VMC ASIAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Purol 2, BrgyKauran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao Philippines, 9606

Criminology Department

“Module in traffic
management and accident
investigation”
Sy: 2020-2021

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

RICKLYN JOHN S. MARTINEZ, RCRIM

SUBJECT TEACHER

MODULE 1
Lesson Objective:
• Further discuss the different areas of traffic management as well as the role of
government and nongovernment agencies responsible for traffic management.
• Explain to the student the different words and terminologies of traffic
management.
• To classify different intersections acoording to its number of intersecting roads. 
To have a wide understanding why trafiic management is necessary.

Fundamental of Traffic Management

Concept
Traffic Management is best understood by understanding the following commonly used words
and terminologies.

ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS/ROADS. These are high capacity urban roads that direct traffic from
collector’s roads to expressways or freeways. It also refers to a highway that is used primarily
through traffic.

COLLECTORS HIGHWAY. It is also known as collector road or distributor’s road which

connects low-to-moderate highways or roads to arterial highways such as those entering
residential properties. It also refers to a high that serve primarily to funnel traffic from one local
highway to another or between arterial and local highways.

HIGHWAYS. It means the entire width between the boundary lines in every way dedicated to a
public authority when any part of the way is open to the use of the public for the purpose of
vehicular traffic, whether or not the public authority is maintaining the way. Or, highway refers to
any road, street, boulevards, or avenues used as public thoroughfare.

MANAGEMENT. It refers to the skillful se of means to accomplish a purpose.

OPERATION. Pertains to a course or series of act to effect a certain purpose; manner of action;
or vital or natural process of activity.

ROADWAY. Refers to that part of the traffic way over which motor vehicles pass. For the
purpose of construction, repair, and/or maintenance, road are classified as:

1. National Roads – These are roads/streets interconnecting provinces and/or cities.

2. Provincial Roads – these are the roads/streets interconnecting municipalities and/or
cities within a province.
3. City Roads – These are roads/streets interconnecting barangay within a city.
4. Municipal Roads – these are roads/streets interconnecting barangay within a
municipality.
5. Barangay Roads – These are roads/streets located within a barangay which connect
sitioes or places within a barangay.
SHOULDER. It refers either side of the roadway, especially along highways.

SIDEWALKS. It refers to the paved walkway along the side of a street. It also means the area
determine as follows;
1. On the side of a highway which has a shoulders, a sidewalk is that portion of the highway
between the outside lateral line of shoulder and the adjacent property line capable of
being used by a pedestrian.
2. On the side of a highway which has no shoulder, a sidewalk is that portion of the highway
between the lateral line of the roadway and the adjacent property line capable of being
used by the pedestrian
THROUGH HIGHWAY. It means every highway or portion thereof on which vehicular traffic from
intersecting highways is required by law to yield the right of way to vehicle such through
highway in obedience to either an authorized stop sign or a yield sign, or other official traffic-
control device.
THRUWAY OR THROUGHWAY. It is a highway that has limited entrance and exits such as the
expressway, freeways, or motorways. It is known as autobahn in German-speaking country and
autostrada in Italian-speaking countries.

TRAFFIC. It refers to the movement of persons. Goods, or vehicle, either powered by

combustion system or animal drawn, from one place to another for the purpose of travel.

TRAFFIC WAY. Refers to the entire width between boundary lines of every way or place of
which any part is open to the use of the public for purpose of vehicular traffic as a matter of right
or custom.

The Intersection. It define as the area embrace within the prolongation or connection of the
lateral curb line, or if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways
which join one another at, or approximately at, right angels, or the area within which vehicle
travelling upon different highways joining at any other angles may comein conflict.
Classification of Intersection According to Number of Intersecting roads:
1. 3-way Intersection – It is commonly known as the T or Y crossroad which links three
roads.
2. 4-way Intersection – It os the most common type which involved the crossing of the two
roadways. It is either a regular intersection when the two roads cross perpendicular and it
is called skewed intersection whe the two roads cross at different angles.
3. 5-way Intersection – It involves the crossing of five roads. This type is the least common.
4. 6 –way intersection – It involves the crossing of three streets most often two
perpendicular roads and one diagonal roads. This type is very rare
5. Staggered intersection – it involves two successive T crossroads. Classification of
Intersection According to Traffic Control:
1. Controlled Intersection – It is controlled by any traffic control devices.
a. Yield-controlled Intersection – It is usually controlled by a Yield sign or Give Way
sign
b. Stop-controlled Intersection – A stop sign is usually installed. Most common are
two-way stops and most countries use the four-way stop or the first to stop first-to-
stop first-to-go rule.
c. Traffic Circle – traffic flow here is directed by a circle, rotary island, or a runabout
sign.
2. Uncontrolled Intersection - this intersection has no traffic signals or traffic signs.
Crossing is by observing the right-of-way rule.
3. Box Junction – This type generally prohibits entry unless the exits is clear.
4. Cloverleaf – A highway interchange at which two highways, one crossing over the other,
have a series of entrance and exit ramps resembling the outline of a four-leaf clover and
enabling vehicle to proceed in either direction on either highway.
It is the inherent characteristics of the intersection as the point where two or more streets,
roads, or highways met which attribute to most more streets, roads, or highways met which
when motor vehicle cross each other path, interlocking of traffic flows or something collision
occur because of occupying the space (intersection) at one given time.

What is Traffic Management?

Traffic Management is the application of the processes and skills in planning, organizing,
staffing, directing, coordinating, and budgeting to traffic affairs. (Bragado 1998) Traffic
Management also refers to the activities undertaken by a highway transportation agency to
improve roadway system safety efficiency, and effectiveness for both providers and consumers
of transportation service. (Sigua 2008)

Types of traffic management.

1)Traditional traffic engineering tools or devices, to regulate or control traffic, such as traffic
lights, traffic sign, or pavement markings, traffic islands, and other device that could
control or direct the flow of traffic.
2)Advanced technology like the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Example of the ITS
are the installation of road sensor for emergency cars, global positioning devises on motor
vehicle, and road sensor attached to traffic signal lights.
Why Traffic Management is necessary?
In every traffic management, three elements are necessary to be considered. These are the
road (trafficway) system, road user, and the enforcement (and/or control) procedures. Failure to
coordinate these elements in a particular highway and/or intersection may cause traffic-related
problems.
With the advent of science and technology, new and modernized traffic facilities are introduce.
However, despite of these modernization, traffic congestion persist to exist. The only way to at
least cope up with the prevailing traffic related problems is a coordinated traffic management.
Traffic management therefore designed to make the trafficway safer for travelers, expedite the
movement of traffic, and to provide convenience to the traffic facilities users. In short, traffic
management aims to attain efficiency in the utilization of the trafficway.

A.Major Cause of Traffic Congestion – Based on studies conducted by authorities.

1. Physical Inadequacy. This is characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad
crossing, lack of traffic facilities, etc.
2. Poor Control Measures. This is characterized bu ineffective mechanize control devices,
inefficient traffic officers, and poor implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
3. Human Errors. Many traffic congestion are caused by slow drivers or poor driving habits,
pedestrian mistakes, officers’ errors, poor planning, poor legislation, and traffic accidents
which are mostly attribute to human errors.
4. Poor Maintenance. Oftentimes motors vehicles are stalled in traffic ways because of
unrepaired diggings, cracks on road pavement or unfinished roads pavement concreting.
This can be attribute to inappropriate budget for the maintenance of the traffic facilities. On
the other hand, police should also report lights out, damage portion of the traffic way to
expedite the action from the concerned government offices.
B.Specific traffic Problems – Yraffic managers and traffic controls officers commonly
encounters the following trafficrelated problems:
1. Traffic Build-up – It is characterized by the gradual increasing of traffic users in a given
portion of the highway or traffic way.
2. Traffic Congestion – These are conditions on road network that occurs as use increase,
and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trips times, and increased vehicular
queuing.
3. Traffic Jam (snarl-up) – These are situation in highways in which the movement of traffic
users (motor vehicles or pedestrian) is very slow or stationary.
4. Bottlenecks – These are narrow points or areas in highway where traffic congestion or
traffic jams usually occur or traffic may help up.
5. Gridlocks – A state or condition of severe road congestion arising when continues
queues of vehicle block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all
direction to a complete standstill. These traffic blockages are usually caused interlocking
of intersection grids.
6. Accidents – These are events or acccidents which may cause unintentional damage to
property, loss of limbs, and/or death.
7. Collision – These are incidents or instance of one moving traffic unit or person striking
violently against another.

C.Scope of traffic Management. In condition with the above stated causes of congestion,
authorities conceived that a systematic and effective traffic management is needed which
includes but not limited to the following.

1. All public surface acilities traversing and parking and all types of conveyance for the
movement of persons and things. This includes the provision on the controlling traffic
flows as well as provision for the allotment of parking lots or parking place.
2. All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow requirements, planning
approving, funding construction and/maintaining these public for such movement. This
area includes traffic planning committees, those involved in traffic engineering, and the
legislative bodies in the appropriation of funds.
3. All agencies responsible for licensing, approving, restricting, stopping, prohibiting or
controlling the use of thse facilities. The agencies inlvolve in this area are the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) and other traffic enforcement agencies.
D.Agencies Involving in Traffic Management. For a successful and effective traffic
management, specific role and responsibilities.

1. Department of Transportation and Communication. The DOC through the land

Transportation Office is responsible for the implementation of the Land transportation
Code of the Philippines (R.A.4136) particular on the issuance of drivers licenses,
registration of motor vehicles, approval of franchises for public conveyance (through
the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)), and
conducting traffic safety seminars.
2. City or Municipal Engineers Office. In the local level, these are responsible for the
planning, construction and maintenance of traffic facilities within their respective
locality.
3. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This is the main executive
department which is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance
traffic facilities particularly those categorized as national highway and other major
road arteries.
4. Legislative (Congress/City or Municipl Boards). The legislative bodies are not
responsible for the passing or amendment of laws concerning traffic but also they are
involve in the planning and approval of government projects.
5. Philippine national Police (PNP). The PNP through its Highway Patrol Group
(PNP-HPG) (formerly the Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)) is responsible
primarily for the direct enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations. They also
perform other function such as conducting of information dissemination campaign,
submitting traffic scheme proposal and other function as the need arises.
6. Traffic Management Bureaus (TMBs). These are offices created mostly under the
office of city/municipals mayors with the primary task of assisting the local PNP traffic
division/units in the enforcement of traffic ordinance/flaws.
7. Academic Institution. Schools, both public and private, are responsible for the
basic traffic education integrating in their respective programs and curriculum subject
or topics on traffic safety.
8. Courts. The court are responsible for the adjustification of traffic-related cases filed
before them.
9. Public Information Offices. The government through the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) provides the necessary updates information to the public by creating
traffic safety campaign and other activites relating to traffic.
10. Baranggay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) Member. In particular, the
barangay tanods or barangay security force are the usual traffic control officers in
their respective localities particularly during times of emergencies.
11. Citizen Support Groups. The privates institution or organization also help in the
prevention of traffic congestion by assisting government offices in various activities
particularly during special occasion in and holiday is likely happen.
12. Tri-Media (including the Internet). Government and privately-owned publication,
and radio and television broadcasting companies provide necessary and updated
traffic-related information to the public through their respective programs.

THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC

CONCEPT

A. Pillars of Traffic. These are the main areas of traffic management which are also known as
the “Es” of traffic. For a clearer understanding of the various areas of traffic management, the
various areas of traffic management, the following pillars are conceived.

1. Traffic Engineering. It is the science of measuring traffic and travel the study of the basic
laws relative to the traffic laws and generation; 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
a. Function of Traffic Engineering. Agencies involve in traffic engineering usually
perform the ff. tasks
 1. Fact-finding, surveys and recommendation of traffic rules and
regulation; 2. Supervision and maintenance to the application of
traffic control device; and 3. Palnning of traffic regulations.
b. Agencies and/or offices under Traffic Engineering. Like the others pillars of
traffic management, traffic engineering is done by various government and non-
government agencies.
1. DPWH. Its scope is national which includes the responsibility for determining
traffic law, pattern, draw origin, and destination, studies of persons and
things, planning, approving, funding and construction of:
a. National Roads which interconnect cities and municipalities; network of
national roads through cities and municipalities: and
b. Yearly maintenance and repair programs which include widening and re-
designing of current road system.
2. Provincial Government. These local government units have similar
responsibilities with the DPWH but limited to traffic facilities in the
municipalities within the province.
3. Municipal Governments. Their responsibilities are similar to the provincial
government but limited to the network of streets and roads within the
barangays.
4. Chartered Cities. Their responsibilities are similar to that of the municipal
government but limited to the network of streets and roads within the cities
c. Objective of Traffic Engineering. In summary, agencies and individuals in
traffic engineering and all the conducted programs, project, and activites are all
geared to:
1. To achieved efficient, free and rapid flow of traffic.
2. To prevent traffic accident.
3. To simplify police enforcement actions and performance.
4. To show that good police actions and performance makes engineering
plans effective.
5. To present the close relationship of the pillars of traffic in the improvement
of traffic problems.
d. When and where the Objective of Traffic Engineering are applied? Traffic
engineering normally focused their task on these place where traffic congestions,
traffic accidents, traffic build-up or traffic obstruction are likely to occur-
1. Habitually congested commercial areas.
2. Heavily traveled through fares.
3. Congested local areas and intersections.
4. During special occasions and events.
5. At schools crossing
e. Methods in Achieving the Objectives of Traffic Engineering. Traffic
engineering primary consideration is the construction of traffic ways. However,
before a plan or design is framed-up, various factors are given into accounts.
1. Planning and Geometric Design-factors Employed in Planning.
a) Composition of traffic streams
b) Traffic volumes for capacity
c) Origin and destination.
2. Factors Influencing design
a) Composition of traffic.
b) Volumes of traffic.
c) Speed of Vehicle.
d) The starting, turning and stopping abilities of traffic units.
e) Performance Values of road users.
3. Regulation and Control-Traffic Regulation
a) Based and Confined within the boundaries of safety, public
welfare and convenience.
b) Limitation imposed on road users and their loads.
c) Basic general rule of road users and conduct.
d) Prohibition and Restriction
2. Traffic Education. It refers to any act or progress of imparting or acquiring general
knowledge on traffic or any matters relating to the use of the traffic or roadways.Traffic
safety education is the primary concern o traffic education in the areas of accident
reduction and prevention. The following are the agencies and offices responsible for traffic
education.

