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.

Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis – the first solo flight from New York to Paris made by Capt. Charles A.
Lindbergh in May 1927.

Roads and Vehicles History

Romans - major road builders in the ancient world.

John L. Macadam – perfected the Macadamized Road in England about 1815.

Hobbyhorse, or dandy horse – first bicycles in the early 19th century.

Motor Vehicle – the first mode of transportation to challenge the railroads.

Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, developed an engine, which requires no electrical ignition system or
carburetor and uses other form of liquid fuel, the diesel fuel.

THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC

A. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

 It is the science of measuring traffic and travel.

 It is the study of the basic laws relative to traffic law and regulations.
 It is the application of this knowledge to the professional practice of planning, deciding and
operating traffic system to achieve safe and efficient transportation of persons and goods.

Agencies Concerned:

 DPWH - responsible for determining traffic law, pattern, draw, origin, and destinations, studies
of persons and things, planning, approving, funding and construction of national roads.
 Provincial Government
 Municipal Government
 Chartered Cities

THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC

B. TRAFFIC EDUCATION

It is the process of giving training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety knowledge.

Safety Training

The three principles that have been emphasized as effective in the prevention of traffic accidents are
known as the three (3) E’s of traffic: engineering, education, and enforcement.

 Four Basic Types of Instruction Methods used in Driver Education Program

1. Comprehensive

 This method places the student into real life of driving situation from the
beginning.

2. Traditional Instruction

 This type of instructions depends on instruction-student communication.

3. Commentary Driving Method

 The student-driver accompanied by an instructor.

4. Simulated Conditions and Off the Road Training

 The behavior of the driver – subject placed in condition will be relatively

analogous to normal behavior.

Two Methods of Simulation Presently Adopted are:

1. Partial Simulation Method

-This method has the specific aim of training for the “subtask” of the driving task.
 2. Global Simulation

Training is simulated in traffic situations and conditions with the use of simulations.

Simulator- It is a static machine with all the important features of a car used in driving
method or driving training.

Biorhythm - The theory which asserts that man exhibits a constant difference of life
energy and mood states.

C. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules and regulations.

This is a part of enforcement involving the arrest, issuance of Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or
Inspection Report Summons, or warning of any persons who is believed to have violated a law,
ordinance, or regulation pertaining to the use of traffic roads.

 Functions of Traffic Law Enforcement

1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement

 This is performed by the police and other agencies; includes detection and
apprehension

2. Court Traffic Law Enforcement

 This is performed by the court by prosecution, adjudication, and penalization.

Kinds of Enforcement Action

1. Traffic Arrest

Consists of taking a person into custody for the purpose of holding or detaining him to answer a charge
of law violation before a court.

 Arrest is made when:

-Offense committed is serious

-Detention is necessary to avoid continued violation

-There is reasonable doubt that the violator will not appear in court.

 Kinds of Enforcement Action

2. Traffic Citation

– is made of having violator appear in court without physical arrest.

3. Traffic Warning
 – is an enforcement action which does not contemplate possible assessment of penalty
by the court or otherwise as a result of warning alone.

 Types of Traffic Warning

1. Visual Warning – usually used when you have observed a minor violation and is indicated by gesture
of the hand and or of the head.

2. Verbal Warning – also a form of traffic safety education by telling the driver about his violation and
explain the hazards of such.

3. Written Warning – gives the spirit of verbal warning through citation.

D. TRAFFIC ECOLOGY OR ENVIRONMENT

 The study with potentially disastrous population explosion, changes in urban

environment due to scale and density of new urban concentration and new activities
carried out , air population, water pollution and crowding, especially transport
congestion which result therein.

Presidential Decree Nr. 1181

It provides for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles and for other
purposes.

Letter of Instruction Nr. 551

It directs the law enforcement agencies to implement the pollution control program.

E. TRAFFIC ECONOMY

 It deals with the benefits and adverse effects of traffic to our economy. Traffic
operation is designed to expedite the movement of traffic. However, with the prevailing
traffic congestion during rush hours in any given locality adversely affect the economic
status of the commuting public.

WHISTLE SIGNALS

1. One long blast - stop.

2. Two short snappy - go.

3. Three blast - for assistance or for the motorist to be attentive.

Driver’s License

- A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses the statutory qualification as provided
therefore. It is also a public document which has the legal presumption of genuineness.

