Module52 2023

Lesson 5.
2 – Traffic Direction and Control 2019
LESSON 5.2
TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL

Concept:
As discussed earlier, the movement of people, goods, vehicles,

trains, ships, and airplanes from one place to another is called
traffic. And controlling traffic involves attempts to make these
movements as fast, safe, and efficient as possible. Aside from
utilizing traffic signs, pavement markings and markers, and traffic
signal systems, one important aspect of traffic control is the
assigning of traffic officers along intersections where traffic
congestions are common problems.
Assigning of traffic officers on strategic places does not only

ensure the obedience to traffic laws, rules and regulations but it
also serves as emergency solution when traffic lights suddenly fail
or when the traffic signal light could not control the flow of traffic.
Traffic officers manning intersections can also provide emergency
services to the public not only during lights out but also during
disasters or calamities like fire or ambulances responding to fire or
crime scenes. During these moments, traffic officers can
immediately give way to responding fire engines, police cars, or
ambulances by directing and control traffic along intersections.
Intersection Defined. As applied to a street or highway, it

means the space occupied by two streets at the point where they
cross each other. Usually, this is the place where traffic direction
and traffic control is needed.
Police Traffic Direction. It is defined as telling drivers and

pedestrians when, how and where they may or may not move or
stand at a particular place, especially during emergencies or
period of congestion.
A. Who are tasked to direct and guide traffic? In the

Philippines, traffic officers are usually deputized by the Land
Transportation Office who normally comes from the PNP-TMG,
[243]
Lesson 5.2 – Traffic Direction and Control 2019
police auxiliaries, MMDA Traffic Management Section. In some

places, volunteers coming from barangay security forces and
other civic organizations assist in the directing and controlling of
traffic particularly during rush hours, special occasions, and time
of emergencies.
B. Directing and Guiding Traffic. The following are the basic

concepts for an effective directing and guiding traffic:
1. When you are assigned to direct traffic, you are expected
to indicate or show to the drivers and pedestrians how, when,
and where they may move.
2. In order to do this, use a type of sign language which shall
be clearly understandable to all persons you will be directing.
3. However, if your signals are different from those used by
other officers, motorists would probably fail to understand
them and ignore you altogether.
4. Hence, it is important for the efficient direction of traffic
that the officers use uniform gestures and signals.
5. Moreover, the signals should be able to be seen over a
fairly long distance. When directing traffic, you first want
drivers and pedestrians to recognize that you are the officer
who will tell them what to do. But you must also know how
to tell them when to stop, go or turn by using gestures alone.
6. Normally, this is in the center of the intersection. Stand as
though you mean business. Stand straight with your weigh
equally distributed to each foot.
7. When you are not signaling, let your hands fall at your
sides. When you authorize vehicles to move, do not face
them. Stand so that your side is toward the oncoming
vehicle.
C. Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic.

1. Use hand signals to designate decisions to motorists and
pedestrians (see figure 42).
2. Supplement the arm/hand signals with a whistle:
[244]
a. one long blow to STOP.

b. two short snappy blasts for GO.
c. three blasts to be used for assistance.
3. If two or more officers are assigned in one intersection,
only one makes the decision, while the other take theirs from
him.
4. To stop a moving lane, point at the car you intend to stop
and give the driver the opportunity to stop (see figures 42.1-
42.4).
5. The hand signal should be made with the arm extended
and the palm facing the person or vehicle to be stopped.
D. Night Control of Traffic. There are instances when traffic

officers are needed to direct and guide traffic during night time,
not only during lights out where traffic lights are not functioning
but also during some instances where an accident occurs and
traffic officers are needed to guide the motorists. Whichever
case, the following are the suggested methods to be used while
directing and guiding traffic during night time.
1. When light is sufficient, work as in day time.
2. If light is not sufficient, use flashlight:
a. To STOP, direct the flashlight in line of the vision and
move back and forth.
b. To START, use the same motion as in daylight except
with flashlight.
c. Supplement the actions with whistle.
E. Hand Signals. Figures 42 to 46 are some of the standard
hand signals when directing traffic.
Note: The signals may be modified also by the traffic direction
officer as it deemed necessary so that motorists may clearly
understand the decision of the traffic officer especially during
night time. In addition to the hand signals and blowing of the
whistles, flags with varying colors (usually red and green) are
used to supplement the signaling.
[245]
Figure 42
Hand Signals for Stop
STOP!
POINT
42.1 42.2
Point Point to the driver to stop
STOP POINT
42.3 42.4
Halt traffic at right side and pointing to the driver at the opposite
direction to stop.
[246]
Figure 43
Directing Traffic Where to Stop
POINT
43.1 43.2
Halt opposing traffic with right hand and point where
the driver should stop.
Figure 44
Directing Traffic Where to Go
GOING
STRAIGHT
GO
LEFT TURN
GO
44.1 44.2
Give turn signal and signal for Starting – pointing traffic to
traffic straight go ahead.
[247]
POINT
STOP
STOP
GO
LEFT
TURN
GO
44.3 44.4
Point to turning driver and give
Halt Opposite Traffic with
turn signal with left hand for left
Right Hand turn.
Figure 45
Hand Signals with Whistle
Prriit!!
Prriiiiit!! Prriiit!!
45.1 45.2
One Long Whistle Signal Two Short Whistle
for Stop for Go
[248]
Figure 46
Directing Traffic with Flashlight
STOP!
GO!
Directing Traffic Directing Traffic

to Stop to Go
[249]

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Lesson 5.

2 – Traffic Direction and Control 2019

TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL

As discussed earlier, the movement of people, goods, vehicles,

Assigning of traffic officers on strategic places does not only

Intersection Defined. As applied to a street or highway, it

Police Traffic Direction. It is defined as telling drivers and

A. Who are tasked to direct and guide traffic? In the

police auxiliaries, MMDA Traffic Management Section. In some

B. Directing and Guiding Traffic. The following are the basic

C. Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic.

a. one long blow to STOP.

D. Night Control of Traffic. There are instances when traffic

Directing Traffic Directing Traffic

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