TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

By:
PO3 ROBERTO T MEDRANO JR, RC, MSCJ-CRIM
PPSC CERTIFIED TRAFFIC INVESTIGATOR

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LAND TRANSPORTATION

• The earliest human beings were believed to have constantly moved from one place to another
because-

– They were nomadic

• Nomadic – moving around

• A nomad is a member of a community of people who live in different locations,

moving from one place to another.

The earliest form of traveling used by man was:

-By foot travel

To ease the traveling by foot, the earliest human beings-

- used wind power to move their vehicles

When wheeled cars were invented, the next problem by man in traveling was-
an engine which will power the wheeled carriages

Manpower, Animal Power, and Wind Power

• Transportation – is the movement or conveying of persons and goods from one location to
another.

• from the Latin word “Terans” meaning across or and move and “Portare” means to carry

Various Ancient Modes of Transportation

• Manpower

– Early man, who had no domesticated animals, carried his own burdens. More so today,
manpower is important in transportation in many parts of the world.

Carrying Pole

• In China and other parts of the Far East, the carrying pole, balanced on one shoulder is a popular
carrying device. On islands of the Pacific, the ends of the pole are supported by two men, with
goods suspended from the pole in between.

Back Load and Tumpline

• In many parts of the world, goods are carried on the back. In Subtemala, pots are carried on a
wooden framework supported by a tumpline across the forehead. In the Andes, the load is held
on the back by a strap passing over the chest.

Sledge on Rollers:
 • The moving of heavy burdens was to place them on sledge which rested on a series of rollers.

Sledge on runners:

 A simple sledge, probably man-drawn, was in use at the end of the Old Stone Age in Northern
Europe, as evidenced by fragments of wooden runners which survived.

Travois:
This travois, as the pole arrangement called, serves as platform on which the burdens are
placed.

Animal Power:

• The domestication of animals greatly increased the potential power available for transportation.
Pack animals were introduced as conveyances mainly to save labor. A man can tend several pack
animals moving together, each of which (except dogs) can carry more than he usually can.
– Ox
– Reindeer
– Dog
– Donkey Llama
– Elephant
– Horse
– Camel
– Yak

What kind of animal was domesticated in Siberia during the beginning of the Christian era for
transportation purposes?
- Reindeer

Wind Power
• Man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned to utilize such powers to lift
rather than to drag. This paved way to invention of air lifted transportation vessels.
Ancient Chinese Kite
– Kites have been flown as a popular past time in the Far East since the beginning of the
history. The kite was first used for transport when a Korean general employed one in
bridge building. By means of a kite, a cord was conveyed across the river where heavier
ropes were fastened finally the bridge cable. In the late 10th century, several European
armies experimented with kites in transporting men.

Da Vinci’s Ornithopter
The great renaissance artist, scientist and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci, made study of the flight of the
birds and his notebooks sketched a number of ornithopter (a.k.a. orthopter)

Montgolfier Balloon-
The Montgolfier brothers of France Joseph Michel and Jacques Entienne have successfully
released several baloons when they proposed to use two condemne prisoners for the first ascent with
passengers. Pilatre de Rozier, a natural historian protested this and claimed the honor for himself.
In1783, he and the Marquis d’Arlanoes became the first men to make a free baloon ascent. The balloon
constructed of linen and inflated with hot air traveled 9, 000 yards and remained in the air for 20 mins.

Siemens’ Rocket Plane

 • Ernst Werner Von Siemens who later achieved fame as an electric industrialist, in 1847 designed
rocket plane which was to be propelled by the explosive force of gunpowder. Similarly, Siemens’
rocket plane was never carried beyond the design stage.

Lilienthal Glider
• Otto Lilienthal, a German inventor who also made s study of the flight of birds and
experimented with ornithopters, going so far as to build a model ornithopter. His chief work was
with gliders. However, in 1891, he made the first of a number of a glider flights which were to
exert a profound influence on the development of aviation.

Santos Dumont’s Airship

• One of the pioneers of lighter-than-air craft was Alberto Santos Dumont, a Brazilian who
experimented with the steam-powered balloons in Paris. He made his first balloon ascent in
1897 and in 1898 completed the construction of his first airship. He, then built several other
airships and in 1901, made a 30 minute round trip flight between St. Louis and the Eiffel Tower.

Wright Brothers’ Flying Machine

• Inspired by Lilienthal’s glider experiments, Orville and Wilbur Wright began studying the
problems of heavier-than-air flight. They built biplane kite then over 200 different wing types
which they tested in a wind tunnel of their own invention, before they conducted their first
man-carrying powered machine. This flew successfully at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on
December 17, 1903. By 1909, airplanes became sufficiently accepted to justify beginning
commercial manufacture of the machine.

Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis

• Following the initial flight of the Wright brother’s airplane, the development of aviation was
rapid. The first airmail was delivered in 1911 and World War 1 gave an impetus to plane design
and the training of pilots. During the 1920’s many new records were set. A feat which
particularly captured popular imagination was the first solo flight from New York to Paris, made
by Capt. Charles A Lindbergh in May 1927 in a plane especially built for the flight, the spirit of St.
Louis.

Roads and Vehicles History

• Following are some of the inventions and innovations and important events that lead to modern
land transportation:
– Wheel – was invented probably in Western Asia. The wheel was one of man’s great
inventions. It enabled him to transport burdens beyond the power of man or animals to
carry or drag, and permitted much greater facility of movements than the simple sledge
on rollers which had to be continually picked-up and moved by hands as the sledge is
advanced

Some of earliest types of wheeled carts:

• Solid wheels on fixed axle – ancient cart represent an early step in the evolution of wheeled
vehicles. Its solid wheels which were made of a single piece of wood, rotated on single axle.

• Sumerian chariot with flank wheels – this chariot, of about 2400 B.C. had solid wheels built of
three pieces, and so was more durable than the one-piece wheel.

• Greek quadrica with spoked wheels – drawn by four horses, was a light and elegant vehicle for
gentleman about 250 B.C. It had spoked wheels and axles of irons or bronze, handles for aid in
mounting, and seat formed by a board placed across the handles.
 Roman carpentum – a closed, two-wheeled cart, was the favored vehicle when Roman women
journeyed outside the city.

