Special Event Traffic Control

1. Special Event Traffic Control Presented by Moraga Police Department

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

3. 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

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

5. Traffic Management and Control

6. Traffic Management and Control • 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…

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

8. 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 positionfor any reason until relieved.

9. 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.

10. Preferred Traffic Controller Position

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

12. Hand Signals

13. Hand Signals START • 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 ! KEEP MOVING

14. Hand Signals

15. Hand Signals

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

17. Personal Protective Equipment

18. Safety and Communication • Have a cell phone with you – Moraga Police Dispatch number is 925-284-5010, 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 • Questions?