-A driver is licensed by the Land Transportation Office as proof of his proficiency in driving and his
knowledge of road rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle.
LICENSES & PERMITS

1. International Driving Permit- (IDP) allows the holder to drive in another country. 

2. Military

3. Professional- an official document authorizing a person to operate a private or public-utility vehicle

for the purpose of earning compensation (e.g., operating a public utility jeep, or getting a job as a
chauffeur).

4. Non-professional- an official document authorizing a person to operate private vehicles in a private

capacity, not for the purpose of earning compensation.

5. Student Permit - an official document authorizing a person to operate a motorized vehicle in the
presence of a duly licensed driver; valid up to 12 months from the date of issue

6. Conductor’s permit - an official document authorizing a person to assist the driver of a public utility
vehicle in order to ensure the safety of its passengers and/or cargo.

CONDITIONS ASSIGNED TO DRIVERS AFETR EYE EXAMINATION

 A – wear eyeglasses

 B – drive only special equipment for

upper limbs

 C – drive only with special

equipment for lower limbs

 D – daylight driving only

 E – accompanied by a person with normal hearing

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPEED

Type of roadway Passenger cars and motorcycle Motor Trucks and buses
1. On open country roads, with
no blind corners not closely 80 km 50 km
bordered by habitations.
2. On through streets or
boulevards clear of traffic, with 40 km 30 km
no blind corners, when so
designated.
3. on city and municipal streets,
 with light traffic, when not 30 km 30 Km
designated through streets.
4. Through crowded streets,
approaching intersections at
blind corners, passing school 20 km 20 Km
zones, passing other vehicles
which are stationary, or for
similar dangerous.

EXCEPTION TO THE SPEED LIMIT

 A physician or his driver when the former responds to emergency calls.

 The driver of a hospital ambulance on the way to and from the place of accident or other
emergency.

 Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency treatment to a hospital, clinic, or
any other similar place.

 Any driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces while in use for official purposes in
times of riot, insurrection or invasion.

 The driver of a vehicle, when he or his passengers are in pursuit of a criminal.

 A law-enforcement officer who is trying to overtake a violator of traffic laws.

 The driver officially operating a motor vehicle of any fire department provided that exemption
shall not be construed to allow useless or unnecessary fast drivers aforementioned.

Some Provisions of R.A. 4136

 Driving on the Right Side of the Highway- All vehicles, whether motorized, animal-drawn or
muscle powered, shall use the right side of the road when meeting persons or other vehicles
coming from the same direction. (Section 37, RA 4136)

 Overtaking a Vehicle- In overtaking another vehicle, a driver should pass at a safe distance to
the left of the vehicle being overtaken and shall resume driving on the right side of the road
only after passing clear of the overtaken vehicles.

Exception: On the highway with two or more lanes where traffic goes in one direction, another
vehicle may be overtaken on the right.

 Giving Way to Overtaking Vehicles- The driver of a motor vehicle about to be overtaken must
give way to the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase his speed until the overtaking vehicles
has fully passed by.

Giving Way to Overtaking Vehicles- The driver of a motor vehicle about to be overtaken must
give way to the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase his speed until the overtaking vehicles
has fully passed by.
 RIGHT OF WAY

 (Section 42, a) In case of two vehicles approaching or entering as 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 travel at an unlawful speed forfeits this right.
 (Section 42, b) In case of a vehicle approaching but has not yet entered the intersection, its
driver shall yield the right of way to vehicle already within such intersection or turning
therein to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned vehicle.
 (Section 42, c) In case of a vehicle on a highway within a business or residential district, its
driver shall yield the right of way to pedestrian crossing the highway within crosswalk,
except at intersection where traffic is regulated by a peace officer of a traffic signal…
 (Section 42, d) In case of vehicle traversing a through-highway, its driver should bring it to a
full 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.

 Exception to the Right of Way Rules

-Right of way rules do not apply in the case of a vehicle entering a private road or drive. The
right of way is in favor of all vehicles utilizing the highway. (Section 43)

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND AIDS

 Traffic Control- It is the control of vehicles at a certain point or area by mechanical means, fixed
objects or manpower.

 Traffic Signs- A device mounted or on a portable support where a message is conveyed by

means of words or symbols, officially erected or installed for the purpose of regulating, warning
or controlling traffic.

CATEGORIES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

I. Caution Signs, Warning Signs and Danger Signs

These signs convey messages that certain road conditions exist on a certain stretch of the road or on
street requiring the driver to be more ATTENTIVE and are prepared for such road conditions.