Italian cocchio, 1228, - a traveling wagon in which the passengers were protected by a covering
of leather or cloth fixed over a wooden framework.

Wheeled Vehicles
• The Romans were the major road builders in the ancient world. The Romans road network
reached a total of about 50, 000 miles (80, 000 kms.) with FEEDER roads branching out from the
main highways. It was costly because its deep foundation, formed by layer after heavy stones,
was necessary to make roads that would carry heavy for many years.
• John L Mac Adam – did not abandon the theory of feeder road building and perfected the
macadamized road in England about 1815.
• After the fall of the Romans in the 5th Centry, land haulage generally declined because highways
suffered from inadequate maintenance. Such improvements as the horse collars, addition of
springs to coaches, new methods of road construction, introduction of toll roads all continued to
ease and speed land travel.

Considered as the pioneers of road building in ancient history/ major road builders in the
ancient world:
= Romans

In the Mid-18th Century, English Roads were so bad that the coaches could – average only about
4 mph and the mail was usually carried by boys on horses.
• John Palmer introduced his first fast mall coach in March of 1785 and by 1800

The invention of Bicycle

In the early 19th century served as a nursery of automobile builders.

Etiene Lenoir – invented the INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Nicolas Otto and Gottlieb Daimler – pioneered the manufacture of gas engines, and later
Daimler became a successful automobile manufacturer.

The inventor who invented the engine, which requires no electrical ignition system or
carburetor and uses other form of liquid fuel, the diesel fuel-
= Rudolf Diesel

Pioneered the mass production of motor vehicles and attributed the introduction of pneumatic
tire-
- Henry Ford

A Frenchman who is attributed for the invention of the internal combustion engine is-
- John MacAdam

Who invented the Pneumatic tire?

- John Boyd Dunlop

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
 • TRAFFIC – refers to the movement of persons, goods, or vehicles, either empowered by
combustion system or animal drawn, from one place to another for the purpose of travel.

THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD TRAFFIC

TRAFICO – Greco-Roman word which refer to the movement of people.
TRAFRIGA – the origin of the word “trafico”.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE – center of commerce and culture in London.

• MANAGEMENT – refers to the skillful use of means to accomplish purpose

• 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 purposes of vehicular traffic as a matter of
right or custom.

• ROADWAY – refers to that part of the traffic way over which motor vehicle pass.

WHY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IS NECESSARY?

• With the advent of science and technology, new and modernized traffic facilities are introduced.
Despite of these modernizations, traffic congestions persist to exist. The only way to at least
cope up with the prevailing traffic related problems is coordinated traffic management. Traffic
management is therefore designed to make the traffic way safer for travelers, expedite the
movement of traffic, and to provide convenience to the traffic facilities’ users.

Major Causes of Traffic Congestion

• Physical Inadequacy – lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad crossings, lack of traffic facilities,
etc.
• Poor Control Measures- ineffective mechanical control devices, inefficient traffic officers, and
poor implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
• Human Errors – caused by slow drivers or poor driving habits, pedestrian mistakes, officers’
errors, poor planning, poor legislation, and traffic accidents which are mostly attributed to
human errors.
• Poor Maintenance – unrepaired diggings, cracks on road pavement or unfinished road pavement
concreting.

Agencies Involved in Traffic Management

• DOTC through the LTO is responsible for the implementation of the LTO Code of the Philippine
(R.A. 4136) particularly on the issuance of drivers’ licenses, registration of motor vehicles,
approval of franchises for public conveyances (through the LTFRB) and conducting traffic safety
seminars.
• City or Municipal Engineers’ Office – in the local level, these offices are responsible for the
planning, construction and maintenance of traffic facilities within their respective locality.
DPWH – This is the main executive department which is responsible for the planning, construction and
maintenance of traffic facilities particularly those categorized as national highways and other major
roads arteries.

Legislative- (Congress/City or Municipal Boards). The legislative bodies are not only responsible for the
passing or amendment of laws concerning traffic but also they are involved in the planning and approval
of government projects.

Academic Institution – schools, both public and private, are responsible for the basic traffic education by
integrating in their respective programs and curriculum subjects or topics on traffic safety.
Courts – responsible for the adjudication of traffic-related cases filed before them.

PIO – the government through the Philippine Information Agency provides the necessary updated
information to the public by creating traffic safety campaigns and other activities relating to traffic.

Citizen Support Groups – private institutions or organizations help in the prevention of traffic congestion
particularly during special occasions and holidays.

Media – publications and radio and TV broadcasting companies provide necessary and updated traffic
related information to the public.

THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (5E’S)

• TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
– It is the science of measuring traffic and travel, the study of the basic laws relative to the
traffic law 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 goods and persons.
FUNCTIONS:
– Fact-finding, surveys and recommendations of traffic rules and regulations
– Supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices.
– Planning of traffic regulations
Agencies and/or offices under Traffic Engineering:
DPWH- its scope is national includes the responsibility for determining traffic law, pattern, draw
origin and destinations, studies of persons and things, planning, approving, funding and construction of:
– National Roads
– Widening and re-designing of current road system

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS:
• Local government units have similar responsibilities with the DPWH but limited to traffic
facilities in the municipalities within the province.
Municipal Governments:
• Their responsibilities are similar to the provincial government but limited to the network of
streets and roads within the barangays.
Chartered Cities:
• Their responsibilities are similar to that of the municipal government but limited to the network
of streets and roads within the cities.

Objectives of Traffic Engineering:

• To achieve efficient, free and rapid flow of traffic.
• To prevent traffic accident.
• To simplify police enforcement actions and performance.
• To show that good police actions and performance makes engineering plans effective.
• To present the close relationship of the pillars of traffic in the improvement of traffic problems.

When and where the Objectives of Traffic Engineering are applied?

• Habitually congested commercial areas.
• Heavily traveled thoroughfares.
• Congested local areas and intersections.
• During special occasions and events.
• During disasters and emergencies
 • At school crossing.

TRAFFIC CONTROL INCLUDES DEVICES AND AIDS

TRAFFIC SIGNS – a device mounted or on a portable support where the message is conveyed
by means of words or symbols officially erected or installed for the purpose of regulating, warning and
guiding traffic.
• Road signs are traffic control devices which inform motorist and other road users of
regulations and provide warning and guidance needed for the safe , uniform , and efficient
operation of all elements of the traffic stream.
• The code Numbers for traffic signs are conforming to those in the Vienna Convention, and
where available , the corresponding DPWH - Road Signs Manual Code Numbers are also given.