a. School (Public and Private). Traffic education can be carried out by imparting knowledge
concerning traffic safety, training and practice in the developing traffic safety morality.
1. Elementary. In this level, traffic education is focused on safety and guides
stressing traffic safety, classroom discussion of accidents, incidents and safety
rules, organizing safety patrols.
2. Secondary. Traffic education for high school safety organizations.
3. Secondary. Some college and universities offer and conduct course regarding
traffic safety subject.
b. Public Information Programs. The Public should be informed on all activities affecting
the citizen and the community relating to traffic (dissemination of information). This can be
done through the public information agency, newspaper, radio and television broadcasting
network, and other forms of media.
c. Citizen Support Groups. These are mostly composed by voluntary non- government
organization (NGO), radio communication groups, rotary organization and other voluntary.
These organization usually develop citizens’ responsible, conduct organized education
campaign, instill awareness of the traffic problems; and provide information regarding
major traffic requirements and needs.
3. Traffic Enforcement. This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of
traffic laws and rules and regulation. The following are the various agencies/office that are
involve in the enforcement of traffic laws:
a. Land Transportation office (LTO). This office is responsible for the following:
1. Vehicle registration
2. Vehicle inspection
3. Drivers Licensing (examination, suspension, and revocations)
4. Public to police on stolen or wanted vehicles.
b. Legislative Bodeis. Included are the Senate, Congress, provincial Boards and
City and Municipal Councils. They are responsible for the passing and/or
amending of laws and/or ordinance.
c. Police Traffic Enforcement. This pillar is not limited to the PNP-HPG (formerly
TMG) but it includes all government personnel who are duly authorized for the
direct enforcement of traffic laws such as :
1. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the National
Capital Region(NCR).
2. Police/Traffic Auxiliaries
3. LTO Law Enforcement Service/Flying Squad

4. Traffic Ecology or Traffic Environment. This pillar is very recent which

includes the study of potentially disastrous population explosion, change in
urban environment due to the scale and density of new urban concertration
and new activities carried out, air pollution, water pollution and crowding,
especially transport congestion which result therein.
a. What are the Environmental effects of urbanization of transportation? Any
decision in modernizing the transportation system shall consider the following
environment effects:
1. Noise. The ill effect of Noise is one of the major consideration in the
evaluation of the consequences of traffic urbanization to the environment.
The level of noise inside and outside a dwelling is an important indicator
of the quality of life. The influence of traffic noise on human behavior is
not well understood. It is know that contied exposure to loss of hearing.
Average backround noise;
a) Typical Home- 50 to 50 dBA;
b) Heavy Truck- 90 dBA at 15m/ft;
c) Freight Trains -75 dBA at 15/ft;
 d) Air conditioning – 60 dBA at 6m/ft.
2. Vibration. Effect can be sever, particularly when there are heavy trucks
and when the building is old. While there are subjective cost from
experiencing vibration, a minimum cost of damage or prevention can be
establish from experience and experiment.
3. Air Pollution. It is one of the more difficult problems because of the
complexity of the issues involved. The effect of pollution are also strongly
affected by meteorological and even by micro-climate
4. Dirt. These are foul and filthy substance related to motor vehicle use such
as empty can of oils. Grease materials, etc.
5. Visual Intrusion. This can have positive as well as negative effects. If a
motor way blots out an unsightly prison or railways yard, it may have
positive benefits. On the other hand, the appearance of an elevated
expressway or railway above a neighborhood is one of the aspects most
frequently complained of. In General, visual intrusion can be avoided by
putting a highway or railway at grade or in cutting. In many cases, there
may be cheaper solution.
6. Loss of Privacy. Loss of privacy from drivers and others being able to
look at ones house and garden frequently disliked environment effect.
Walls and earthwork would prevent this, while at the same time reducing
noise.
7. Change In Amount of Light. It is easier up to a point because part of the
disadvantages can be valued in term of the additional lighting cost of
those affected. But, there is probably a psychological element also which
it would not be easy or perhaps necessary, to disentangle where relevant
from the last two items.
8. Neighborhood Severance, both physical and sociological. This can
partly be quantified in terms of changed, travel time partly be quantified iin
terms of changed travel time and cost, and accident experience to
pedestrian and traffic.
9. Relocation. There must be programs that are design to cover
compensation for those who relocate as a consequence of transport
investment, whether property or tenants. These people relocated will tend
to be decentralized as well as those sufficient by the environment
consequences to refer to move
10. Distraction during planning and construction. In some cases, benefits
offset the distraction cost, which are experience by people during
construction cost, which ae experienced by people during construction of
new facilities, loss of business, excess noise, dirt, vibration during
constructing and excess journey cost through diversion because of
building.
11. Accident Experience. These are evaluated by well established
procedures of which perhaps the only major established procedure of
which perhaps the only the major controversial aspect is the valuation
given to human life. A certain amount is known about difference in
accident experience on different roads and in different circumstances.
12. Pedestrian journey. The opportunity to make the road safe and
enjoyable for pedestrian and efficient for vehicle; and set of roads provide
access to dwelling and is designed primarily for the safety of pedestrians.
13. Congestion and Other Benefits to Vehicles. It is for a livable and safe
residential environment by reducing “through” vehicle travel. Travel must
be made convenient. Highway diversion curves indicate that 80 percent of
the traffic will take a route that is 20 percent faster.
b. External Factors that influence the existing and future behavior of
population. The behavior and attitude of the people are also attribute to the
easing or reduction of traffic problems. Below are the incidents that may affect
the behavior of traffic way users or road users. 1) Rapidly increasing population
growth 2) Rapidly increasing urbanization.
3) Rapidly increasing motorization
4) Industrialization and Technical Modernization,
 5) Improvement of the transportation network that is the street network and
the public transportation facilities.
c. Alternatives. A more pleasant environment can be achieved without negative
implication for the economy and trade, so that any reasonable steps in this
direction y decision-makers deserves support. The following are some of the of
the proposed activities that may reduce the adverse effects of traffic development
to our ecology;
1) Towns are better with less, so long as adequate provision I made for the
mobility of workers and residents and the distribution of goods. It is of
urgent necessity that National and Local Government develop effort to
reduce.
2) Where and when traffic congestion and its cost are serve and frequent
assures to reduces the use of private cars and goods, vehicles and to
improve alternative forms of transportation should be introduce.
3) To limit traffic and to improve the efficiency and quality of service of buses
and transportation.
4) Pedestrian scheme should be introduced whenever the environment and
safety for pedestrians.
5) The use of non-carbon emitting vehicles should be encourage like bicycle
whenever practical.
6) Motor Vehicle Reduction Scheme should also be introduced.
d. Laws and Statutes Concerning Traffic Ecology
1) P.D. 1181. Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of Air
Pollution from motor vehicles and for other purpose.
“ Sec.1 – The purpose is to prevent, control, and abate the emission of air
pollutants from motor vehicles in order to protect the health and welfare of
the people and to prevent or minimize damage to property and hazards to
land transportation.”
2) Letter of Instruction No. 551. Directing Enforcement agencies to
implement the pollution control program.
3) R.A. 8749 otherwise known as the Clean Air Act. An act providing for the
regulation of motor vehicles emitting toxic gases like the use of the diesel
and leaded gasoline.
e. Traffic Economy. This is the most recent of the pillars of traffic which deals with
the benefits and adverse effect of traffic to our economy. Primarily, traffic
operation is designed to expedite the movement of traffic. However, with the
prevailing traffic congestion during rush hours in any given locality, traffic
adversely affect the economic status of the commuting public.

TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION

As mentioned in the preceding lesson, traffic safety education is one of the primary
areas of traffic education particularly in the reduction and prevention of road accidents.

What is traffic Safety Education? It is the process of training roads users in the avoidance
and prevention of traffic-related accidents.

It is already identified that one if not the major causes of traffic accidents is human factors which
includes but not limited to ignorance, lack of skill, and/or erratic attitude and behavior of drivers,
pedestrian, and passengers. This can be corrected by traffic safety education.

Road Safety. It refers to reduced risk of accidents or injury on the roads, achieved through
multidisciplinary approach involving road engineering and traffic management, education and
training of road users, and vehicles design.

A. Factors Contributing to Accidents. Research studies in the United Kingdom have shown
that human factors contribute to 95 percent of accidents, roads to about one quarter of a
percent, and vehicle factors to fewer than five percent.
1. Human Errors include
a. going too fast or excessive speed;
 b. failing to give at janctions;
c. following too closely;
d. overtaking improperly; e mispercieveing or misjudging the road situation ahead; f.
intoxication of alcohol or drug; and
g. lack of skill.
2. Road deficiencies that are main contributory factors are:
a. poor design of lay out and control at junctions;
b. inadequate signing, road marking,and lighting;
c. sliperry roads; and
d. obstructions on the roads such as parcked vehicles, on gong roads construction, ect.
3. Main Vehicle Factors are:
a. defects in tires, brake, and lights;
b. absence or non0-using of seats belts; and
c. poorly maintained motor vehicles.
B. The three (3) principles that have been emphasized as effective in the prevention of traffic
accidents are known as the three (3) “E”s or pillars of traffic. Recently, however, traffic
environment and traffic economy were added to complete the five (5) pillars of traffic.
1. Engineering (traffic engineering). Effective construction and maintenance of traffic
facilities which does not only expidite the movement of traffic but also prevents the
occurrence of traffic accidents. Successful treatments have include:
a. Changes in layout at junction to define priorities more clearly (use of roundabouts, or
traffic circles0;
b. More wide use of roads markings to delineate traffic lanes and waiting areas for
turning vehicles.
c. Improvement I skidding resistance of wet raods;
d. More uniform street lighting; and
e. More highly visible and legible direction, information, and warning signs.
2. Education (in traffic safety). When roads users are informed of the traffic laws, rules
and regulation, accidents are likely prevented. Further, there are strong suggestion of
benefits from pre-school schemes involving parents, and from road safety education I
schools where it is integral parts of the school curriculum. Included are:
a. New approach to training and educating young drivers;
b. Training in hazard perception; and
c. Changing of attitudes.
3. Enforcement (of traffic rules.) One of the causes of accidents is the blatant non-
compliance of motorist and pedestrian to traffic laws, rules and regulation. To minimize
the occurrence of accidents due to noncompliance of road users, enforcement must be
conducted. The following are highly recommended in areas of traffic enforcement:
a. Strengthening and simplifying the application of the law;
b. New technology to aid enforcement;
c. Enhanced publicity:
d. Education of teenagers in schools; and
e. The development of rehabilitation course like seminars for apprehended traffic
violators
4. Ecological/Environment. People should be educated regarding the adverse effect of
traffic to our environment that directly or indirectly affects the population health.
5. Economy. People should learn also the develop schemes and/or devices and programs
that do not only lessen expenses but also accidents-free.

C. Levels of Traffic safety Education:

1. Imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety;
2. Training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety knowledge ; and
3. Development traffic safety morality.

D. Traffic Safety for Children. This is highly unsystematic and is usually carried out in the
home through parental education and in kindergarten and nurseries. This is necessary to
make ot systematic to lessen the number of children fatalities and injuries.
1. Elementary. Pupils are usually educated by stressing of accidents, incidents and other
traffic safety rules.
 2. Secondary. This level initiates drivers education programs because students have
reached the age to drive, hence, proper driving habits shoul be stressed. It also includes
the establishment of school safety organization.
3. Higher Education. Some universities and colleges offer and conducting course to private
and public agencies regarding traffic safety subjects.
E. Traffic Safety Education for Adults. Safety education for elder pedestrian and drivers is
relatively easier compared to the education designed for younger children since the former
group is better position to understand what is being taught to them.

