Traffic Direction

Question 1

any non-recurring event that causes a reduction of roadway capacity or an abnormal increase in demand and requires a law enforcement response.

Answer 1

“incident”

Question 2

Common Traffic Incidents

Answer 2

●Traffic crashes
●Disabled vehicles
●Spilled cargo
●Highway maintenance

Question 3

Uncommon Incidents of Special Events

Answer 3

●Sporting events
●Concerts
●Parades
●Funerals
●Other events that affect roadway capacity

Question 4

Factors to expedite movement and to relieve congestion:

Answer 4

●Assess amount of traffic, length of time traffic may be stopped
●Availability of traffic control material
●Availability and complexity of an alternate route capable of handling flow
●Proximity of schools, businesses, or other traffic generators
●Availability of additional manpower
●Coordinate signals and gestures with other officers

Question 5

Managing Roadway space

Answer 5

●Close lanes only necessary for the protection of victims and responders
●Minimize the time lanes are closed
●Expedite lane closures
●Closures of road or highway by a firefighter TC 546.007

Question 6

Closures of road or highway by a firefighter

Answer 6

firefighter who is employed by or a member of:

(1) a fire department operated by an emergency services district;
(2) a volunteer fire department; or
(3) a fire department of a general-law municipality.
(b) A firefighter, when performing the firefighter’s official duties, may close 1 or more lanes of a rd or hwy to protect the safety of persons or property.
(c) The closure shall be limited to the affected lane(s) and 1 additional lane unless the safety of emergency personnel operating on the rd or hwy requires more lanes to be closed.
(d) In making a closure under this section, the firefighter shall deploy one or more authorized emergency vehicles w/audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702.

Question 7

Emergency vehicles are of the ______ priority - an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, ____: yield the right-of-way; immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

Answer 7

highest;

shall

Question 8

Emergency vehicles:

Answer 8

●Emergency vehicles are of the highest priority
●Clear the approach for the emergency
●Halt all other traffic to allow for safe movement of the emergency vehicle

Question 9

Points of greatest potential congestion:

Answer 9

●Longest line of traffic

●Line of traffic threatening spillbacks into other lanes and intersections

Question 10

Officer Positioning: _____

Answer 10

in a highly visible and safe location

Question 11

Vehicle Positioning:

Answer 11

●Officers must comply with agency policy regarding the use and placement of patrol vehicles during incident command situations. If agency policy allows, an officer may use the patrol vehicle:
- to funnel traffic through the scene
- as a safety barrier from traffic
●Position to allow safe access for officers
●Unload all necessary equipment at one time
●Be aware of blind spots such as the crest of a hill

Question 12

Vehicle Lighting:

Answer 12

●Limit the amount of flashing lights from each vehicle as:
●Gaze is more difficult for drivers who are fatigued, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who are aged, etc.; and
●People drive where they look
●Make sure directional arrows are consistent with cone/flare patterns and other emergency vehicles

Question 13

How to stop traffic

Answer 13

Select vehicle(s) to be stopped
Look directly at driver.  

With arm extended point at driver then raise palm and hold position until traffic has stopped.

When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point beam in direction of oncoming traffic (not directly in driver’s eyes) and move beam back and forth at right

Question 14

How to start traffic:

Answer 14

Attract attention of driver by extending arm and pointing at driver.

Turn palm inward, bring the hand up and over to the driver, bending the arm at elbow.

When using flashlight or illuminated baton, point beam at driver to gain his attention. Then point beam toward the ground, and indicate with the beam the direction to proceed (keeping beam pointed toward ground). Repeat as necessary to keep traffic moving

Question 15

Signals for right and left turn movements

Answer 15

Attract drivers attention by extending arm and pointing.

While arm is extended, bring hand across in front of the body, bending elbow slightly, and point in the direction you want to turn traffic

Question 16

Pedestrian control:

Answer 16

Protect pedestrians by holding them back behind curb (off roadway) until traffic movement has stopped.

Start and stop pedestrian flow same as traffic

Indicate where pedestrian should walk

Prevent jay-walking and other illegal crossing

Question 17

Whistle Commands:

Answer 17

One long blast of police whistle is used to attract drivers attention to stop (include hand signal).

Two short blasts of police whistle used to attract drivers attention to start (include hand signal).

Short rapid blasts (normally three) used to give warning signal

Question 18

Equipment:

Answer 18

Direct traffic using flare/traffic cone patterns and barricades.

Determine number required (request assistance if additional devices are needed).

Place device properly.

Consider drivers’ reaction time; overpass, hills curves, weather conditions; other hazardous situations (i.e., spilled gasoline, etc.).

Flares/cones placed in simple pattern.

Equipment used should cover the 5 areas of a work zone

Question 19

directs/allows traffic to see where to go ahead

Answer 19

Advanced warning area –

Question 20

provides protection for victims and responders

Answer 20

Buffer Area –

Question 21

space where responders will be conducting various activities

Answer 21

Work area –

Question 22

allows traffic to return to normal operation

Answer 22

Termination area –

Question 23

moves traffic out of the path of the incident

Answer 23

Transition area –

Question 24

Includes buffer space and work space

Answer 24

Activity Area