TRAFFIC SIGNAGES DEVIDED INTO 6 CATEGORY

• DANGER WARNING SIGN

• PRIORITY SIGNS

• PROHIBITORY , RESTRICTIVE OR REGULATORY SIGNS

• MANDATORY SIGNS

• SPECIAL REGULATION SIGNS

• INFORMATIVE SIGNS

“DANGER WARNING SIGNS” is an equilateral triangle having one side horizontal and the opposite
vertex above it , the ground is white or yellow and the border is red.

PRIORITY SIGNS -The International Convention on Road signs and Signals state the following: The
“GIVE WAY” sign shall be sign B-1; It shall consist of a equilateral triangle having one side horizontal
and the opposite vertex below.Background should be white and the border is red. “STOP SIGN”-shall
be sign B-2. It is octagonal with a red background bearing the word “STOP”in white English.

PROHIBITORY, RESTRICTIVE OR REGULATORY SIGNS:

• Prohibitory or restrictive signs shall have a white background for prohibiting or restricting
standing and parking with a white red border.The symbols and the inscription, if any ,shall be
black and the oblique bars, if any,shall be red and slope downwards from left to right.

MANDATORY SIGNS:

• Mandatory signs be circular , excepts signs D-1, which shall be rectangular. May be use in
conjunction with traffic light signals or on bollards or traffic island. Unless provided otherwise,
the signs shall be blue and the symbols shall be white or light color.

SPECIAL REGULATION SIGNS:

• Special regulation signs are usually square or rectangular with blue background and a light
colored symbol or inscription, or with a light colored background and dark colored symbol or
inscription.

INFORMATIVE,FACILITIES AND SERVICE SIGNS: Signs for information, facilities or services, shall have a
blue or green background ; they shall bear a white rectangle on which the symbol shall be displayed.
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL

• Any device whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated by which traffic is

alternately directed or permitted to proceed

• During manual operation where heavy volume of vehicle observe. Within 2 minutes all traffic
direction must be moving and a 3 minutes max. is tolerable , and it depend upon the situation
of traffic volume. In this situation a traffic officer must conduct a hand signal.

TRAFFIC LANTERN

RED LIGHT SIGNAL

FLASHING RED SIGNAL – Means bring your vehicle to a stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

YELLOW LIGHT SIGNAL

• Amber
• Caution
• Warning
• To Stop/To Go
FLASHING YELLOW SIGN – Slow down proceed when its clear.

GREEN LIGHT SIGNAL

• GREEN ARROW SIGNAL – Left turn

PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL

• Pedestrian – should not cross the roadway when vehicular traffic has flashing green signal
unless he/she is facing a “WALK” signal.

ADVANTAGES OF SIGNAL INSTALLATION

• 1. MAKES FOR ORDERLY MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC.

• 2. REDUCE FREQUENCY OR CERTAIN TYPE OF ACCIDENT.

• 3. PROVIDE A MEANS OF INTERPRETING HEAVY TRAFFIC.

• 4. ECONONOMY OVER MANUAL CONTROL AT INTERSECTION.

• 5. COORDINATED TO PROVIDE FOR A CONTINOUS FLOW OF

• TRAFFIC AT DEFINITE SPEED ALONG A GIVEN ROUTE.

• 6. INCREASE TRAFFIC HANDLING CAPACITY OF INTERSECTON

DISADVANTAGES OF SIGNAL INSTALLATION

• 1. INCREASE TOTAL INTERSECTION DELAY ( OFF PEAK PERIOD ).

• 2. PROBABLE INCREASE OF ACCIDENT IN CERTAIN TYPES.

• 3. CAUSES UNNECESSARY DELAY ( REAR END COLLISION ).

• 4. USE OF LESS ADEQUATE ROUTES MAY BE INDUCED IN AN

• ATTEMPT TO AVOID SUCH SIGNAL.

THE THREE PRIMARY AIMS OF SIGNAL CONTROL

1. TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONFLICTS AND DELAY.

2. TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS.

3. TO ECONOMIZE POLICE TIME .

ROAD OR PAVEMENT MARKINGS

LANE LINES, CENTER LINES, BARRIES LINES, PAINTED CROSSWALK, DIRECTIONAL ARROW

ROAD MARKINGS

 YELLOW BOX

 PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS AND STOP LINES

 -When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your
vehicle reaches the stop line or, if there is one, the crosswalk. Crosswalks define the area
where pedestrians are to cross the roadway. You must yield to pedestrians in or about to
enter a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked. Be alert for pedestrians when crossing
intersections that do not have defined crosswalks.

 Solid lines - should not be crossed in a passing maneuver.

 Broken lines - may be crossed in a passing maneuver.

 White lines - divides same-direction traffic.

 Yellow lines - divides oncoming traffic.

 Two solid yellow lines - The yellow lines tell you the traffic on the other side of the
lines is moving in the opposite direction. You should never cross the two solid yellow
lines to pass.

ROAD CLASSIFICATONS

ACCORDING TO POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

1. NATIONAL ROADS -- the main road as conduit system with a right of way from 20 meters
to 120 meters.

2. PROVINCIAL ROADS -- the linkages between two municipalities with right of way from 15
meters to 60 meters.

3. CITY ROADS – the inter-link between municipalities and with the city proper with right of
way of 15 meters.
 4. MUNICIPAL ROADS -- all roads within the town proper with the right of way of not less
than 10 meters.

5. BARANGAY ROADS– commonly called farm-to-market road with right of way not less than
2 meters.

ACCORDING TO FUNCTIONS

1. FEEDER ROAD– intended for farm-to market traffic.

2. LOCAL COLLECTOR ROAD -- intended to collect traffic from feeder road to municipal road.

3. MAJOR COLLECTOR ROAD– intended as major arteries to collect inter-locality traffic to

provincial road.