1. It is the general belief that y being a better driver, it follow that one becomes a better
pedestrian. By knowing the limitation of the frivers and the vehicles as a drivng students,
one learn to watch out for dangerous cues such as pedestrian. This is the basic reason
why traffic safety education for adults usually deals only with the foundation or basic
driing.
2. Drives education is carried out in secondary schools and in private and government
sponsored driving school in a number of countries where people are expected to know
how to drive when reach legals ages. The basic purpose of this education are;
a) To develop good traffic citizen who are equipped to live in a motorized society
and achieving traffic safety.
b) To develop citizens who are legally eligible to get a driver license.
F. Driver’s Education. In general, driver instruction aims primarily to teach the rudiment of
driving. Secondary aims are as follows:
1. To instill of ones’s legal and moral responsibilities in traffic , and
2. To teach the abilities required for one to be eligible for a driver’s license.
G. Four (4) Basic Types of Instruction Methods. Used in Driver education Programs:
1. Comprehensive. This is method place the students into real life driving situations from
the beginning.
2. Traditional Instruction. This type of instruction depends on instructor-students
communication.
3. Commentary Driving Methods. The students-driver accompanied by an instructor. As
the students-driver drives, the instructor has to give a commentary on his driving –what
he sees, what he does, why he does, what he proposes to do, what other are likely to do.
Etc.
4. Simulated Condition On and Off the Road Training. The premise of simulated condition
training is that the behavior of the driver – subject place in condition will be relatively
analouges to normal behavior. Simulator is a static machine with all the important feature
of a car used in driving method or driving training. There are two methods of simulation
presently adopted;
a) Partial Simulation method. This method has the specific aim o training for the
“substastk” of the driving task.
b) Global Simulation. It may be classified into two(2) specific group which are:
training, simulated in traffic situation and condition, with the use of simulations.
Simulators are most commonly, with the use for the following types of training:
1.Training in basic car-control skills
2.Perceptual training
3.Emergency Training
c) Classification of Films as shown by the simulators
1. The analytical film which provides an “objective” analysis of the driving
situation preseted to the students.
2 The didactic film which aims to show good driving behavior
3. the simulation film which offers “visual realism” to driving situation and
therefore a good aid in actual practice.
H. Essential Component of Driving task. Drivers education includes; 1. Collection of
information which includes:
a.perceptual scanning and
b.identification
2. Processing of information which includes:
a. Predicting and
b. Decision Making
3. Action which is focused on
 a.Motor skills and control of vehicles and
b.knowledge and subjective interpretation
I. Biorhythm. It is the theory which asserts the man exhibits a constant variation of life energy
and mood states.
Man’s theorized cycles and interpretations rhythm is peculiar characteristics of most natural
phenomena like:
1. The diurnal exchange of light and darkness.
2. The four seasons.
3. Our wet and dry season
4. The waxing and waning of the moon.
The following are the most controversial theory of biorhythm.
1.23 day cycle a.k.a. our cycle of strength, endurance and courage (the male component of
a person).
2.28 day cycle emotional cycle equivalent to a female’s 28 day menstrual cycle a.k.a. our
cycle of sensitivity, love and intuition (the female component of a person).
3.33 day intellectual cycle.

All these cycle are present at the time we are born. When the curve is above the center line, the
biorhythm value is said to be “HIGH” or a person has more energy to spare, i.e.:
1. Physical High - we tend to be energetic, strong, full of vitality
2. Emotional High – we tend to be creative, artistic, cheerful and happy.
3. Intellectual High – we are able to think quickly and logically.
When the Curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be “LOW” or in recharge
period,i.e:
1. Physical low-we tend to tire quickly and to succumb to illness easily.
2. Emotionally low - we feel moody, irritable, or depressed.
3. Intellectual low - concentrating or remembering is difficult or we are likely to use
poor judgment when any of the curves crossed the center line. This is called a
critical day wherein our systems seem to be in a state of transition. During a critical
day, people tend to get sick easily, seem to lack coordination and tend to be
accident prone.

J. Importance of biorhythm in the field of study. It should be borne in mind that biorhythm
does not predict what actually will happen. All it does is to qive us a hint on how we will tend
to feel in a certain day.
1. The theory asserts that people are accident prone if their biorhythm crosses the centerline
on a certain day or is totally below the line.
2. Theoretically, if we know our biorhythm for a certain day, we can psychologically cope up
with any situation. If we usually overcome any ill effect by awareness and will power.
This idea has been put into use in different countries in the world, and the result helps reduce
accident rates until it is totally refuted.

K. Safety Campaign. This is a mass publicity aimed to make road users behave more safely.
These basically focus on public information attitudes, and particular or specific behaviors, or
combinations of these.

Safety campaign is also known as road propaganda which may be intended simply to inform or
it may be felt that the public is already aware of the recommended behavior by need to be
persuaded into adopting it. Traffic safety campaigns are usually published through the tri-media
including some internet websites dealing on traffic management.

1.Safety Campaign Classifications:

a.According to purpose informational, attitudinal and behavioral; and
b.According to kind of appeal used to reason by simply feeding the public with
authenticated factual data.
may be categorized as
2.Safety Campaign Design:
a.Initial campaign planning
b.Final campaign design
 c. Campaign evaluation
3.Private and Government entities responsible fo Safety Campaign:
a.Newspapers
b.Radio Broadcasting Networks
c. Television Broadcasting Networks
d.Public Information Agencies

MODULE 3
TRAFFIC LAWS, RULES AND REGULATION AND OTHER RELATED
STATUTES
Lesson Objective:
• Present to the students the various traffic laws, rules and regulation and other statutes
governing traffic.
• Able to learners to know the pertinent laws relative to work of traffic law enforcer.
• To discuss the general rule of road use and conduct and the general traffic prohibition
and restriction.

Concept
The standards of regulating movements on roads, streets and highways are found in traffic
laws, rules and regulations.
In the Philippines, the mass of traffic laws, regulations have their source in laws, Presidential
(P.D.s), Executive Orders (E.O.s), Letters of Instructions (L.O.Is), Administrative Orders and
Implementing Memoranda and other Special Laws relative to traffic operation and traffic law
enforcement. As a traffic law enforcer, it is essential that you should be familiar with these rules
and regulations.
In addition, traffic signs, pavement markings, and other control devices are traffic law
themselves. Violation of such constitute misdemeanor or infraction of law.

A. Sources. The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and prohibitions in the country:
1.Republic Acts (R.A.s)
a. R.A. 4136 dated June 20, 1964. This is the basic law regulating land transportation in
the Philippines. It has repealed Act No. 3992 (The Revised Motor Vehicle Law).
Further, as amended by R.A. Nos. 5715, 6374, PD Nos.382, 843, 896, 1057, 1934,
1950, 1958, BP Blg. 43, 74 and 398.
b.R.A. 6539. The Act which is known as the "Anti Carnapping Act of 1972", the act
preventing and penalizing carnapping.
c. R.A. 5448. Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger automobiles, motorcyles
and scooters, and a science stamp tax, to constitute a special science fund defining
the programs, projects and activities of science agencies to be financed therefrom and
for other purposes.
d.R.A. 8749. Also known as the "Clean Air Act" which regulates emission of toxic gases
of both gasoline and diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for gasoline
engines.
e. R.A. 8750. It provides for the attachment of seat belts for all types of motor vehicles
and imposes penalty for the non-compliance thereof.
f. R.A. 7924. The Act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining
its powers and functions, providing funds therefor and for other purposes.
g.R.A. 8794. The Act imposing penalties on overloaded motor vehicles.
h.R.A. 10586 An Act penalizing persons driving under the influence of alcohol,
dangerous drugs, and similar substances, and for other purposes. It also repealed the
mandatory drug testing of driver's license applicants.

2.Presidential Decrees (P.D.s)

a. P.D. No. 96. Regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns, etc.,, by prohibiting the
attachment of any siren, horn bell, etc. on motor vehicles which produce unusual or
startling sounds as well as blinkers and other similar devices unless the vehicle
belongs to the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BJMP, Hospitals and Fire Departments and are
specifically intended for use in emergencies.
 b.P.D. No. 101. Expediting the methods of prescribing, redefining or modifying the lines
and modes of operations or public utility motor vehicles in the Philippines.
c. P.D. No. 207. Declaring as part of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna Convention
on Road Traffic, Signs and Signals.
d.. P.D. No. 612. Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles against
third party llability as an additional pre-requisite for registration by the LTO.
e. P.D. 1686. Imposing a tax on every motor vehicle equipped with air conditioner.
f.P.D. 1181. Providing for the abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles and for
other purposes.
g. P.D. 1605. Commission certain powers related to traffic management and control
in Metropolitan Manila providing penalties, and for other purposes.
h. P.D. 98. Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles. Granting
the Metropolitan Manila i. P.D. 109. Modifying P.D. 98.
j. P.D.1729 Transportation to dispose of impounded motor vehicles unclaimed by
owners for a certain period of time.
k. P.D. 1730. Declaring the syndicated printing, manufacture, distribution,
possession or use of fake official Bureau of Land Transportation forms, documents,
plates and stickers as offenses involving economic sabotage.

3.Letters of Instruction (L.O.I.s)

a. L.O.I. No. 43. Providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets and
highways such as
constructions, stalled or parked vehicles and other movable property that obstruct free
passage. This LOI abrogated city or municipal ordinances governing the disposition of
traffic on city and municipal streets throughout the country.,
b.L.O.I. No. 112. Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from using roads, highways and
bridges whose load capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.
c. L.O.I. No. 229. Requiring all motor vehicle owners, users, or drivers to have in their
possession at all times while driving at least one (1) pair of early warning device
(EWD) for use when the vehicle is disabled on roads, streets and highways or other
emergencies compelling the vehicle to be on stop position. d. L.O.I. 716. Every motor
vehicle to equip at least a pair of early warning device.
e. L.O.I. 551. Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the Pollution
Control Program. Calling for the National Tripartite
f. L.O.I. 853. Conference to consider the establishment of viable labor
management relations based upon the "boundary" system in land transportation.
g. L.O.I. 1009. All owners of private motor vehicles who desire to stop operating or
using their number plates and registration certificates to surrender to BLT.
h. L.O.I. 1071. Owners and/or operators vehicles are authorized to pay the annual
premiums for the insurance of their motor annual premiums for the insurance of their
motor vehicles on quarterly basis.

4.Department Orders (D.O.s)

a. DOTC D.O. 88-305. Rules of pleadings, practice and procedure for appeals on
franchising, fare rates charges and other related matters pertinent to Land
Transportation Public Utilities.
b.D.O. 93-693. Revised Schedule of Administrative Fees and charges of the Land
Transportation Office.

5.Administrative and Special Orders

a. Administrative Order No. VIIL, S-1968, LTTC. Requiring the towing and impounding
of stalled motor vehicles on public highways and the imposition of corresponding fees
thereof.
b.Administrative Order No. 1, S-1973, LTC. Prescribing guidelines and procedures in
the implementation of PD No. 96.
c. Administrative Order No. 1, S-1975, LTC. Laying down specific rules of action in the
imposition of uniform fines and penalties for violation of the provisions of RA 4136.
d.Special Order No. 101-IRM, LTC. Enumerating and identifying various city streets
where parking is prohibited.
6.Memorandum Circulars
a. LTC Memorandum to AlI Patrol Officers, Deputies and Agents dated 09 august
1975. Directing that motor vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals, fertilizers and other
 prime commodities are not to be apprehended and stopped onroads and highways
except only in cases of serious violations.
b.LTC Memorandum Circular No. 33, dated 12 September 1972. Providing guidelines
in the apprehension of illegally parked motor vehicles.
C. LTC Circular No. 15, dated 19 January 1972. Regulating and laying instructions in
the use of Special Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plates.
d. M.C. 94-199. Aide-memoir regarding retention and authority by LTO to register
motorized tricycles under R.A. 4136, and guidelines to implement devolution of LTFRB's
Franchising Authority over TCs per R.A.
7160 issued by DOTC.
e. M.C. 94-188. Issuance of driver's license to disabled persons.
f. M.C. 92-146. Re-implementation of LOI 229, as amended by LOI 479 directing the
installation of early warning devices of motor vehides.
g.M.C. 94-192. Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.
h.M.C. 90-020. Directing all public land transportation service operators and drivers to
display in any conspicuous place of their vehicles the authorized fare matrix for the
specific route granted them to avoid conflict.
i. M.C. 93-011. Enjoining all public utility operators to use garage instead of public
places or side streets in parking their vehicles.
j. M.C. 94-002. Sanctions on operators arising from the violations of their drivers.
k. M.C. 94-209. Clarificatory guidelines for the registration/operation of new private
vehicles particularly in the use of conduction sticker.
7.Executive Orders (E.0.s)
a. E.O. 125. Reorganizing the DOTC, defining its powers and functions and for other
purposes.
b.E.O. 266. Providing for two service units in the Office of the Asst. Sec. for Land
Transportation in the DOTC (Law Enforcement Service-LES and Traffic Adjudication
Service- TAS), defining the powers and functions thereof and for other purposes.
C. E.O. 202. Creating the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
(LTFRB).
d. E.O. 248. Empowering the Land Transportation Commission to control and supervise
the operations of motor vehicle driving schools.
8.Other Special Laws, Statutes, etc.
a. Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (B.P. 344). Act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons
by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities
and other devices.

"Sec. 1, Par. 2. In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions,
buildings, or establishments, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve
sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons."

"Sec. 2. In case of public con veyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters,
stickers shall be used to generate public awareness rights of the disabled and posters
needs. of the understanding of their Discriminating against disabled persons in the
carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful."

b. Memorandum Unnumbered Dated July 13, 1992. Early Warning Device (EWD) not a
requirement for registration. C. SC Bars Lawmen from Removing Car Plates (187 SCRA
432).

IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF R.A. 4136

Concept
In the Philippines, Traffic Law Enforcement is governed by R.A. 4136. All other traffic
ordinances by local government units are based on this law or act and/or these ordinances
should not contradict any provisions of said law/act. For comprehensive reading and
understanding, please see the appended R.A. 4136.

A. Words and Phrases Used in R.A. 4136. As used in this Act, the following words and
phrases are defined for better and common understanding:
1.Motor Vehicle. Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power
using the public highways, but excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinkles,
lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, forklifts, amphibian trucks, and cranes if not used in public
highways, vehicles which run only on rails or tracks, and tractors, trailers and traction engines
of all kinds used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled or intended to be propelled by
attachment to a motor vehicle shall be classified as separate motor vehicle with no power rating.

