Traffic Control and Direction

Study Notes

Effective Traffic Control

Wear high-visibility clothing, proper lighting (orange wand), and general clothing suitable for different weather conditions (rain, cold, hot)
Position yourself in the roadway to evaluate the intersection, command a full view of the intersection, and consider having more than one officer if necessary

Signals and Gestures

Use the front and back of your body to signal STOP
Make clear movements with your arms, ensuring motorists can see and understand
Establish command presence and maintain eye contact
Use the "arm out, palm out" signal to indicate STOP

Whistle

Carry a whistle at all times, and prefer a plastic one
Attach the whistle to your coat or shirt with a chain
Use one loud, long blast to signal STOP, and two loud, short blasts to signal GO (time to move)

Responsibilities of Traffic Direction

Eliminate blocked intersections
Assist turns
Protect pedestrians
Clear one lane for emergency vehicles

Electric Signal Box

Identify the yellow box on the corner
Test the hand direction before use
Understand the switches, including on/off reset circuit breakers
Know how to operate flashers and switch to manual mode using the hand button

Emergency Traffic Control

Use police vehicles and equipment to block intersections and detour traffic
Channel traffic from greater lanes to lesser lanes
Control freeway traffic with high-visibility equipment and multiple officers

Warning Devices

Use railroad-type fuses (flares) with caution, as they are most dangerous when igniting
Ensure flares are visible from a distance and do not need to be upright
Avoid stepping on flares to put them out, and instead, pick them up and rub them out in the earth when finished

Placing Warning Devices

Start from behind the scene and work towards traffic
Never turn your back on traffic
Place flares 20-25 feet apart near the scene, gradually increasing the distance farther from the scene
Consider the speed of traffic when determining the number of flares to use (e.g., 60mph equals 90 ft.per second)
Place flares on curves to warn traffic approaching
Place flares on hills before the crest

Description

This quiz covers the essential skills and guidelines for effective traffic control and direction, including proper clothing, positioning, and signaling techniques. It is designed for traffic enforcement officers and instructors.