4. MAJOR HIGHWAYS– serves as main artery that caters on big volume of vehicular traffic on
national roadways.

5. EXPRESSWAY – a through traffic for free- flow of vehiculaR movement.

6. TUNNEL ROAD – a passage of wide section cut through a hill or sea to shorten circuitous
roadway.

7. SUBWAY-- an underground conduit running entirely under the ground for fast travel route
of commuters.

8. SKYWAY– a modern urban system of roadway above street level for free-flow traffic.

ACCCORDING TO TOPOGRAPHIC TERRAIN

1. FLAT ROAD

2. ZIGZAG ROAD

3. STEEP-HILL-ROAD

4. DOWN-HILL-ROAD

5. WINDING ROAD

6. MOUNTAINOUS ROAD

7. ROLLER-COASTER-ROAD

THE SIDEWALK

- IT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ROADWAY IN ANY METROPOLIS CITIES,

MUNICIPALITIES, AND IT IS ONE OF THE SPECIES OF GEOMETRIC DESIGNS.

SIDEWALK WIDTH
– RIGHT OF WAY MINIMUM WIDTH OF SIDEWALK
– (METERS) ( METERS )
– 10 1.0 TO 1.2
– 15 1.2 TO 1.5
–
– 20 2.0
– 30 2.0
– 35 2.5
 – 40 + 3.0

TRAFFIC EDUCATION
• is priceless gem in the entire scale of social order of the road
• is the process of inculcating to an individual the knowledge, skill, responsibilities and values to
become a fully developed person
• the key to smooth traffic flow is discipline and to acquire discipline people must be educated

TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION

THIS CAN BE CARRIED OUT ON THE FOLLOWING LEVELS SUCH AS:
1. IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING TRAFFIC SAFETY.

2. TRAINING AND PRACTICE IN THE ACTUALAPPLICATION OF TRAFFIC SAFETY.

3. DEVELOPING TRAFFIC MORALITY.

PURPOSE OF DRIVER EDUCATION

• To Instill awareness of one's legal and moral responsibilities in traffic; and
• To teach abilities required for one to be eligible for a driver’s license.

THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF INSTRUCTION USED IN DRIVER’S EDUCATION PROGRAM

1. COMPREHENSIVE OR REAL LIFE METHODS
2. TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION
3. COMMENTARY DRIVING
4. SIMULATED CONDITIONS AND OFF THE ROAD TRAINING

SAFETY CAMPAIGN
• the aim of this campaign is to make road users behave properly
• focuses on public information attitudes; this is characterized as road propaganda
BIORHYTHM
• -the theory asserting that man exhibit constant variation of energy and mood states

The Environmental Factors in Man’s Theorized Cycles and Interpretation of Biorhythm

– The exchange of Light and darkness
– The four seasons
– Wet and dry seasons
– The waxing and waning of the moon
The High State
• Physically high - people are energetic, strong and agile
• Emotionally high -people are creative, artistic and happy
• Intellectually high - people think quickly and logically
The Low State
• Physically low - people tend to be tired and succumb to sickness
• Emotionally low - people are moody, irritable and depressed
• Intellectually low - people find it difficult to think logically and lacks coordination

LEGAL SYSTEM FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

LICENSING SYSTEM
(Chapter 111, Art. 1, Section19, RA 4136)
DRIVER’S LICENSE – PRIVILEGE
• LICENSING SYSTEM -it is the system of issuing license to any person who is qualified to fulfill
the responsibilities required by the license administered by the LTO
• DRIVER’S LICENSE -issued to the drivers as privilege granted by the government providing
statutory qualification

STUDENT DRIVER’S PERMIT

-AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD
-ABLE TO READ AND WRITE - ENGLISH AND PILIPINO
-METALLY AND PHISICALLY FIT
- WHEN OPERATING MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A HOLDER OF A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S
LICENSE
- GOOD FOR ONE YEAR, NONE RENEWABLE
- PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE – GREEN PLATE

NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

- AT LEAST 17 YEARS OLD
- ABLE TO READ AND WRITE – ENGLISH AND PILIPINO
- Must be a holder of student driver’s permit for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance
• Good for three years
• Can operate private motor vehicles
• Green
• Blue
• Red

PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

-AT LLEAST 18 YEARS OLD
- ABLE TO READ AND WRITE – ENGLISH AND PILIPINO
- Holder of a student driver’s permit for a period of at least 5 months or holder of non-professional
driver’s license for the period of 4 months from its first issuance.
• Can operate all types of Motor Vehicles
• Good for three years

MILITARY / GOVERNMENT DRIVER’S LICENSE

INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

DRIVER’S LICENSE RESTRICTION CODE

1 – MOTORCYCLE AND TRICYCLE
2 – WITHIN 4500 KG - M/A (L)
3 – MORE THAN 45OO KG - M/A (T)
4 – WITHIN 4500 KG - A (L)
5 – MORE THAN 4500 KG - A(T)
6 – WITH 1600 KG - (AMV)
7 – MOTHAN THAN 1600 KG BUT
NOT MORE THAN 45OO KG - (AMV)
8 – MORE THAN 4500 KG - (AMV)

REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE

1. Private
2. For Hire
3. Government
4. Diplomatic

PROTOCOL PLATES

PLATE NO. OFFICE

1 PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
2 VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
3 SENATE PRESIDENT
4 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
5 CHIEF JUSTICE
6 CABINET SECRETARY
7 SENATORS
8 CONGRESSMEN
9 ASSOCIATE JUSTICE
10 PRESIDING JUSTICE
11 COMELEC
12 CABINET UNDERSECRETARY
13 – No Designation-
14 CHIEF OF STAFF
15 – No Designation-
16 COURT JUDGES
17 MTC JUDGES

DRIVER
Licensed operator of a vehicle .

DRIVER’S DUTIES
DRIVER’S LICENSE MUST BE CARRIED AT ALL TIME AT THE TIME OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF A
MOTOR VEHICLE (RA 4136, Section 19
IN CASE OF ACCIDENT:
1. STOP
2. AID THE VICTIM
3. INTRODUCED HIMSELF SHOWING HIS DRIVER’S LICENCE AND HIS ADDRESS AND THE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE OPERATOR / OWNER OF THE VEHICLE

EXCEPTIONS: (RA 4136, Section 55)

1. IF HE IS IN IMMINENT DANGER OF BEING SERIOUSLY HARMED BY ANY PERSON/S BY REASON
OF THE ACCIDENT.
2. IF HE REPORTS THE ACCIDENT TO THE NEAREST OFFICER’S OF THE LAW.
3. IF HE HAS TO SUMMON A PHYSICIAN OR NURSE TO AID THE VICTIM.