2.Passenger Automobiles. Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of types similar to those
usually known under the following terms: touring car, command car, speedster, sports car,
roadster, jeep, cycle car (except motor wheel and similar small outfits which are classified with
motorcycles), coupe, landaulet, dosed car, limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.

The distinction between "passenger truck" and "passenger automobile" shall be that of
common Usage: Provided that a motor vehicle registered for more than nine passengers shall
be classified as "trucks" Provided further, that a truck with seating compartment at the back not
used for hire shall be registered under special "S" classification. In case of dispute, the
Commissioner of LTO shall determine the classification to which any special type of motor
vehicle beiongs

3.Articulated Vehicle. Shall mean any motor vehicle with a trailer having no front axle and so
attached that part of the trailer rests upon the motor vehicle and a substantial part of the
weight of the trailer and of its load is borne by the motor vehicle. Such trailer shall be called as
"semi-trailer."

4.Driver. Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle.

5.Professional Driver. Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a motor vehicle,
whether for private use or for hire to the public. Any driver driving his own motor vehicle for
hire is a professional driver.

6.Owner. The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name such vehicle is duly
registered with the LTO.

The owner of a government-owned motor vehicle is the head of the office or the chief of the
Bureau to which the said motor vehicle belongs.

7.Dealer. Every person, association, partnership, or every corporation making, manufacturing,

constructing, assembling, remodeling, or setting up motor vehicles; and every such entity
acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes styles, or kinds of motor vehicles, dealing in
motor vehicles keeping the same in stock or selling same or handling with a view to trading
same.

8.Garage. Any building in which two or more motor vehicles, either with or without drivers, are
kept ready for hire to the public, but shall not include street stands, public service stations, or
other authority as parking spaces for motor vehicles for hire while waiting or soliciting
business. Public places designated by proper authority as parking space for motor vehicle for
hire while awaiting or soliciting business

9.Gross Weight. The measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable carrying
capacity in plus merchandise, freight and/or passengers, as determined by the Commissioner
of the LTO.

10. Highways. Every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley
and callejon, but shall not include roadway upon grounds owned by private persons, colleges,
universities, or other similar institutions.

11. Parking or Parked. Shall mean that a motor vehicle is parked or parking if it has been
brought to a stop on the shoulder or proper edge of a highway, and remains inactive in that
place or close thereto for an appreciable period of time.
A motor vehicle which properly stops merely to discharge a passenger or to take in a waiting
passenger, or to load or unload a small quantity of freight with reasonable dispatch shall not be
considered as parked, if the motor vehicle again moves away without delay.

12. Tourist. A foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or culture.

B. Selected Provisions of R.A. 4136. The following provisions of R.A. 4136 are the most
common rules and regulations violated by road users. For further readings and clarifications,
please read the appended RA 4136.

1.Exceeding Registered Capacity (Overloading). Passengers, freight or cargo load of a

motor vehicle should not be more than its registered carrying capacity. Conductors of public
utility trucks or buses are held liable for the overloading of vehicles under their charge.

All passenger automobiles for hire are required to have the registered passenger capacity
marked conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and numerals not less than 5 cms. in
height. Motor trucks for passenger or freight, private or for hire, shall have the registered
passenger or freight gross and net weight capacities marked plainly and plainly and
conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and numerals not less than 5 cms. in height (Sec.
33).

2.Cargo Carrying Devices. The construction of devices for carrying cargo at the rear or sides
of trucks may be allowed, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, but the total net
weight of the device, including cargo, must not exceed 100 Kilos (Sec. 32,a).

3.Riding on Running Board. It is strictly prohibited, except for conductors collecting passenger
fare (Sec. 32,c).

4.Riding on Top of the Motor Vehicle. Passengers shall not be allowed to ride on top of motor
vehicles, but baggage or freight may be carried on top of the truck, provided that the weight
thereof is not more than 20 kilos per square meter distributed in such a way as not to
endanger passengers or the vehicle's stability (Sec. 32,b).

5.Required Motor Vehicle Accessories. Every motor of vehicles when operated on a traffic
way should have the following specified accessories (See Art IV, Sec 34, para a-i of RA 4136
as appended for the specifications of these accessories):
a.Tires of
MVs
b.Brakes
(b-1)
Horns C.
Headligh
ts
d.Taillights
e. Stop Lights
f. Motorcycle and Other vehicle lights
g.Lights When Parked or Disabled
h.Windshield Wiper
i. Use of Red Flag
j. Mufflers
6.Hitching on to a Vehicle. The following practice are prohibited:
a. Hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear end of any vehicle.
b.Holding on to any moving vehicle whether on foot or otherwise.
c. Driver allowing any person to hang on to or ride outside of or at the rear end of the vehicle
(Sec. 51).

7. Driving While under the Influence of Liquor or Other Prohibited Drugs (Sec. 53).

8. Obstruction of Traffic. Obstruction of traffic by operating a motor vehicle in such a

manner as to obstruct, block, or impede the passage of another vehicle is prohibited. This
prohibition applies even when discharging or loading passengers (Sec. 54).
9. Duties of Driver in Case of Accident. In the event that any accident should occur as a
result of the operation of a motor vehicle upon a highway, the driver shall observe the following:

a. Stop immediately.
b.Show his driver's license to inspecting traffic law enforcer.
c. Give his true name and address, including that of the owner of the vehicle.
d.Assist injured persons.
e. Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident (Sec. 55).

10. When could a driver leave the area of accident without being held liable for HIT-AND-
RUN?

a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other person/s by reason of the accident;
b.He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of a physician or nurse to aid the victim.

REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Concept

R.A. 4136, mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by its owner before the
designated District Offices of the Land Transportation Office. Law enforcement officers should
keep themselves abreast with the proper procedures of registering motor vehicles for them to
easily identify unregistered motor vehicles or motor vehicles having expired registrations.
On the other hand, motor vehicle owners as well as drivers should be aware of the
provisions on motor vehicle registration to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties whenever
registration- related apprehensions occur. Again, for complete information, see the appended
R.A. 4136.

A. Classification of Registered Motor Vehicles

1.Private (not for hire) - These are motor vehicles used for the personal use of their owners.
(Green)

2.Public Utility Vehicles (PUV a.k.a. for hire) These are registered primarily for the
conveyance of passengers and other commercial goods, i.e., passenger jeepneys, taxi cabs,
etc. (Yellow)

3.Government - These are motor vehicles owned by government offices and are used for
official purposes only. (Red)

4.Diplomat - These are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls assigned in the Philippines.
(Blue)

B. Plate Numbers - Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with plate numbers. The
letter and numeral prefixes as well as the assigned colors are based on the date and place of
registrations and purpose of the registered motor vehicle.

1.Private or not for hire MVs Green with white background on newer vehicles, the first letter
usually indicates the region where the vehicle is registered. For example, beginning with "N",
the vehicle is registered in the National Capital Region (NCR).

2.Public Utility Vehicles or for-hire MVs Black with yellow background usually begin with
either the letter "N" or "p" or "T" or "U'" in NCR. Since 1995, they always have either "V", "W",
"X", or "Y" in the middle of the letter block. Older license plates starting with "N" and "P" may
have other letters in the middle of the block, although the "V" "W" "X" "Y" letters are also
present (from late 70s NVA-101 to early 1995 NYZ-999).
3.Government MVs - Red (maroon) with white background usually starts with letter "S."

4.Diplomatic or other exempted MVs Blue characters on a white background plates reserved
for diplomats, embassy and consulate officials, country ambassadors an expatriates such as
scientists and researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in the form of
five or six digits.

a. Ambassadors' plates are always "1000" and have the country they represent at the
bottom of the plate. These plates have a small decal on the bottom left part with a "CM".

b. 1001-9999: a small decal on the bottom left part, displayed as "DC" for "diplomatic
corps" 10000 25999: embassy vehicles a small decal on the bottom left part displayed as "OEV"
for "other exempted vehicle"

5.Trailers - These have Yellow or green plates that mostly have either "U" (Private) or "Z" (For
Hire) in the middle of tne letter block.

6.Electric vehicles orange plates are used (white symbols on orange background).

7.Motorcycles - Private motorcycles have green characters on a white background with the
letters "MC" stamped on the upper left-hand corner next to the registration sticker. Usually in
the format AA 1111, but with the rise in the number of motorcycles on the road, the 1111 AA
format has also come into use.

8.Tricycles Private has Green characters on a white background with the letters "MC" stamped
on the upper left- hand corner next to the registration sticker. This is very rare since tricycles
are usually bought for for-hire. For the public utility, it has black characters on a yellow
background with the letters "TC" stamped on the upper right-hand corner next to the
registration sticker.

9.Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited vehicles - These are usually tour buses and
airport taxis which are issued with plates that look similar to those of private vehicles, but have
yellow highlights mixed with the green color and share the same first letter of current PUVs
plates. A must special sticker indicating that they are DOT-accredited is placed on the rear
Windows.

10. Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP) A project of the LTO since 2004, in
the form of 3-letter 2-number. e.g. DGD 24

11. Personalized (Vanity) plates - Anyone desiring to have his own personalized must
consider the following: the plate does not have a registered

a.Uniqueness – the plate does not have a registered

duplicate anywhere else in the Philippines
b.It should not have the same format as government
vehicles. c. Price-
(1)Premium Edition (Ex. 111 ABC) - PhP 15,000.00
(2)Select Edition (Ex. DARLIT) - PhP 10.000.00

12. Commemorative plate - These special plate numbers are issued for specific purposes
such as fund-raising for government projects and programs.

C. Dimensions and medium.

1.Tagalog: plaka which measures 390 x 140 mm

2.Characters are stamped on an aluminum plate which is then applied with reflectorized paint.
3.Previously, numerous watermarks of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) logo as well as a
small logo of the plate manufacturer were stamped on the plate which was replaced in 2003
with a reflectorised, printed color sticker of the statue to Jose Rizal.

4.In 2008, all plates are produced by a sole, privately funded manufacturer in Manila.

5.Slogan on the bottom plate usually reflects the goals campaign of the incumbent President
which was began under President Fidel V. Ramos.
a.Fidel V. Ramos "Philippines 2000"
b.Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo -"Matatag na Republika"
(Strong Republic)

6.Until 2004, plates also bore the word "Pilipinas” at the bottom

7.Common Inscription

a.PILIPINAS (the most common inscription, 1981-1995 2001, 2002-2003, 2004-present)

b.PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995-2000)
c. ANGAT PINOY 2004 ("Raise Pinoy 2004"; 2000-2001)
d.PERLAS NG SILANGAN ("Pearl of the Orient";2001 2002)
e.MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA (2003-present)

8. Typeface. Numerous typefaces are used but the current typeface was first implemented in
1981 which is loosely based on the Australian license plate system with some slight variations
on the font design since then.

D. Geographical Designations of Plate Numbers. Geographical designation of registered

motor vehicles can be determined by the beginning letter.

"A"- Region I (Ilocos Region) and COR (Cordillera Region)

"B"- Region II (Cagayan Valley Region)
"C”- Region III (Central Luzon Region), Superseded by "R" in 2003
"D"-Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA), Superseded by "V" in 2000
"E" Region V (Bicol Region)
"F" Region VI (Western Visayas Region
"G"- Region VII (Central Visayas Region), Superseded by "Y"in 2004
"H"- Region VIII (Eastern Visayas Region)
"I"-Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) and ARMM
"K" - Regions X and XIII (Northern Mindanao and CARAGA)
"L" - Region XI (Davao Region)
M-Region XII (SOCcSKSARGEN)
"N"- NCR, 1981-1982, 2009-2010 (with increments of "I","O", and "Q")
"p"-National Capital Region, 1982-1991, 2010-2011 (with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"R"- Region III (Central Luzon Region), overflow Series for since 2003
"S” Government-Owned (Red Plate) Vehicles
"T"-National Capital Region, 1991-1995, 2011-2012 (with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"U"- National Capital Region, 1995-1997, 2012-present (with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"V"- Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA), Overflow Series for Private since
2000
"W"- National Capital Region, 1997-2001
"X" - National Capital Region, 2001-2005
"Y"- Region VII (Central Visayas Region), overflow series for Private
since 2004 "Z" National Capital Region, 2005-2009

E. Protocol Plate Numbers. These are special plate numbers for high-ranking government
officials as manifestation of courtesy towards them or their respective positions or offices. These
plates are blue D or DD plates reserved for the top government officials of the Republic of the
Philippines.

1-President
2-Vice President

3-Senate President

4-Speaker of the House of Representatives

5-Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

6-Cabinet Secretaries
7- Senators

8 Representatives (Congressmen)

9-Associate Justices of the Supreme Court

10- Presiding Justice and other Justices of the Court of

Appeals, Solicitor-General (OSG formerly 13.)

11Chairman of the Commission on Elections

12Cabinet Undersecretary
13- None currently

14 Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and

Chief of the Philippine National Police

16- Regional Trial Court Judges

17- First Level Courts (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court
in Cities and Shari'ah Circu courts), added by Memorandum Order No. 297 signed by
President Glorla Macapagal-Arroyo on March 2, 2009.

PROVISIONS ON DRIVER'S LICENSES

Concept

Driving a motor vehicle in the Phiippines as in other countries is NOT a right but a
privilege granted by the Philippine Government through the LTO based on Republic Act 4136
and Batas Pambansa Blg. 398. Further, it is a privilege which may be suspended or revoked.

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 (CCC Insurance Corp. vs. Court of Appeals, 31 SCRA 264). For the complete
provisions, read the appended R.A. 4136.