 Examples: Dangerous Bend, steep signs ,Turn Left or Right, Rail Road Crossing

II. Guide Signs, Information Signs and Direction Signs

 These signs are modified signs that actually give spatial or DIRECTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS for the
driver to take.
 These signs are designed to provide the driver with information that MAY OR MAY NOT use but
will assist him in one-way or another.

Divisions of Informative Signs

1. Advance Sign

 These are the names and distances of the principal destination served by the
intersecting road.

2. Direction Signs

 Direction sign shall be placed at the right of intersections to show the direction and
destination of a route.

3. Place Identification Signs

 These maybe 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 name of one or more
places. Where distances are shown, the figures expressing them shall be placed after the name
of the locality.

CATEGORIES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

C. Instruction Signs or Regulatory Signs

 These signs require the driver not only to be more attentive as in caution signs but also require
the driver to ACTUALLY PERFORM OR NOT TO PERFORM a specified act.
 Round or Inverted Triangle or Octagonal, Red border, white background, black markings

Division of Regulatory Signs

1. Priority Signs

 These are intended to regulate priority over a particular road section of roadway
intersection.

2. Prohibitory Signs

 These signs can be used on specified section of the road, which will be easily seen by
motorist to indicate regulation, which is prohibitive or restrictive in nature.

3. Mandatory Signs

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

Color and shape symbolism of International Standard Signs:

 Signs surrounded by a red triangle give warning of some hazards.

 Signs surrounded by a red ring sometimes also with a red diagonal bar, normal indicate
prohibition.
  Signs on blue and green rectangular background give information.

 Signs on blue disc give positive instruction.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS

1. SINGLE WHITE DOTTED LINE

 On two-lane road separates traffic moving in separate directions.

 On a one-way street, separates traffic moving in one direction.

 Overtaking is possible when other lane is clear of oncoming vehicle.

2. SINGLE WHITE CONTINUOUS LINE

 Separates traffic moving in opposite direction.

 Could be found in road sections that are dangerous.

 Passing and overtaking can be made but only after under circumstances when
there is no oncoming traffic.

3. DOUBLE YELLOW LINE WITH A DOTTED WHITE LINE IN BETWEEN

 Absolutely no parking.
 Overtaking is extremely dangerous.
 Stay in your lane until you pass the end of the solid lines.

4. SINGLE YELLOW LINE

 A yellow line with a dotted white line means that you cannot overtake if the solid line is on your
side.
 If you overtake, return to your lane before the solid line.

5. YELLOW CONTINUOUS LINE ON ROAD PROVIDED WITH A PASSING LANE

 These are common on mountain roads.

 Slow moving vehicles such as buses and heavy trucks should always use the
outer lane.

 Inner lane is for vehicles to pass without having to use the other lane for
vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

 Vehicles coming from the opposite direction should not use the inner lane at the
other side for overtaking.

6. CROSSWALK a.k.a. PEDESTRIAN LANE

 Stop for pedestrians on an intersection with no traffic light.

 Do not stop on pedestrian lane especially to load or unload passengers.
  Pedestrian should always cross a street on a crosswalk.

7. DIRECTIONAL ARROWS

 Indicates directions of permitted traffic movement.

 When approaching intersections where pavement arrows are used, you should enter the lane
where the arrow points in the direction you want to go.

7. STOP LINES

 These are painted across pavement lanes at traffic signs or signals.

 Where these lines are present, you should stop behind the stop line.

8. BARREL LINES

 A new concept in reducing the seriousness of accidents.

 These are engineered to act as impact cushion. Usually installed in front of a solid obstacle or
traffic island at an area of high accident frequency.

9. CURB MARKINGS

 These are markings placed on the curbs or edges of the traffic for restriction or for parking
regulation purposes.

10. OBJECT MARKINGS

 These are markings placed on objects on the road or beside the road like humps, rocks or similar
hazardous objects on the side of the road.

11. REFLECTORIZED MARKINGS

 These are markings or gadgets designed to reflect and become luminous when hit by vehicles’
light.
 These are placed or installed in the middle of the roadway to supplement separation lines or on
object at the side of the roadways which are too near or within the road pavement itself.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

 It is defined as a signal operated manually, electrically by which traffic is alternatively

commanded to stop and permitted to proceed.

 Kinds of Culpa According to the Source of Obligation.doc