CONDUCTOR
- Licensed person allowing limited number of passengers, freight or cargo in
public utility truck or buses

PEDESTRIAN CONTROL
1. CAMPAIGN
2. GUIDING ON THE POST
3. WARNING TICKET

REASON WHY PEOPLE VIOLATE TRAFFIC LAWS

1. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND INFIRMITIES.
2. IGNORANCE OF TRAFFIC LAWS,RULES,AND REGULATIONS.
3. MENTAL DISORDER.

CONSIDERATIONS WHICH ACT AS DETERRENT TO MOTORIST AND PEDESTRIAN

1. FEAR OF FINE AND PUNISHMENT
2. LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGE
3. POSSIBILITY OF BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
4. POSITIVE AREA OF A GOOD CITIZENSHIP, DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND SETTING AN EXAMPLE.

THE TEN (10) COMMANDMENTS OF TRAFFIC

1. KEEP RIGHT. The driver of a motor vehicle shall always drive his motor vehicle to the right EXCEPT
when overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction and shall pass at a safe distance to
the left thereof, EXCEPT, that on a highway, within a business or residential district, having 2 or more
lanes for the movement of traffic in one direction, the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another
vehicle on the right. Sec. 39, RA 4136 as amended. On a highway having two or more lanes for the
movement of traffic in one direction the driver of a slow moving vehicle shall drive to the right, while
the driver of a fast moving motor vehicle to the left. In cases of an incoming emergency motor vehicle,
the non-emergency vehicle shall immediately drive to the right to enable the former to overtake the
latter.
2. OBSERVE ROAD COURTESY. One must yield to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, trains, vehicles with
right of way, vehicles ahead, large vehicles, uphill traffic, traffic within momentum, straight traffic, and
traffic signs.
By “emergency vehicle”, the LTO refers to:
a. Vehicles with physicians on emergency call
b. An ambulance on emergency call
c. Vehicle with wounded or sick person for emergency treatment.
d. AFP/PNP vehicles on official time in use of riot, insurrection, rebellion or invasion
e. Vehicles in pursuit of a criminal including a law enforcer overtaking of pursuing a traffic violence.
f. A police or fire department vehicle on call.
3. PROHIBITED PARKING
a. Vehicles should not be parked near or within intersection;
b. On crosswalk or pedestrian lane
c. Within 6 meters of the intersection of curb lines
d. Within 4 meters of the drive-way entrance of any fire station, hospitals, clinic and others
e. Within 4 meters of a fire hydrant
f. In front of a private driveway
g. Double parking or on the roadside of any vehicle stopped or parked
h. On the sidewalks, paths, alleys not intended for parking
i. At the foot of the bridge
j. At any place where official signs are posted PROHIBITED PARKING (wag magkulit) or to be declared
“NO PARKING” zone by MMDA-TOC, MMDA Ordinance No. 11 Dated 24 May 1991
4. IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT OVERTAKE. In general, the overtaking lane is the lane to the left of the
overtaken vehicle going in the same direction. The overtaken vehicle is the burden vehicle.
Before overtaking, consider these reminders
a. Signal the intention
b. See to it that the overtaking lane is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance
ahead so that overtaking can be made safely
c. And then maneuver at own risk to overtake and pass the other vehicle safely at a distance to the side
of the overtaken vehicle when a lane is clear.
Take note:
a. The vehicle being overtaken is the privilege vehicle. The driver keeps his lane, reduces of maintain
speed and allows the overtaking vehicle to pass
b. He shall not increase the speed until completely passes by the overtaking vehicle
c. In an undivided two-way lane roadway, the overtaking vehicle passes at a safe distance to the left of
the overtaken vehicle and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safety clear of the
overtaken vehicle.
d. In an expressway with a fast and slow lane or in any divided roadway, a driver may overtake on either
lane.
e. The vehicle being overtaken running at a regulations speed on his lane is the privilege vehicle. The
driver keeps his lane reduces or maintains speed, and allows overtaken vehicle to pass.
f. The overtaking vehicle is the burden vehicle. The driver signals his intention, maneuvers at his own risk
overtake, and passes the other vehicle safely when a lane is clear.
g. Overtaking is prohibited at crest of a grade, curve, railway, crossing, intersection and between
construction or caution.
5. THE BUS-STOP RULE
a. Buses queue up in a single file in their order of arrival
b. The lead bus moves forward to center of the column of buses lining-up on the bus stop zone, and may
remain until the zone is filled up with buses, but not linger than three (3) minutes
c. Any bus has the option to move out of the area anytime or bypasses a bus stop. There shall be no
doubling up at any point in the bus stop zone.
6. RULES TO PREVENT OR UNTANGLE TRAFFIC JAMS. Keep opposing lanes and intersection open. In
heavy, slow or stopped traffic, there shall be no overtaking. In a construction, the vehicles should merge
alternately.
7. OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES. Like the bus yellow lane, bus stop segregation
scheme, truck ban, counter flow-reversible lane, one way, car pool (at least three passenger in EDSA),
odd-even scheme and restraints on turning.
8. THE PHILOSOPHY OF A PINOY DRIVER. Motorists should observe equity of the lead vehicle, doctrine
of the last clear chance and the first-come-first-served or Rotunda Rule
9. ON PEDESTRIAN. Keep off road way except to cross on crosswalk. Wait, embark and alight at bus or
jeep stop.
10. REMEMBER THE INTERNATIONAL DRIVING SAFETY REMINDER. Safety first.

Defensive Driving – is the act of driving while preventing accidents despite the wrong actions of
others.