A. Duty to Procure License. Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person shall operate any
motor vehicle without first procuring a license to drive for the current year. To be effective in the
hands of its holder, it must not be delinquent, invalid, suspended or revoked and should be
carried at all times and shall be shown or surrendered for cause when demanded by a person
authorized by RA 4136 to inspect the same.

B. Confiscation of Driver's License. Sec. 29 of R.A. 4130 mandates that a driver's

license may be confiscated for violates of RA 4136, the rules and regulations issued by the
Commissioner and of local traffic rules and regulations.

When a driver's license is confiscated for any reason traffic enforcer must, however, issue a
receipt (temporary Operator Permit (TOP)) which is good for 72 hours with in which the driver
may continue to operate his vehicle. Failure to settle the case within 15 days will cause
suspension or revocation of the license.
C. Types of Licenses, Procedures and Requirements. A driver is licensed by the LTO as
proof of his proficiency in driving his knowledge of road rules and regulations while operating a
motor vehicle. Upon proving his proficiency and knowledge, he will be issued a document in the
form of the following licenses:

1. International Driver's License. Bonafide tourists and transients who are duly licensed
to operate motor vehicles in their respective countries may be allowed to operate motor vehicles
during their stay but not beyond 90 days of their sojourn in the Philippines (Sec. 21, RA. 4136).
For the Current requirements and fees, see the appended LTO memorandums.

2. Military Driver's License. Enlisted personnel of the AFP operating motor vehicles
owned by the government shall be licensed in accordance with RA 4136 but no license or
delinquency fees shall be collected thereof.

All licenses so issued shall bear the words FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY" plainly
marked or stamped in red inks across the face thereof. A Military Driver's License does not
authorize the holder to operate a privately-owned motor vehide (Sec. 20, R.A. 4136). For the
current requirements, see the appended LTO memorandums.

3. Professional Driver's License. This license is issued to a driver hired or paid for driving
or operating a motor vehicle whether private use or for hire to the public. Any person driving his
own motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver (Sec. 3,e, R.A. 4136). To easily distinguish,
the word professional" on the license is red-highlighted. For the Current requirements and fees,
see the appended LTO memorandums.

4. Non-Professional Driver's License. This license is issued to owners of privately-

owned motor vehiclles or those not for hire or paid for driving (Effect of Sec. 3,e, R.A. 4136). To
easily distinguish this license from professional This kind of license, the word "Non-professional"
is green-highlighted. For the current requirements and fees, see the appended LTO
memorandums.

5. Student Driver's Permit. This kind of document is issued to persons who desire to learn
how to drive. A student driver cannot operate a vehicle unless accompanied by an Instructor
who may either be a licensed professional or nonprofessional driver (Sec. 30, R.A. 4136). For
the current requirements memorandums. See the appended LTO and fees,

D. Validity or Expiration of license

1.Student driver's permit 12 months or one year

2.Non-Professional and Professional Drivers' Licenses and, Conductors' License - 3 years
3.International Driver's License for Tourists 90 days

E.Conductors' License Conductors of public utility vehicles are also mandated to procure their
licenses from the LTO. For the requirements and fees, see the appended LTO
memorandums.

F.Drivers' Examination. All drivers' license applicants must obtain the passing score as
follows:

1. The Written Examination. Written examinations will contain questions concerning proper
driving procedures, road rules and regulations, emergency procedures, etc. Number of
questions will be as follows: a. Non Professional License-40 questions
b. Professional License - 60 questions

Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the

following marks: a. Non-Professional - 30 out of 40 questions
b. Professional-45 out of 60 questions

Before each examination, a DRIVING SKILL RATER will provide a 30 minute lecture
about traffic rules and other driver information as a "review" for the applicants.
2. The Road Test. The actual road test will be undertaken under the auspices of a "DRIVING
SKILL RATER". This actual road test will have to be scheduled in advance and the applicant will
have to provide the vehicle in which the road test will be conducted. The applicant should make
sure that the vehicle to be used is in proper working condition and is currently registered.
During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to his proficiency on the
following aspects:
a. That the applicant is aware of and capable of performing a check on the primary components
of the vehicle such as the engine, the tires, the battery, lights, windshield wipers, brakes,
transmission and clutch, etc. b. Proper use and correct positioning of the hands on the steering
wheel.
c. Proper engine control and use of the gear shift lever and the foot pedals.
d.Proper speed control and observance and practice of road discipline
e.Proper knowledge and interpretation of road signs and markings.
f. Proper turning procedures.
g.Proper backing procedures
h.Proper parking procedures.

The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the start of the road test. Each
infraction or unsatisfactory performance will be listed down on a ROAD TEST SCORE SHEET
and the corresponding deductions made at the end of the test. Passing grade will be 70 points
or a total possible deduction of 30 points.

G.Mandatory Drug Test. It is mandatory to all drivers' license applicant except for student
driver's permit to pass a drug test conducted by duly LTO accredited drug testing centers.
(Repealed by RA 10586)

F. Drivers Restriction Code. When the driver is issued a

Se the driver's restriction code is indicated as Toows

1.Motorcycles/Motorized Tricycles
2.Vehicle up to 4500 kgs Gross Vehicle Weight(GVW)
3.Vehicle above 4500 kgs GVW
4.Automatic clutch up to 4500 kgs GVW
5.Automatic clutch above 4500 kgs GVW
6.Articulated vehicle 1600 kgs GVW& below
7.Articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 kgs GVW
8.Articulated vehicle 4501 kgs & above GVW
9.Disabled (Old) no longer existing because disabled individuals are now called differently-abled
persons.

H. Drivers' Condition. The conditions for driver's licenses holder while operating a motor
vehicle are indicated as follows:

1.A Wear eye glasses

2.B- drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
3.C-drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
4.D-daylight driving only
5.E-accompanied by a person with normal hearing, individuals are now called differently-abled
persons.

H. Drivers' Condition. The conditions for driver's license holder while operating a motor vehicle
are indicated as follows:

1.A Wear eye glasses

2.B- drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
3.C-drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
4.D-daylight driving only
5.E-accompanied by a person with normal hearing.
MODULE 4
TRAFFIC SUPERVISION
Lesson Objective:
• Discuss traffic supervision which is the keeping order on the streets and highway within
existing regulation to make their use safe and expeditious.
• Explain to the students the traffic law enforcement as a part of enforcement
• Discuss the Traffic Investigation its procedure and how to determine

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

Concept
Traffic Law Enforcement Defined. Traffic Law Enforcement action is part of enforcement
involving the arrest, issuance of Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP) or Inspection Report
Summons, or warning of any person who is believed to have violated a law, ordinance, or
regulation pertaining to the use of traffic roads.

Rationale. Traffic enforcement action may prevent such violation from endangering persons,
property, or inconveniencing other users of traffic users of traffic roads, prevent continued
violation, or discourage future repetition.

As traffic law enforcer, he must decide the kind of action he will take in case he has knowledge
of any violation. Drivers are guided more by the enforcement actions of traffic law enforcers than
by the way the law is written. It is therefore important that traffic enforcers should know what to
do and be consistent in their actions so that drivers may know exactly what to expect. Further,
consistency of traffic enforcers in the enforcement of traffic laws builds respect and compliance
with the law.

A. Scope of traffic law enforcement. The range of action of traffic law enforcement includes
but not limited to the following:

1. The action taken by the police and the court to compel obedience to traffic laws and
ordinances regulating the movement and use of motor vehicles for the purpose of creating a
deterrent to unlawful behavior by all potential violators.

2. Enforcement of traffic legislation Is an area of activity aimed at controlling road users, let
behavior by preventive persuasive and punitive methods in order to effect a safe and efficient
traffic movement; and

3. It applies to all statutes, ordinances and legally authorized regulations relating to the use
of street and highways and operation of motor vehicles.

B.Two Major Functions of Traffic Law Enforcement. For more effective traffic law
enforcement and more specific roles in enforcement, the function is divided into the following:

1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement. This function includes the enforcement of

traffic laws deterrent to law violations, special assistance to prosecutors and courts and
incidental service to highway users. Usually these are the responsibilities of traffic
enforcers like members of the PNP. TMG and the LTO Law Enforcement Service (LES).

2. Court Traffic Law Enforcement. One part of traffic law enforcement performed
by the Court through PROSECUTION, ADJUDICATION and PENALIZATION of cases.
These actions are usually undertaken by any of the regular Courts where traffic cases
fall under their jurisdiction and the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) of the LTO.

C.Three Important Goals of Enforcement Activities. For more specific actions, enforcement
activities aim:
 1. To increase safety level - enforcement effort should be directed towards the
reduction of accidents or minimizing their effects.
2. To increase traffic efficiency - when traffic violators are reduced particularly
those related to traffic obstruction through an effective enforcement, there will be free-
flow of traffic.

3. To insure harmonious and comfortable environment - when there is an

increase safety level and increase traffic efficiency, traveling is more comfortable and
luxurious and may reduce chaotic situations in the traffic way.

D.Major Elements of Traffic Enforcement System. In the pursuit of effective traffic

enforcement, three elements involved. Removing one of the elements or any of the elements,
enforcement is not complete.

1.Enforcement System. This area consists of legislation, police and the Legislation defines
and specifies
Courts correct or incorrect road user behavior. Police and the courts are charged with the
responsibility of insuring that these laws are adhered to

2.Road Users System (Traffic Way User). This element includes pedestrians, pedal cyclist,
drivers, passengers and others.

3.Road System (Traffic System). This area is composed of the entire road and vehicle
complex, as well as all traffic rules and regulations.

E. Five (5) Essential Steps in the Enforcement Process. Enforcement of traffic laws includes
the following process:

1.Detection (of violation"). A whole police responsibility that entails looking for defects in the
behavior of motorist, pedestrians, vehicle, equipment and roadway condition. Requires
knowledge of law on the part of the police.

2.Apprehension. It is also a whole police function which involves the actual taking of
enforcement actions.

3.Prosecution. This area is handled by the prosecution and partly the court where the police
also provide
Corresponding influences through preparation and Introduction of evidence or close contact with
the prosecuting officer.

4.Adjudication. While this is obviously a court and prosecutions' function, the police provide
influence on this step by acting as witness to the prosecution or supplying additional evidence.
This step determines the guilt or innocence of the accused.

5.Penalization. The court after due process imposes the Penalty upon the accused if found
guilty. The penalty s greatly influenced by previous records of conviction provided by police.
Penalty involved is either fine or imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment or may result to
the suspension or revocation of the driver's license of the accused.

F. Reasons for Violation of Traffic Laws. Road users violate traffic laws and ordinances due
to varying reasons. The following are the common reasons why road users violate traffic laws,
rules and regulations and other traffic statutes:

1.physical disabilities or infirmities

2.ignorance of traffic
3.lack of training and experience
4.wrong attitude towards driving
5.PUV drivers for increased compensation
6.driver's apathy towards signs, signals and markings 7. influential person violate because they
feel they are exempted from punishment
G. Considerations that act as deterrents to motorist and pedestrians. Some road users are
hesitant in violating any traffic law or ordinance because of varying reasons which are
enumerated as follows:

1.fear of fine or punishment

2.loss of driving privilege
3.possibility of being involved in accident
4.positive area of good citizenship doing what is right and setting an example

H. Kinds of Enforcement Action. When traffic enforcersdetected violation of traffic laws, an

enforcement action may Detaken against the individual which is either arrest, or citation, or
warning alone.

1. Traffic Arrest. It is an enforcement action which consist of taking a person into custody for
the purpose of holding or detaining him to answer a charge of law violation before the court.

a. When a traffic Violator can be arrested?

(1)offense committed is serious

(2)detention is necessary to avoid continued violation
(3)there is reasonable doubt that the violator will not appear in court

b. How is arrest made? In general, arrest is made by any of

the following: (1) by an actual restraint of the person to be
arrested, or
(2) by his submission to the custody of the person making the arrest..

c. Use of force in arresting. No violation or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest
and the person arrested shall not be subjected to any greater restraint than is necessary for
his detention.

d.Arrest in Traffic. In arresting a traffic violator, the traffic officer must consider the following:
(1)An arrest can be effected even without warrant if the offense is committed in the presence of
an arresting officer.
(2)The officer making an arrest must intend to take the violator into custody for the purpose of
bringing him before a court.
(3)Detention of the arrested person may take place.
(4)Officer making an arrest must act under legal authority when taking the arrested person into
Custody.
(5)The person being arrested must understand that he is being arrested.
(6)The purpose of arrest is to bring a suspended violator before a court to answer a charge of
violation.

e. Recording the Data of Arrest. Whichever action is used by the officer or Agency, the following
information are necessary:
(1)Date/time of Arrest.
(2)Place of Arrest.
(3)The common name of the offense for which the person is arrested.
(4)The full name of the arrested person, his home address, his business address and his
telephone number
(5)Physical description of the arrestee, including his date of birth, nationality and marital status.
(6)Name of witnesses to the arrest.
(7)Name and badge number of arresting officer.

f. When taking person into custody. The arresting officer when taking a person into custody
must consider the following:
(1)the possibility that the person you are arresting may attempt to injure or kill you or escape in
your custody.
(2)inform him that you are placing him under arrest.
(3)explain to him why you are placing him under arrest.
(4)reasonable search may be carried Out in connection with the lawful arrest.

g. When transporting arrested person. officer should observe the following guidelines in
transporting arrested person:
(1)If your unit is equipped with radio, request for transportation unit and maintain custody of your
prisoner until it arrives.
(2)Give instructions to the transporting officer about the place where the arrestee is to be
delivered.
(3)Have the necessary information and instructions written out so that the transporting officer
will not err in the delivery. (4) In certain conditions, direct the arrested person to drive his
Own vehicle to your Headquarters and follow him with your police mobile.
(5) However, if the driver is not in good condition or the vehicle is in bad shape, let someone
drive the vehicle to the Headquarters.

h. Warrantless Arrest Citizen's/Civilian Oftentimes, arrest in traffic is made right after the
commission of the traffic violation. Hence, traffic enforcers should know the following rules to be
observed in arresting a person without warrant of arrest as stipulated by paragraphs a-C, Sec.
6, rule 113, Rules of Court:

(1) When in the presence of the arresting officer, the person to be arrested has committed,
is actually committing, or is about to commit an offense.
(2) When an offense has in fact been committed, and the arresting officer has personal
reasons to believe that the person to be arrested has committed it.

