Special Event Traffic Control Presented by Moraga Police Department

Objectives Safety First, Second and Always… Safety First, Second and Always… Perspectives Perspectives Hands, Tools and Gear Hands, Tools and Gear Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment

Perspectives “There is nothing that shows the skill, finesse, and understanding of human nature like standing in the middle of the road conducting lanes of traffic like a symphony orchestra.” Dr. Joel F. Shults, Chief Adams State College Police Department

Perspectives According to the Federal Highway Administration, three worker fatalities occur nationally in cone zones every five days. Safety First, Second and Always… Safety First, Second and Always… Be constantly aware of ALL the traffic around you !!!

Traffic Management and Control

You may be called upon to assist local law enforcement with traffic control during special events You may be called upon to assist local law enforcement with traffic control during special events Staying alert to your surroundings is the key to staying alive… Staying alert to your surroundings is the key to staying alive…

Hands, Tools and Gear In a traffic control situation, you may use: In a traffic control situation, you may use: Stop / Slow signs Stop / Slow signs hand signals hand signals whistles whistles voice commands voice commands flashlights, flares flashlights, flares cones or barricades cones or barricades

Traffic Controller Position  Never place yourself in the path of a moving vehicle.  Always remain standing and never turn your back on traffic.  Stand alone in a highly visible location. Do not mingle with the event crew, the traveling public, or other people.  Plan an escape route.  Do not leave your position for any reason until relieved.

Traffic Controller Do’s  Do Stay alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by the event.  Do Use clear and deliberate hand signals when directing traffic.  Do Be friendly and polite with the public, but do not engage in small talk.  Do Have a good idea of the day's events schedule to answer motorists' questions.  Do Treat motorists courteously. Never argue with the occupants of a vehicle.  Do Use proper equipment and warning signs.  Do Be prepared for changing weather by bringing a raincoat, sweater, or warm coat.

Preferred Traffic Controller Position

Hand Signals Make eye contact with the driver Make eye contact with the driver Give only one direction at a time Give only one direction at a time

Hand Signals Signal General Considerations STOP  Point and look straight at driver  Hold until driver sees signal  Raise pointing hand so palm is toward driver  Hold this position until driver stops Stopping traffic from two directions  Stop traffic coming from one direction first  Hold hand in stop position, turn to the other side - repeat  Don’t lower either arm until cars are halted

Hand Signals START KEEPMOVING  Place yourself so one side is towards traffic to be started  Look at the driver and point with arm and finger toward first car to be started  Hold position until you get driver’s attention  With palm up, swing hand up and over chin, bending arm at elbow  After traffic has started from one side, drop that arm and start traffic from other side in the same manner  Continue to use the same signals for the slow and timid  Talk the drivers through it !

Hand Signals RIGHT TURN  Point toward driver  Give driver time to see your gesture, then swing arm to point in direction the vehicle is to proceed  Keep pointing in that direction until driver turns

Hand Signals LEFT TURN  Halt traffic in the lanes through which car is to cross  Give stop signal to stop traffic in lane through which car is to cross  Hold stop signal and give turning gesture

Voice Commands Voice is seldom heard in traffic Voice is seldom heard in traffic Hand gestures and the whistle are most efficient Hand gestures and the whistle are most efficient Shouted orders may Shouted orders may antagonize a driver When a driver or pedestrian When a driver or pedestrian does not understand, you should move closer to the person, and politely explain the command

Personal Protective Equipment

Safety and Communication Have a cell phone with you – Moraga Police Dispatch number is , don’t hesitate to call police if needed Have a cell phone with you – Moraga Police Dispatch number is , don’t hesitate to call police if needed If there is an emergency, use the radio or your cell phone to ensure proper personnel are notified If there is an emergency, use the radio or your cell phone to ensure proper personnel are notified Questions? Questions?