BASIC THINGS A DRIVER SHOULD KNOW:

- RA 4136 – otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code

- RA 7924; MMDA Laws on Traffic Regulations
- Know the International Traffic Signs conducted by U.N. on 1968 Vienna Convention 66
countries were member including Philippines

3 THINGS TO CONSIDER IN THE RIGHT OF WAY RULE:

 Road courtesy
 Common sense
 Cooperation

CONCEPTS OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING:

1. Traffic Violations (RA 4136)

2. Vehicle Abuse

 a vehicle must always be in good condition for safe driving. It needs regular clean-up and
check-up (BLOWAG).
 Worn-out tires will slide more easily and may blow-out without warning.
 Check light if they are all working such as head light, tail light, signal lights and other.
3. Courtesy – a driver must be courteous and considerate towards other motorists.
 Give proper signals to other motorists. It is very vital to signal your intention of stopping,
passing, turning left or right or slowing down to warn drivers (Hand Signal)
 In parking, wait for vacant spaces and give consideration to those who came first.
 Park orderly to give enough space to others.
 Extend assistance to other drivers who happen to have vehicle trouble along the road.
 Sec 40 RA 4136 (A driver should give way to overtaking vehicles, although you know that you
have the right of way.)
 Check your distance with other vehicles. Avoid tailgating.
 Don’t cut and stop immediately.

Doctrine of last clear chance

The last clear chance is a doctrine in law of torts that is employed in contributory negligence
jurisdictions. Under this doctrine, a negligent plaintiff can nonetheless recover if he is able to show
that the dependant had the last opportunity to avoid the accident.

Last-Clear-Chance Doctrine
is a principle of tort law which allows a plaintiff who committed contributory acts of
negligence to recover damages against a defendant who had the last opportunity in time to avoid the
damage. The rule of last clear chance operates when the plaintiff negligently enters into an area of
danger from which the person cannot extricate himself or herself. The defendant has the final
opportunity to prevent the harm that the plaintiff otherwise will suffer.

RIGHT OF WAY RULE

Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their
intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle
that establishes who has the right to go first is called "right of way", or "priority". It establishes who
has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so.

1. First Time Vehicle Rule

At all intersections without “stop” signs, slow down an prepare to stop. Yield to vehicles
already in the intersection or about to enter it.

2. Same Time Vehicle Rule

At all intersections without “stop” or “yield” signs (or with stops in all directions). Yield to the
vehicle on your right if it has reached the intersection of same time as your vehicle.

3. Stop Signs
Stop at any limit line or crosswalk. Yield to all approaching vehicles on the through street, go
only when it is safe for you to cross. Approaching vehicles should slow down and allow you to
get across safely.
4. Left Turn
Signal left turn and yield to approaching traffic until it is completely safe to finish the turn.

4. Rotonda
Vehicles around the rotonda have the right-of-way over vehicles which are just about to
enter.

THE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

Traffic Enforcement
– deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules and regulations.

Legislative Bodies
• Senate, Congress, Provincial Boards, and City and Municipal Councils. They are responsible for
the passing and/or amending of laws and/or ordinances.

Police Traffic Enforcement

• This pillar is not limited to the PNP-HPG but it includes all government personnel who are duly
authorized for the direct enforcement of traffic laws such as:
– MMDA for the NCR
– Police Auxiliaries
– LTO Flying Squad

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT THEORY

1. TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT – it is the action taken by the police and the court to compel
obedience to traffic laws and ordinances and rules and regulations.
2. ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LEGISLATION – is the area of activity aim to controlling road user
behaviour by preventive, persuasive and punitive methods in order to effect safe and efficient
movement traffic.

FUNCTIONS OF TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

1. POLICE TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
2. COURT TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
3. POLICE COURT ENFORCEMENT PROCESSES

POLICE COURT ENFORCEMENT PROCESSES

 1. DETECTION
2. APPREHENSION
3. PROSECUTION
4. ADJUDICATION
5. PENALIZATION

OBJECTIVES OF TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

1. PREVENTIVE ACTIVITIES
2. PERSUASIVE ACTIVITIES
3. PUNITIVE ACTIVITIES

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM

ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM
Adjudication police, court and penalties

ROAD USERS
Pedestrians, pedal cyclist, drivers and passengers

TRAFFIC SYSTEM
Entire road and vehicle complex

POLICE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ACTION

1. PREVENT VIOLATION
2. PREVENT CONTINUED VIOLATION
3. DISCOURAGE FUTURE VIOLATION

KINDS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION

1. TRAFFIC ARREST
2.TRAFFIC CITATION
3. TRAFFIC WARNING

TRAFFIC ARREST
1. OFFENSE COMMITTED IS SERIOUS
2. THERE IS NECESSITY TO AVOID CONTINUED VIOLATION
3. THERE IS REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE VIOLATOR WILL NOT APPEAR IN COURT

TRAFFIC CITATION
1. TEMPORARY OPERATOR’S PERMIT (TOP)
2. TRAFFIC VIOLATION’S RECEIPT (TVR)
3. ORDINANCE VIOLATION’S RECEIPT (OVR)
4. Unified Ordinance Violation’s Receipt (UOVR)

TRAFFIC WARNING
1. VISUAL WARNING
2. VERBAL WARNING
3. WRITTEN WARNING

DECISION OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION

1. DEGREE OF VIOLATION
2. ACCURACY OF OBSERVATION
3. TYPES OF VIOLATION
4. TRAFFIC/WEATHER CONDITIONS
5. EVIDENCE GATHERED
6. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

PURSUIT IN TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

 1. DECISION
2. PURSUIT TECHNIQUES
3. SAFETY DRIVING PURSUIT

WHISTLE SIGNALS
1. ONE LONG BLAST – STOP
2. TWO SNAPPY BLAST – GO
3. THREE BLAST – ATTENTION OR EMERGENCY

Traffic Ecology or Traffic Environment

• Study of potentially disastrous population explosion, changes in urban environment due to
the scale and density of new urban concentration and new activities carried out, air
population and crowding, especially transport congestion which result therein.
Environmental effect of the urbanization of transportation:
Noise Visual Intrusion
Vibration Loss of Privacy
Air Pollution Changes in Amount of Light
Dirt Accident Experiences

INTERNAL FACTOR
(BEHAVIOR PATTERN OF THE MAN)

COMMON INDENTIFIABLE INTERNAL FACTOR THAT CAUSES ROAD ACCIDENT:

PERSONALITY
CHARACTER
EPILEPSY
SLEEPING SICKNESS

VEHICLE EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENT

AIR POLLUTION
NOISE POLLUTION

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT OF URBAN TRANSPORT

1. VIBRATION
2. VISUAL INTRUSION
3. LOSS OF PRIVACY
4. LOSS OF LIGHT
5. NEIGHBORHOOD SEVERANCE
6. RELOCATION
7. DISTURBANCE COAST
8. ACCIDENT
9. PEDESTRIAN JOURNEY

TRIPOD OF ROAD SAFETY

ROAD SAFETY – depend on the man-engine-environment combination. I shall call this combination,
the TRIPOD OF ROAD SAFETY

THE MAN COMPONENT – refer to human factors:

1. THE DRIVER – of a particular vehicle (as distinguished from other drivers)
2. HIS HEALTH – physical, mental and emotional
 3. HIS HABITS – skills, knowledge and attitude
4. CONDITIONS AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES at a particular driving period.