2. Traffic Citation. This is a means of having violators appear in court without physical arrest.
To ensure that an apprehended traffic violator will appear to the court or to the proper authority,
the traffic officer should confiscate the violator's driver's license and issue Traffic Citation Ticket
(TCT), TOP, or Traffic Violator's Receipt (TVR).

a. Apprehension. As an apprehending officer duly designated by the LTO, you should observe
the following when apprehending a traffic violator:
(1) You may confiscate the driver's license or certificate of registration of the vehicle for any
violation of the RA 4136 and its rules and regulations, City and Municipal Ordinances.
(2) Fill out the blank spaces of TOP/or TCT forms in order to provide a detailed report of
apprehension for the information, guidance and reference of all Concerned.

(3) Advise the violator to report within 72 hours, but not less than 24 hours to give allowance
for proper transmittal from receipt thereof to appropriate offices.

b. Where the violator should report? The violator should be advised to report to:
(1) Traffic Court, if in Manila and for violation of the City's Traffic Ordinance.
(2) City/Provincial Prosecutor, if in other chartered cities or provincial capitals without traffic
courts, Tor violations of local traffic ordinances.
(3) Municipal Court, in its municipalities, for violation of local traffic ordinances.
(4) LTO Central Office (TAS) for Metro Manila or counterparts [REGIONAL TRAFFIC
ADJUDICATION SERVICE
(RTAS)] for violation the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), and its rules and in
the provinces regulations.

C. Uses the TOP, the TCT, and the TVR. These are official documents designed for various
purposes, namely:
(1)It serves as a receipt for the confiscation of a vehicle or the driver's license or the CR/OR of
the vehicle.

(2)It serves as a temporary permit to operate motor vehicle for 72 hours without extension from
the time of confiscation or apprehension (in case of TVR in Manila, 7 days).
(3)It is an official form of judicial or administrative citation to facilitate action on the case for
which it is issued.
(4)It is a record for disposing a case cited therein either administratively or judiciary.
(5)It is also a receipt for release of the confiscated items after adjudication and termination of
the case.

d. Preparation of the Information/Complaint. Within your tour of duty, prepare

information or complaint by filling up the TOP for processing of all traffic apprehensions at the
appropriate office.

e. Filing of Information/Complaint. Within 24 hours from the time of apprehension, file

the complaints, together with the confiscated items, with the Clerk of Court or Provincial
Prosecutor or the court having appropriate jurisdiction as previously stated. Table 3 in the next
page (p169) shows the summary steps followed in traffic citation. However, police officers
sometimes use their discretion, hence; the standard number of days may vary as the concerned
police officer finds it necessary.
f. Preliminary findings and disposition of License. Within 72 hours or three (3) days
from the filing of the case with the respective traffic enforcement offices, the hearing authority
shall make immediate preliminary findings on the basis

of police or complainant's witness reports as to whether or not there is an imperative necessity

of withholding the driver's license confiscated.

(1) Should there be no such necessity; he shall promptly order the return of the confiscated
license to the owner without prejudice to re-calling said license.
(2) Where the violator fails to appear before the court or the investigating official concerned,
his license or permit shall be forwarded to the LTO for its suspension revocation pursuant to
Sec. 29., RA 4136.

g. Records of court proceedings.

(1) When the violator appears in Court 15 days and pleads guilty, the Clerk shows the fine
schedule and the violators pays the fine at the Treasurer's Office, receipt of which is shown to
Clerk of Court records the same on the OP, and his license if cleared for release, is now
returned to the driver,
(2) If the violator appears after 15 days, his license ic forwarded to the LTO for suspension
or revocation: he shows his TOP Copy to the LIO Tor proper disposition of his license. Clerks of
Courts, in every case, should inform the LTO and/or the apprehending officer of the final
disposition of tthe case.
(3) The violator appears in Court and desires not to plead guilty to the charge, the uerk or
Court sets the date of hearing and notifies the accused accordingly and sends a corresponding
subpoena to the apprehending officer for his appearance.
(4) When the accused is found not guilty after trial, his license, if in the possession of the
Court or of the LTO, shall immediately be returned to him unless there is any other legal ground
for its suspension or revocation.

3. Traffic Warning. This is an enforcement action which does not contemplate possible
assessment of penalty by the court or otherwise as a result of warning alone. There are three
types of traffic warning: visual, verbal, and written.
a. Visual Warning. This is uSually used when you have observed a minor violation but are
more importantly occupied at a moment. Indicate by gesture of the hand and /or of the head.
b. Verbal Warning. This is a form of safety education. Tell the driver/violator that he
violated a law and explain the hazards of such violations.

c. Written Warning. This is a combination of verbal warning and citations. It gives the spirit
of verbal warning and the form of citation. This is seldom used nowadays.

I. Decision Enforcement. In determining what enforcement action to be taken, whether you

arrest, cite or warn the apprehended violator, consider the following:

1.Degree of violation;
2.Accuracy of observation;
3.TraffiC and weather condition;
4.Evidence gathered;
5.Whether a new law or not; and
6.Continuous or momentary actions, a factor in some type of violations

J. Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement. Pursuit is a part of enforcement activity performed by police

and is used when a violating driver is detected.

Pursuit is a part of the apprehension of a violator. In general, a driver who is aware of his
violation at your presence will stop his vehicle when signaled to do so. In this instance,
apprehension is complete and pursuit is not necessary. There are times, however, when a driver
is not aware that he has been detected in violation and must be pursued until apprehended.
Pursuit and successful apprehension of a violator may require the operation of your patrol
vehicle at high speed for an extended distance.

1. When to pursue? When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal reaction is to pursue
the violator until you apprehend him. However, due to traffic congestion or other complications,
such action is sometimes neither practical nor safe. In pursuing, observe the following:

a.Pursuit must always be tampered with common sense and foresight of like hazards.

b.Better judgment is used in deciding to lose a traffic violator who can be apprehended at
another time than giving great risk to yourself, your vehicle and other drivers.

c. Pursuit requiring high speed operation of police vehicle may be justified in certain
Circumstances such as in the apprehension of a driver endangering the lives of motorists,
pedestrians, and others through operation which can be classified as other than reasonable
and proper which is dangerous and negligent.

d.Type of serious violation is an important factor in deciding to pursue

(1) Non-hazardous violations. Pursuit to apprehend this violator seldom warrants a

prolonged chase or operation of your police vehicle at high speed. These violations do not
justify the same degree of risk as may be justified as hazardous violations.
(2) Hazardous violations. These Violations present continuing danger to other road users
that require immediate and sometime aggressive pursuit.

Examples are:
(a) Driving while under the influence of
liquor; (b) Reckless driving; and
(c) Driving on excessive speed.

e. Consider the following when pursuing hazardous violators:

(1)A violator of this nature is likely to have little Concern for other drivers at their safety.
(2)Successful flight from identification apprehension is usually his only concern.
(3)Be prepared for acts of this type of violator which could give him an advantage while
interfering with your pursuit and successful apprehension. Like trying to force you or other
motorists off the road.

f. Consider your driving skill and experience. Driving skill is that collection of proper habits which
enable a person to detect and evaluate road and traffic conditions about him, and to maneuver
his vehicle properly without consciously thinking about what he is doing. Check your skill in
these areas:

(1)Manipulative skills making your vehicle behave as you intend.

(2)Recognizing road and traffic conditions that may hinder your pursuit.
(3)Defensive driving anticipating and allowing bad driving by others.

g. Resisting distraction. You should know what evasive actions will permit you to avoid or
escape unfavorable traffic conditions. A driver can often protect himself from danger if he knows
how to recognize the danger in time and take proper evasive action.

2. Pursuit Techniques. A successful pursuit operation can be attained if the pursuing officer
knows the following:

a.His limitations and strength in driving a patrol vehicle under normal conditions.

b.Good driving combined with effective techniques will help to minimize the dangers involved in
pursuit in high speed.
c. Normal driving skill is not automatically improved by wearing a police uniform, or by having a
police car to operate.

3. Identification of Pursued Vehicle.

a. When alone, use a clipboard with attached paper and pencil. Anchor the clipboard by
sitting on part of it so that notes can be written without looking down.
b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehicles on a "hot sheet" Within easy viewing range
while in driving position. The list should be arranged by cases of offense for rapid identification
of violators wanted for more serious offense.
c. Identify the violator's vehicle for later identification, particularly when pursuit is lengthy,
interrupted or abandoned, or in case you are injured by the violators.
d. The registration plate is very important and accurate method of establishing identity of a
vehicle is also important. Train yourself to observe complete license plate number at a glance.
e. Record the registration number as soon as possible, and check it against your "hot
sheet." Sometimes prescribed registration number on a clipboard is the only clue to the
identification of an escaping violator who has struck or injured an officer.

4.Itemized Identification Features of the Vehicle. For an effective identification of the

pursued vehicle, the officer must be familiar with the following features.
a.COLOR For example, rea, DlacK, etc. when vehicle has more than one Color irst give
the color of body and then the top, 1.e., black body, gray top.
b.YEAR OF MANUFACTURE learn to identify the model of a vehicle, i.e., "1996".
c. MAKE - Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, etc..
d.BODY TYPE - p-up, wagon, 4dr sedan, truck, etc..
e.LICENSE PLATE NUMBER- city or province of issuance letter and number prefixes,
i.e., AAA 456
f. OUTSTANDING FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES -"wide bank racing stripe," vinyl
top, particular damage which are noticeable as crumbled fender, damaged door, or
cracked

g.UNUSUAL FEATURES OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS clothing, air, glasses,

etc.

5.Keep Headquarters Advised through the dispatcher about the progress of the pursuit
operation.
a. It is your duty to apprehend violators as soon as possible. Radio contact with HQs aids
in accomplishing this objective by alerting other patrol units in the area.
b. While in pursuit, use your radio whenever necessary and advisable. If forced to abandon
pursuit and there is no radio available, use any nearest telephone.

6. Stopping and approaching a violator. It is completed when you have stopped the violator's
vehicle and move to the place where you will begin to talk to the driver. The following should be
observed:

a.In stopping a violator, it must be done in safety to you, the driver you stopped, to other road
users.
b.Approach the violator preferably on the left side from the rear and be alert for the unexpected.

K. Officer-Violator Relationship. The first reminder for an officer is to establish PLEASANT

RELATIONSHIP with offending motorists or pedestrians. This may be accomplished by:

1.The appearance of your uniform, equipment and person which will create the violator's
impression of you. A neat, clean uniform properly worn and well-groomed person will create a
good impression.

2.Observance of the following rules when talking with the violators

a.Get your emotions under control. Don't appear before him when you are both at the
peak of tension.
b.Advise the violator the nature of the alleged violation in a manner that he can fully
understand.
c. Allow the violator to talk and explain his side.
d.Be courteous and business-like. You may introduce yourself or use only 'good
morning, "Sir" or "Madam."
e.Request compliance. Use requesting words such as May," "Please"and "Kindly"when
directing the violator.
f. Avoid telling the driver what not to do. If you want him to do something, whenever
possible, explain why you want him to do it.

3.Never open your conversation in a sarcastic or derogatory way. Avoid such opening as:

a.Dont you know ?

b.Who do you think are?
c. Where do you think you are going?
d.Whats your hurry?

4. Being alert at all times for the unexpected, approach the Violator with these cases:

a.Take time to get ready to talk with the violator.

b.Know what you are going to do and say.
c. Have any equipment you will need such as flashlights, clipboard, or citation pad.
d.Review the facts which led you to your stopping the violator before you begin to talk.
e.Decide what enforcement action you are going to take before you approach the violator.
5. In requesting for the driver's license or vehicle registration certificate (CR), observe the
following:

a.Do not put your head or arms in the car windows.

b.While waiting for the license, ask the driver, "What is your
name, Sir?" C. Never accept anything other than the
papers requested.
d.Ask the papers being requested be removed from the billfold or other container.
e.Have the driver hand the requested papers to you outside the window.
f. Establish the identity of the driver and check the entries of both the license and the
registration papers for any possible fraud, or false identities or falsifications.
g.Do not return the driver's license and vehicle registration certificate until you are about to
terminate the interview.
6. In terminating your contact with the violator

a.Explain to the driver what action he must take.

b.Tell him when and where he must appear.
c. Don't discuss probable bail penalties with the violator.
d.Avoid any naughty suggestion that he should engage in the services of a counsel or how he
should plead.
e.When you are certain the driver understands what he should do, close the interview by:
(1) Thanking the driver for his cooperation.
(2) Explaining how he may avoid further difficulty.
f. Help the driver get safely through the traffic.
g.When the immediately. He may feel that you are just waiting to nab him again. violator leaves,
don't follow him

L.Road Check. This is another enforcement activity which involves the conducting of actual
inspection of vehicles, and motorists on the road.

