Traffic Control and Direction

Effective Traffic Control

• High visibility clothing is essential for traffic control
• Proper lighting is necessary, including an orange wand
• General clothing should be considered for different weather conditions (rain, cold, hot)

Position in Roadway

• Evaluate the intersection before taking position
• Command full view of the intersection
• May require more than one officer to effectively control traffic

Signals and Gestures

• Front and back of officer signals STOP
• Clear movement of arms is necessary for motorists to understand
• Command presence and eye contact are essential
• Arm out, palm out signals STOP

Whistle

• Whistle is a must-have for traffic control
• Plastic whistle is recommended
• Attach whistle to coat or shirt with a chain
• One loud long blast means STOP
• Two loud short blasts mean GO (time to move)

Responsibilities of Traffic Direction

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

Electric Signal Box

• Yellow box on corner is used for traffic control
• Try this before hand direction
• Switches include on/off reset circuit breakers
• Flashers can be used
• Auto to manual (hand button) is an option

Emergency Traffic Control

• Police vehicle and equipment are used to block intersection and detour traffic
• Channeling traffic from greater lanes to lesser lanes
• Freeway traffic requires high visibility and related emergency equipment
• Number of officers needed and their placement are important considerations

Warning Devices

• Railroad type fuses (flares) are used to warn traffic
• Flares are most dangerous when igniting (strike away from body)
• Flares do not need to be upright for visibility
• Do not step on flares to put out
• When finished, pick up and rub out in earth

Placing Warning Device

• 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 increase distance farther from the scene
• Consider speed of traffic for number of flares used (e.g. 60mph equals 90 ft per second)
• Place flares on curves to warn traffic approaching
• Place flares before the crest on hills