ENGINE COMPONENT – refers to the technological factors:

THE ENTIRE VEHICLE – engine, chassis, tires, lights, , accessories, gadgets. It is ROAD WORTHY?
Does it have the sophistication that is needed to negotiate the task, the route, and/or the voyage that
it is assigned to? It is smoke free?

THE ENVIRONMENT COMPONENT – refers to natural and environmental consideration:

1. The weather, the laws of nature.
2. The traffic control and signage's.
3. The road, highways, bridges, and road signs
4. The other drivers, vehicles, pedestrians and other road users.

Accidents are likely to occur in case of any breakdown in the balance between the
man-engine-environment combination. Put differently, accidents are results of the failure of
the society to undertake reasonable measures that ensures the equilibrium

The FIVE (5) E’s of road safety

in order to maintain the balance of a man-engine-environment, interventions along the field
of ENGINEERING, EDUCATION, ENFORCEMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMICS must be
carefully pursued.

ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED LAWS

1. MMDA ORD. NO. 2 Governing ROAD DIGGINGS/EXCAVATION
2. PRESIDENTAIL DECREE NO.1151 PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
3. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8749(CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999) AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A
COMPREHENSIVE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL POLICY.
4. P.D. 1181 Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of Air Pollution from motor
vehicle.
5. LOI No. 551
6. Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the pollution control program.

THE TRAFFIC ECONOMICS

• Most recent of the pillars of traffic which deals with the benefits and adverse effects of traffic to
our economy.

TRAFFIC ECONOMICS OILS THE WHEELS OF TRAFFIC

PRODUCTIVE RESOURCES ARE:

1. LAND
2. LABOR
3. CAPITAL GOODS MACHINERY
4. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations and other related Statutes

• R.A. 8750 – Seat Belt Law
• LTO Code – R.A. 4136
• Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972 – R.A. 6539
• Vienna convention on Road Traffic, signs and signals
P.D. 207
• Regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns, etc. unless the vehicle belongs to the AFP, NBI, LTO,
BJMP, BFP and Hospitals – P.D. 96
 • Revised Schedule of Administrative fees and charges of the LTO – D.O. 93-693
• Creation of LTFRB- E.O. 202

Under Section 2 of RA 6539:

CARNAPPING – is defined as the taking, with intent to gain, of a motor vehicle belonging to another
without the latter's consent, or by means of violence against or intimidation of persons, or by using
force upon things.

Understanding What Motor Vehicles are covered?

"Motor vehicle" is any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using the public
highways, but excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers,
bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks, and cranes if not used on 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.

 STOLEN WHILE PARKED UNATTENDED (SWPU) – entails practice and planning yet the most
prevalent mode; perpetrators prefer late model/luxury MV and target selection is as easy as
window shopping; Perpetrators (may be unarmed) are hard to be caught in flagrante. The
disposition of stolen MV is usually already arranged prior to stealing and is immediate as
demand / market is high. Change of license plate or registration papers are routine.

 STOLEN AT GUNPOINT/INTIMIDATION (SAGI) – perpetrators are normally armed and highly

dangerous. Mostly the mode of ‘unskilled’ carnappers or those who intend to use the MV as a
get-a-way or mobility means in the conduct of another crime. Concealment of MV identity is
thru use of various car plates mostly faked or plates of previously stolen MVs.

 FAILED TO RETURN (FTR) – known as ‘technical carnapping”. May not require change of
license plates. Targets rent-a-cars, cars for loan and the like.

IMPORTANT PROVISIONS of R.A. 4136

• Motor vehicle – any vehicle propelled by any power than muscular power using the public
highways, but excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinkles, lawn mowers,
bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, 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 agriculatural purposes.

• Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled or intended be propelled by

attachment to a motor vehicle shall be classified as separate motor vehicle with no power
rating.

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

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.

Tourist – a foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or culture.

B. Selected Provisions of R.A 4136

Exceeding registered capacity – (Overloading). Passenger, freight or cargo load of a motor

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

All passenger automobiles for hire are required to have the registered passenger capacity
marked plainly and conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and numerals not less that 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 conspicuously on the sides thereof in
letters and numerals not less than 5 cms. In height (Sec. 33).

Required Motor Vehicle Accessories:

• Tires
• Brake
• Horns
• Headlight
• Tail Light
• Stop Light – red lights are prohibited at the forward portion of the vehicle.
• Windshield Wiper
• Use of Red Flag
• Mufflers

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

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. WHEN did the accident happen?
6. HOW it was happen?

DEFINITION OF TERMS
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 proper damage attributable
directly or indirectly to the action of a motor vehicle or its loads.
4. Motor Vehicle. Every device which is self-propelled by electric power obtained from overhead
trolley, 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 collision.
7. Skid Marks. These are marks left on the roadway by tries 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 pedestrian or
driver, including any vehicle, or animal which he is using.
9. Hazards. A hazard is generated when critical space-motion relationships between a traffic unit
and another objects develops due to the movement of either or both.
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 vehicle.
11. 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 action in situations involving potential
hazards.

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

14. 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. 15. Factor. Any circumstances contributing to a result without which the result, but not by
itself sufficient.

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

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

19. Modifier. A circumstances that alters an attribute permanently or temporarily.

Kinds of Traffic Accidents

1. Non-Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Refers to any accident occurring on a traffic way involving
persons using the traffic way or travel or transportations, but not involving a motor vehicle in motion.
2. Motor Vehicle Non-Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident which occurs entirely in any place
other than a traffic way.
3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle occurring on traffic way.