1. Objectives of road check. The objective of road check is to detect and

inspect the following: a. faulty vehicle equipment
b.registration and licensing violations
c. intoxicated drivers
d.the load or cargo of commercial transportation vehicle for load weight

2. Considerations to be taken.
a.minimum delay to motorist
b.thorough checking procedure
C. protection/safety of both motorist and officers
d. timing, location and frequency

In case thorough checking of vehicles will be conducted, take note of the legalities of searches
or the instances that validates the search, i.e., search incidental to lawful arrest, consented
search, search of moving vessel, and search by
"tips"

TRAFFIC PATROL

Concept
In maintaining order in the streets and highways, it is not sufficient to install traffic control
devices and aids. TraffiC signs, pavement markings and markers, and other traffic rules and
regulations are likely to be violated in the absence of traffic law enforcement officers. Therefore,
to ensure compliance to these traffic rules and regulations, traffic patrol officers are needed.

Traffic Patrol. It refers to the observation of road Conditions, the behavior of the drivers and
other users of vehicles for the purpose of traffic supervision and law enforcement and providing
authorized traffic-connected services to the public.

However, traffic patrol is not all moving from one place to another place, but it also involves
stationary observation particularly on strategic places where accidents and traffic violations are
very common occurrence.

A. Types of Traffic Patrol. Traffic patrol may be conducted on area or line bases which refer to
the territory covered. It includes, for enforcement purposes, stationary observation to detect
drivers behavior as well as moving about to detect violators.
1. Line Patrol. this This involves either moving or stationary observation at a certain route
or point of a major street in a city. Usually, this is done by foot patrol officers.

2. Area Patrol. This involves the conduct of observation either by moving patrol or
observation of a certain area which included a number of streets, roads or sections of a
highway. Area patrolling is usually the job of mobile police officers as well as those motorcycle
cops.

B. Types of Stationary Observation. As discussed earlier, observation of traffic conditions of

selected place, usually one with unfavorable accident experiences for traffic law supervision.
Stationary observation may be conspicuous, visible, or concealed, depending upon the location
of the patrol unit in relation to the street under observation.

1. Conspicuous Observation. Stationary observation in which observer remains in full

view of traffic conditions. Here, the traffic patrol officer is situated in any place where he could
be seen by all traffic users.

2. Visible Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is in full view but so
located, for example, at side street, so as to require effort on the part of traffic users to discover
the observer.

3. Concealed Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to

persons using ordinary power of observation from the roadway being observed.

C. Purposes of Traffic Patrol. Traffic patrolling is usually Conducted for the following purposes:

1.Deterrent to violations and dangerous driving.

2.Detecting and apprehending violators.
3.Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
4.Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction which needs attention.
5.Providing certain services to the public.
6.Handling emergencies as they arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.

D. Deterring Drivers from Violating. The effect of traffic law enforcement on the behavior of
the motorist drivers depends upon what they think the police will do or the reputation or the
police for action. Once you have a reputation as a good traffic enforcer for taking action when it
is necessary, a deterrent effect may be achieved in several ways:
1.Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement actions against a violator.
2.Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.
3.Leave the area and proceed to another area after you have taken enforcement action.
4.In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, be sure to spend more time in some area
wherein motorists or drivers fail to be aware of their common bad driving practices
5.Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators in order to deter traffic
violators.

E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving. Be alert for potentially hazardous drivers. His action
may not be illegal, but may serve as road hazards that need to be cautioned.

This kind of driver may not have enough driving experience; he may be under the influence
of liquor or narcotics that may later on contribute to an accident if no action is taken against him
at once.

F. Example of Actions and Conditions which may Need Close Watching for Further
Investigations. While patrolling, traffic officers must give special attention to some conditions
that may result to greater danger or continuous violations. These are

1.Driving extremely at low speed.

2.Slow moving vehidles in left or "high speed" lanes.
3.Racing motor sliding stops, jumping starts, and the like.
4.Excessive maneuvering such as backing up four or five times to get into a parking space.
5.Pulling to curb lane at traffic signal.
6.Having turn signals on when not attempting to turn. Waving in roadway.
8. Failing to slow for an intersection with obstructed view.
9. Passing or attempting to pass several cars in a bunch.
10. Suddenly turning off at approach of police vehicle.
11. Teen-age groups at night particularly when in two or more vehicles.
12. Damage or dressed up vehicles.
13. Faulty or obscured license plates.
14. Unlighted parked cars with motor running,

Warn drivers or pedestrians who are about to commit a violation. Confirm your observation of
a driver by making a sign or signal that his intended action is to be avoided.

For example, a driver may be about to stop and to double park or start to leave a vehicle which
is standing in a driveway. A gesture is Usually enough to warn the driver to desist.

G.Detecting and Apprehending Violators. These are the main jobs or duties of traffic patrol
officers.

H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and ears of the
department when on traffic patrol. You must supply information about what is happening on
the street. This information may be used for many purposes.

I Road Intelligence. Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may observe an
unusual amount of delay at a certain intersection each morning and when you learn that it is due
to loading or unloading of passengers on a "NO LOADING ZONE, be sure to report the situation
at once to your superior officer. Pay special attention to congestions that tie up traffic for a block
or more. YoU should also report unnecessary delay at stop Signs or signals which are installed
when traffic is heavier Include in your report all road and bridge conditions.

J.Patrol Assignment. You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or you may have
instructions to use a combination.
For Example, you may patrol a certain street noted for excessive accidents in a line at specific
times. The following are some guidelines when assigned in traffic patrol unit
1. Be sure to be familiar with the street lay out in your area. Learn the short cuts, the dead
ends, and the back streets are likely to serve as escape routes from the city or provincial roads.
2. Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion is likely to occur so that you can
"drive around these places when on emergency call.
3. When assigned to area patrol, you may or may not be able to cover your entire
assignment area on each tour of duty, depending upon its siZe. You may not be able to give the
same amount of attention to each section due to the necessity of concentrating on a certain
trouble spots. However, you should consider yourself responsible for traffic conditions in the
entire area.
4. When assigned to line patrol, you are responsible for the traffic conditions on a particular
street or highway. You may be permitted to depart from your assigned street when, for example,
you pursue violator or on an authorized break time such as lunch.

5. You may also want to employ patrol techniques which will require you to depart
momentarily from an intersecting street rather than always approaching it from the street which
you are patrolling. At times this will enable you to get better view of traffic conditions on your
assigned street.

K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques. Occasionally, you may have an assignment in which you
work with another patrol unit. When multiple patrol units are used, Special tactics are possible.
Examples of these are the following:

1. When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up the rear of the
group. If one or more drivers in the group think that they can no longer be observed since they
have been passed by the first patrol unit, they feel free to violate. The following patrol unit
observes and apprehends the violators. A conspicuous and concealed unit may be used
together in much the same manner.
2. When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at the rear while the
other overtakes the leader. If two vehicles are racing, or if two violators separate, the paired
patrol units can separate for individual pursuit.
3. Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect each other,
particularly when approaching suspicious persons or vehicles. Except Tor special purposes or
occasions, patrol unit works independently so that more areas can be covered that way.

L. Steps to Take in Cases of Special and Unusual Situations. Oftentimes, traffic patrol officers
are confronted with unusual situations while on field operations. The following are some of the
guidelines to be observed when faced with unusual incidents:

1. What to do in case of abandoned motor vehicle? A motor vehicle is said to be abandoned

when it is left unattended in an area not provided for parking or unattended for one or two days
in an area provided for parking. For these reasons, unattended vehicles traffic flow. In some
instances, they are accidentally found to become a problem to be a more serious problem than
what is actually thought of, particularly when they are abandoned by carnappers or hold-
uppers. Abandoned vehicles may be classified into two categories: a) unattended due to
mechanical defects, and b) abandoned by carnappers or hold-up men.

a. In the case of the first category:

(1)verify and check on the ownership of the vehicle,
(2)and if possible, advise the owner to relocate the vehicle to a much safer place.

b. In case of the second category:

(1)get the plate number and other data of the vehicle,
(2)make a report on the presence of the abandoned vehicle to the nearest TRAFCOM or traffic
police unit,
3) make possible steps to inform the owner,
(4)bring the vehicle to the TRAFCOM or traffic police impounding area and conduct a Technical
Inspection
Report in the presence of the alleged owner,
(5)advise the owner to present all pertinent papers of the vehicle for the identification of the
ownership
(6)if the vehicle is found to have violated any provision of RA 6539, note its violation and
together with the Technical Inspection Report, submit it for investigation, and (7) finally,
submit a duly accomplished spot report.

2. What to do on stalled or bogged down motor vehicles? In most instances, traffic

accidents or jams are caused by stalled or bogged down vehicles that are left carelessly
unattended in the highways. In these cases therefore, it is important that you should know the
basic Courses of actions in order to avoid unnecessary risks of human lives and property and
further allow the continuous free flow of traffic. When you notice stalled or bogged down
vehicles having mechanical defects and blocking the roads; take these precautionary measures:

a.Check the defect or condition of the vehicle,

b.Ensure the safety of vehicles and persons involved by conducting traffic direction in the
vicinity,
c. If practicable, push the vehicle to the road shoulder. You may request assistance of other
motorists to do this, otherwise avail of wreckers or heavy trucks to move it,
d.Advise the owner of the vehicle to avail the services of a repairman, and
e.Provide early warning devices or any lantern to deter accident occurrences and provide
appropriate precautions for the safety and conveniences of the repairman and the other
motorists.

3. How to handle traffic jam? Traffic Jam is caused by such factor as vehicular accident,
stalled vehicle due to engine trouble, absence of traffic officer at an intersection, or road
construction. Steps to be taken by a traffic officer are:

a.Determine the cause of the traffic jam,

b.If traffic jam is caused by vehicular accident, conduct fast, immediate but complete
investigation and remove vehicles involved at the scene of accident,
c. If traffic jam S caused by mechanical trouble, assist motorist to push the vehicle to a place
where it will not obstruct the flow of traffic,
d.Establish yourself and conduct systematic flow of traffic,
e.Observe if the flow of traffic became smooth, if not, refer back to letter "a" above, and
f. Implement proper traffic regulation to avoid further traffic jam.

4. In case of vehicle cannibalization. Vehicle cannibalization is characterized by stealing the

parts of the motor vehicle instead of carnapping the whole car. In case of this incident, take the
following steps:

a.Determine the vehicle parts that were stolen,

b.Take down the name of the owner of the vehicle, the description of the vehiccle, and the
location or where the incident took place,
c. Look for immediate possible clues that might lead to the identification of the perpetrators or
their modus operandi,
d.Interview the witnesses and owner to get a general picture of the situation prior to the
incident,
e.Prepare a spot report and submit it to the nearest TRAFCOM Unit, and
f. If further investigation is necessary, the vehicle may be impounded for safekeeping.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Concept: (Most of these were taken from the old PCHD Traftic Investigation Manual)

Traffic Accident Investigation. Generally, to know what question to ask and what to look for,
you must have ome fundamental bearing on accidents and their causes. When you speak of
traffic accident, everybody knows what you mean SOMETHING WENT WRONG on the
highway, either a Wrecked car, somebody is injured or possibly killed. A. What Traffic Accident
Investigation Determines? It aims to know the five (5) "Ws" and one (1) "H" of the incident
1.WHAT happened?
2.WHO and WHAT was involved?
3.WHERE did it happen?
4.WHY did it happen?
5.HOW did the accident occur?
6.WHEN did the accident happen?

B. Purposes of Traffic Accident Investigation. There are four (4) main reasons, depending on
who does the investigation:

1.Everyone involved is curious about the causes and circumstances of the accident.
2.For the police - to find out whether there is enough evidence of law violation in the accident.
3.Claims attorneys and adjusters want to determine negligence on the part of the drivers
involved in the accident so that damage claims can be properly adjusted.
4.Officials and others want specific information about accidents to know how to prevent future
accidents.

C. Common Words and Phrases Used in Traffic Acciden

Investigation. The following words and phrases with thier Corresponding meaning are often
used in the process:

1.Accident. It is that occurrence in a sequence of events which usually produces unintended

injury, death, or property damage.

2.Traffic Accident. An accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way.

3.Motor Vehicle Accident. Events resulting in unintended injury or property damage

attributable directly or indirectly to the action of a motor vehicle or its loads. Included are:

a.Accidental injury from inhalation of exhaust gas

b.Fires
C. Explosion;
d.Discharge of firearm within the motor vehicle while in motion;
e.Collision between a motor vehicle and a railroad train or street car on stationary rails or tracks;
and
f. Failure of any part of the motor vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Excluded are:
a.Collision of a motor vehicle with an aircraft or water- craft in motion;
b.Injury or damage due to cataclysms (flood or sudden physical change of the earth surface);
and
C. Injury or damage while the motor vehicle is not under its power is being loaded on or
unloaded from another conveyance.

4.Motor Vehicle. Every device which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by
electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.

5.Key Event. An event on the road which characterizes the manner of occurrence of a motor
vehicle traffic accident.

6.Debris. The scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other materials left at the
scene of the accident caused by a collision.

7.Skid Marks. These are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not free to rotate, usually
because brakes are applied strong and the wheels locked.

8.Traffic Unit. Any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other purposes as a
pedestrian or driver, including any vehicle, or animal which he is using. It applies not only to
motor vehicles but also to: a. Pedestrians
b. Cycists;
C Street
cars;
d.Horse-drawn (animal-drawn) vehides
e.Farm tractors; and
f. Other road users in almost any combination-Example:

A traffic accident could involve a cydist and a pedestrian.

9. Hazards. 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. Example: A curve in
the path is a hazard. Another traffic unit in the path is also a hazard.

10. 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 vehicie. Example: A curve ahead is a hazard and a safe speed for it is a
speed at which it can be taken comfortably.

11. Strategy. It is the adjusting of speed, position on the road, and direction of motion,
giving signals of intent to turn or slow down, or any other adion in situations involving
potential hazards.

12. Tactic. Any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like steering,
braking, or accelerating to avoid collision or other accident.

13. Impact. The striking of one body against another or a collision of a motor vehicle with
another motor vehide.

14. 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.

15. 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.
16. 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.

17. Cause. The combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any one of
which result could not have Occurred.

18. Attribute. Any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a person that affects the
probability of a traffic accident.

19. Modifier. A circumstance that alters an attribute permanently or temporarily,

D. Kinds of Traffic Accidents. In the investigation of traffic accidents, it is imperative for the
traffic investigator to know the kinds on accident 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. Example: pedestrian and 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. Example: accident on a private driveway.

3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident occurring on a traffic way.
Example: collision between automobiles on a highway.

E. Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident According to Key Event.

1.Running off road. This is usually characterized by a motor vehicle falling on the roadside or
on a cliff along mountainous roads (see figure 47).

2.Non-collision on road. This does not involve any collision, an example of which is
overturning (see figure 48).

3.Collision on road. On the other hand, this type of accident includes all forms of accident as
long as there is a collision. Examples of this are motor vehicle colliding with:
a.Pedestrian may be walking, running or standing on a roadway (see figure 49).
b.Other motor vehicle in traffic may be head on, head and rear, sides opposite direction, sides
the same direction, head and side collision, etc. (see figures 50.1- 50.5).
c. Parked motor vehicle the form of collision may be similar to a moving vehicle like head on
collision, however, one is parked anywhere on a roadway.
d.Railroad train - this type of collision usually occurs along railroad crossings
e.Bicycle - in this form of collision, it is either the motor vehicle or the bicyclists who initiated the
collision.
f. Fixed object traffic islands, pedestrian barriers, electric post (see figure 51).
g.Other objects street cars, ice cream vendor, etc.
F. Classification of Acidents According to Severity.

1.Property Damage Accident. There is no fatal or injury to any person but only damage to the
motor vehicle or to other property induding njury to animals.
2.Slight. Only slight damages to properties.
3.Non-Fatal Injury Accident. This results in injuries other than tatal to one or more persons.
4.Less Serious. Only less serious injuries to persons.
5.Serious. This causes serious injuries to persons.
6.Fatal. This results in death to one or more persons.

G. Causes of motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents. Traffic accidents OCCur due to varying
circumstances and only after thorough investigation, when liability and responsibility can be
ascertained. Notwithstanding that no driver will readily accept that he initiated the accident. With
these, the traffic investigator Is faced with a gargantuan task of bringing out the truth on who
should be held responsible for the unusual incident. His primary concern will be to determine
how and why the accident happened.

1. Simultaneous Factors

a.Road conditions.
b.Drivers' attitude or behavior.
c. Weather condition.

2. Sequential Factors

a.Speed is greater or less than safe.

b.Defective vehicle (vehicle malfunction).

3. Operational Factors

a.Road hazards.
b.Driver's non-compliance to traffic laws, rules and regulations.

4. Perception Factors

a.Driver's inability to react promptly to a situation.

b.Driver's faulty action to escape collision course.

When all possible auses of an accident have been grouped gener by an investigating officer
and he believes the accident would not have occurred if any one of these causes did not exist,
then the investigator may have identified the combination of factors causing the accident.

On-the-scene reconstruction of a traffic accident relates accident causation to direct causes

for summary police action and to direct, mediate and early causes for ongoing studies of high-
frequency accident locations and future research and analysis.

H. Chain of Events in a Vehicular Accident. For the purpose of reporting, traffic accident may
usually be described well enough as a single occurrence but when accident is investigated,
attention is directed to particular stages of the occurrence. In fact, an accident may be usually
defined as a series of an expected events leading tO damage or injury. One event usually leads
to another so that the series can be spoken of as a "chain of events." These events are
described and illustrated below:
1.Perception of Hazard. It is seeing, feeling, or hearing and understanding the usual or
unexpected movement or condition that could be taken as sign of the accident about to
happen (see figure 52).

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 (see figure 53).

3.Initial Contact. The first accidental touching of an object collision course or otherwise avoids
a hazard (see figure 54).
4.Maximum Engagement. It is greatest collapse or overlap in a collision. The force between
the traffic unit and the object collided with are greatest at maximum engagement (see figure
55).

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 (see figure 56).

6.Stopping. This is when the traffic unit/s involved come to rest. It usually stabilizes the
accident situation (see figure 57).

7.Injury. It is receiving bodily harm. This event does not necessary 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.

8.Other events that may occur during an accident.

a.Point of Possible Perception. The place and time of which the hazard could have been
perceived by a normal person.
It precedes actual perception and is the beginning of perception delay (see figure 58)
b. Point of no Escape. It is that place and time after or beyond which the accident cannot
be prevented by the traffic unit under consideration (see figure 59).
c.Perception Delay. The time from the point of possible perception to actual perception.
d. Final Position. It is the place and time when objects involved in an accident finally come
to rest without application of power.

I. Who Conducts the Traffic Accident Investigation? In some instances, the police
traffic officers assigned in the field or highways upon learning of an accident usually responds
and conduct initial inquiries. However, police stations normally have designated traffic accident
investigators.
In cases of Major Traffic Accidents such as those that attract national media attention or those
that involve numerous victims, the local traffic investigator shall immediately inform the nearest
PNP Highway Patrol Group office which shall then take the lead in the investigation under the
Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) which shall be activated to manage the case. (PNP
Field Manual on Investigation of Crimes of Violence and Other Crimes, 2011)

When the proper crime scene processing is necessary, the traffic investigators may also ask the
assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operation Team (SOCO Team).

J. Five (5) Levels of Activity in Accident Investigation. In the investigation of traffic

accidents, the police are guided by the following stages or levels of investigation:

1.Reporting. This stage involves basic data collection to identify and classify a motor vehicle,
traffic and persons, property and planned movements involved.

2.At-Scene Investigation. This level involves all action taken by the investigator at the scene of
the crime or accident.

3.Technical Preparation. This involves delayed traffic accident data collection and organization
for study and interpretation.

4.Professional Reconstruction. This involves efforts to determine from whatever information

is available, how the accident happened.

5.Cause Analysis. This last level usually involves final analysis on the causes of accident
which are bases for the prevention of similar accident.
K. Steps Taken by the Police during Traffic Accident
Investigation. Like in any other forms of police investigations, traffic investigators follow
chronological steps in responding and the investigating traffic-related accidents to ensure
gathering of thorough information.

1. Step One. Upon Learning of the Accident.

a. Ask first: When did the accident happen?; Exactly where was it?; How bad was it?; Did
you see the accident happened?, and Where can you be reached?
b. Decide whether to go to the scene: Will scene have been cdeared by the time of
arrival?; Is it in the investigator's area?; and Should headquarters be informed or consulted?
c. Then find out, if necessary: Is traffic blocked?; Has ambulance been called?; Has
wrencher been called?; and Was fire apparatus called?

2. Step Two. Start for the Scene. With two-way radio, you can do two things while on the way.

a. Choose Best Approach Consider: Time; possible traffic jams; possible route of driver
involved; and probable situation at scene.
b.Drive Safely. Get there safely; if you get involved in accident yourself, then other units must
be used.
c. Be Alert for Cars Leaving the Scene: As possible witnesses or hit and run drivers; and
record registration numbers of any likely looking vehicles.
d.Get Equipment Ready for Use. So far as practical on the way.
e. Look for Conditions confronting a driver approaching Scene: Low visibility view
obstructions; and traffic control devices.
f. Note Hazards to approaching Traffic: Drop helper to direct traffic if necessary; and look for
physical evidence.
Have it guarded until it can be examined, collected or located.

3. Step Three. Upon Arrival at the Accident Scene.

a.Select parking place carefully: Is it safe?; Will it block traffic?; and Can headlight illuminate
scene?
b.Care for injured: Stop arterial bleeding; call to help necessary; help injured from cars sarey;
protect injured from exposure; and ask for emergency assistance from bystanders from
anywhere.
c.Look over bystanders and others: Look for drivers; look for possible witnesses; look for
volunteers who will help you and get them under control.
d.Have Emergencies Under Control: Have spilled gasoline guarded; look for fire and electrical
hazards; look for traffic hazards; put out flares; ask helper to direct traric; keep bystanders off
roadway and request help from headquarters if needed.
e.Locate drivers: Consider possibility of hit and run accident; and need to alert headquarters.
f. Measure location of short lived evidences.
g.Arrange for clearing roadway.
h.Delay removal of vehicles except to aid injured

4. Step Four. When Emergency is Under Control.

a.Preliminary questioning of drivers: Who was driving each vehicle?; Note unpremeditated
statement; and look for signs of nervousness, confusion and intoxication.
b.Gather clues for identifying hit and run cars: Question other witnesses especially
bystanders in hurry to go; and ti needed, get signed statement at once from why who may be
hard to find later.
c.Examine dDrivers conditions: Get specimen for chemical test; and question about trip plan
for possible fatigue.
d.Question drivers carefully: Check license and record data from it; verify and identify
address; check registration and record data; verify ownership and correct address, and Get
step by step account of what driver saw and did.
e.Position and condition of vehicles: Note lights and light switches note gear position and
tires; mark position of vehicles if it must be removed; and look for unusual thing inside the
vehicles. f. Form preliminary opinion as to how accident occurs
g.Photography: Photograph skid mark and location of vehicles and mark skid mark location for
later measurement.
h.Record place to which injured persons or damage vehicles were or will be taken.
5. Step Five. After Getting Short-live Evidence.

a. Get additional evidence: Make test skids; decide whether proof of violation is sufficient
for arrest; if so, make arrest or issue citation; get additional formal statements, from witnesses
remaining at the scene; and have road clear if traffic is obstructed.
b. Suggestion to0 drivers, if necessary: How much accidentS can be avoided in the
future; and tell drivers what reports they must make and dismiss them.
C. Approach the scene by path of each traffic unit involved. Look for: View obstructions;
traffic control devices, etc.; probable points of perception; and road surface conditions. d.
Complete examinations of vehicles.
e.Locate key event of accident.
f. Make additional photographs of: Vehicles damage; view obstruction; pavement's
conditions; and control devices, and general view, etc.
g.Establish exact location of accident and record it.
h.Measure for scale diagram if location is hard to reach.
i. Review notes of evidence or testimony: Get additional facts at scene; and identify all notes
with places and time. J. Clean up location or arrange to have it done.
k. Report to headquarters by radio or telephone. Nowadays, the cellular phone is a ready
alternative in reporting to police headquarter.

6. Step Six. After Leaving the Scene:

a.Get medical report on injured persons from doctor or hospital.

b.Question drivers or witnesses: At hospital or home if not adequately questioned; and take
needed additional statements.
c. Notify: Relatives of dead or injured; and/or Owner of vehicles.
d.Have specimens analyzed if were taken for chemical or laboratory test.
e.Have photograph developed; get prints if needed for report.
f. Complete the report of the accident: Have copies made if necessary; file report and copies
and complete factual data on investigation report if not completed at Scene.
g.Decide whether analysis of accident is warranted by the time available for making it.
h.Reconstruction of the accident: Estimate speeds of vehicles involved; draw scale diagram;
analyze angle of collision; get technical help if necessary; and summarize opinions. i. Present
case summary to a lawyer.
j. Complete report or investigation.
k. Submit to superior for approval. .Inform other Agencies or departments of any
condition at the scene which needs attention for safety.

7. Step Seven. If Case Goes to Court:

a.Find out what the prosecutor wants further to develop evidence.

b.Return to the scene if necessary for the following Additional photographs of general scene
and long-lives evidence; measure for scale diagram for use in court and Locate additional
witnesses and review their testimony
C. Locate also, if necessary: Relatives and friends Confirm activities before the accident;
technicians developed pictures, made chemical tests, etc.; and exper who can help. d. Have
enlargement made of any photo needed in cou
e.Enlarge scale diagram made for court use.
f. Pre-trial conference with prosecution witness review testimony.
g.Ensure that subpoenas are issueed.
h.Testify in court.
i. Organize papers and file permanently, if necessary, for future reference.
j. Ensure that the disposition of case is recorded in drivers' record and other reports.

L. The Traffic Accident Report. In the preparation of the traffic accident investigation report,
the officer of the case must consider the following:

1.Uniform traffic Accident Reporting System.

2.Preparation of Traffic Accident Report:
a.By a competent, bonafide traffic accident investigator.
b.Requirements for an investigator in the submission of report such as evidence gathered,
diagrams, sketches as well as sworn statements of witnesses. Investigation
c. Traffic Report will be accomplished in five (5) copies for: the Court or Prosecutor's Office;
TRAFCOM (TMG) or Traffic Division; the Investigator; the Insurance company of Party-
involved #1; and the Insurance Co. of Party-involved # 2.

M. Sample of Traffic Accident Investigation Report Form. Attached on the next pages is an
example of the standard traffic accident investigation report form used to facilitate speedy
investigation of accidents. The form is designed for an expeditious investigation because it is
filled-up mostly by checking the corresponding boxes that describe the accident.
However, additional paper is usually used by traffic accident investigators to prepare the on-the-
spot sketch of the accident Scene.