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 mountains roads.
2. Non-collision on road. This does not involve any collision an example of which is overturning.
3. Collision on road. On the other hand, this type of accident includes all forms of accident as
long as there is collision.

Cause 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 ready 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 determine how and why the accident happened.

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 delayed traffic accident determine from whatever
information is available, how the accident happened.
3. Technical Preparation. This involves delayed traffic accident data collection and organizations
for study and interpretation.
4. Professional Reconstruction. This involves efforts to determine from whatever information is
available, how 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.

Traffic Accident Analysis

1. Condition of the motor vehicles involved in the accident;
2. Condition of the drivers at the time of the accident;
3. Load of the vehicle;
4. Weather condition;
5. Characteristics of the road, which involves the design condition, and inhabitants of the place of
accident
6. Presence or absence of traffic sign and its condition.

All these factors must considered in order to fully uncover the reasons of the accident, and thereby
provide a factual bases in coming-up with a traffic prevention program andtraffic plans and programs.

HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION
Hit-and-run cases Defined. Evading responsibility is a term commonly applied to a traffic accident in
which a driver fails to comply with any of the duties required by Sec. 55 of RA 4136. Further, it states
that no driver of a motor vehicle concerned in a vehicle accident shall leave the scene of the accident
without aiding the victim, except under any of the following circumstances. If the driver is in
imminent danger of being seriously harmed by any person or persons by reason of the accident; if the
drivers reports the accident to the nearest officers of the law; or if the driver has o summon a
physician or nurseto aid the victim.

SKID MARkS AS A TOOL IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Skidmarks. The sudden application of brakes which results in the locked wheel condition places great
pressure between the brake shoe and the brake drum that the frictional force at this point becomes
greater than the frictional force between the tire and the road surface. When this condition exists, the
wheels skids.
Other Tire Marks. The investigator’s first job is to find out if the mark on the pavement is a skid mark
or another type of mark. Thus, he must familiarize himself with the following marks that may be left
by a motor vehicle on a road surface.
1. Centrifugal skid mark. A marking on a roadway left by a rotating tire and wheel of a speeding
vehicle on a curve when the speed of the vehicle is above the critical speed of the curve and
the centrifugal force entirely or partially overcomes that friction between the mass of the
vehicle and its tires and the surface of the roadway.
 2. Impending skid marks. Marks caused by the forward rotation of the wheels being slower than
the forward movement of the vehicle. The shadowy beginning of a skid mark along the
approach path of the vehicle is impending skid mark (a.k.a as tire shadow marks), while the
darker markings are the skid marks which begins in the impending skid mark and ends at the
point of collision or final rest.
3. Yawn mark. A scuffmark made while a vehicle is yawning the mark made on the road by a
rotating tire which is slipping in a direction parallel to the axle of the wheel.
4. Skip mark. A braking skid mark interrupted at frequent regular intervals; the skid mark made
by a bouncing wheel on which brakes keep the wheel from turning. Compare with a gap skid.
5. Side Skid mark (Scuff mark) – It is a roadway marking left by the tire and wheel of a vehicle
sliding sideways as a result of force other than centrifugal.
6. Gap skid. A braking skid mark which is interrupted by release and reapplication of brakes or
which terminates by release of brakes before collision.

Type of Accidents
1. Motor vehicle vs Motor Vehicle
2. Motor vehicle vs Person/Pedestrian
3. Motor vehicle vs Train
4. Motor vehicle vs Animal Drawn Vehicle
5. Motor vehicle vs Animal
6. Motor vehicle vs Fixed Object
7. Motor vehicle vs Motorcycle
8. Motor vehicle vs Bicycle
9. Motor vehicle vs Foreign Object
10. Non-Collission
a. Running-off road
b. Overturning on road

Type of Collision
1. Angle
2. Head-on
3. Rear end
4. Sideswipe same direction
5. Sideswipe opposite direction
6. Turn-turtle

CHAIN OF EVENTS IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

PERCEPTION OF HAZARDS
START OF EVASIVE ACTION
INITIAL CONTACT
MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT
DISENGAGEMENT
STOPPING/FINAL RESTING POSITION
SEVERITY OF ACCIDENT

CLASSIFICATION OF ACCIDENT
Fatal - resulting to Homicide
Non-fatal – resulting to Physical injuries
Damage to Property – resulting to damage of third party’s property.
RESPONDING TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SCENE
THE MEANS OF THE REPORT
THE TIME OF REPORT
THE RECEIVER OF THE REPORT
THE TIME OF DISPATCH

STEPS TO BE TAKEN DURING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION (5S’s)

SAFE
SAVE
SKILL
STAMINA
SPEED

SKETCH It is the drawing of the road layout, positions of the vehicles involved when finally rested after
the impact, landmarks, and other significant objects related to the accident such as skid marks, debris,
liquid, etc.

• METHODS OF SKETCHING:
• Triangulation Method: is a method of locating a spot in an area by measurements from two or
more reference points forming a triangle. The location of which are identified for future
reference.
• Coordinate Method: it is a method of locating a spot in an area by measurements along and at
right angles or by measurements at the shortest distances to each of the two intercepting
reference line forming a right angles.
• Combination of Triangulation and Coordinate Method: this is the application of both methods
but are modified.

HYDROPLANING or AQUAPLANING by the tire of a road vehicle or sometimes roller coaster occur
when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to
the loss of traction and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering,
braking or accelerating.

CALCULATING SPEED FROM SKID MARKS

Police use a formula to estimate the speed a car was traveling before an accident by
measuring its skid marks. This is the formula.
s = ~30df
S is the speed the car was traveling (in mph).
d is the distance the car skidded (in feet).
f is a special number (called the coefficient of friction) that depends on the road
surface and road conditions. The number f is determined by the police when they investigate
an accident. For a dry tar road, f is usually about l.O, so the formula is S = ~30d(I.O) (dry tar
road). For a wet tar road, f is about 0.5, so the formula is S = ~ 30d(0.5) (wet tar road).

The number f is determined by the police when they investigate an accident. For a dry tar
road, f is usually about l.O, so the formula is
S = ~30d(I.O) (dry tar road).
For a wet tar road, f is about 0.5, so the formula is
S = ~ 30d (0.5) (wet tar road).