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Traffic Control Training. Instructor: Sgt. Don Silverek Sonoma County Junior College District Police Department 2009. Class Learning Goals. Safety First, Second and Always… Perspectives Hands, Tools and Gear Safety Vehicle Placement Conduct Field Exercise. Perspectives.
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Traffic Control Training Instructor: Sgt. Don Silverek Sonoma County Junior College District Police Department 2009
Class Learning Goals • Safety First, Second and Always… • Perspectives • Hands, Tools and Gear • Safety Vehicle Placement • Conduct Field Exercise
Perspectives “It’s more important for police to answer emergency calls than direct traffic.” Carol Hunt – Charlottesville CERT Team
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
A CERT member may be called upon to control or manage traffic when no other public safety agency is available Staying alert to your surroundings is the key to staying alive…
Hands, Tools and Gear • In a traffic control situation, you may use: • hand signals, • whistles, • voice commands, • flashlights, flares, • cones, barricades or signs, • or even a vehicle as safety buffer.
Hand Signals • Art of the hand signal Make eye contact with the driver Give only one direction at a time.
Take a break Next topic in ten minutes…
The Whistle Who keeps a whistle in their CERT gear? Who needs a whistle for today’s exercise?
Whistle • Whistle use defined: • One long blast with “stop”hand signal • Two short blasts with the “start”hand signal • Several short blasts to get the “attention”of a driver • A short, intermittent blast to “keep the traffic moving”
Voice Commands Effective or Antagonizing?
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
Flashlights Flashlights come in all sizes and types…
FlashlightsA flashlight can be used to direct traffic in an emergency at night
Flashlights with colored extensions work for evening, foggy or rainy weather
Flashlights DIRECT TRAFFIC HALT TRAFFIC Swing the flashlight at arm’s length across the path of the approaching vehicle Allow flashlight beam to wash across the pavement as an elongated moving spot that can be seen by driver • Don’t stand directly in front of approaching vehicle • Avoid blinding the driver with flashlight beam • Use a traffic cone to enhance safety
Flares Have you ever lit a road flare?
Flares • Flares can be used to warn oncoming traffic in situations where hazards are: • On Shoulder Or Side Of Road • In A Traffic Lane Night Or Day
Flares Various burn times: 15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min 60 min Flare burn pattern on road way
Flares • Around flammable substance spills such as gas, oil, etc • In hazardous environmental conditions such dry grassy fields and/or high winds • Do not lay against traffic dots or on top of painted lane markings DO NOT USE:
Flares Oop’s – flare rolls off road to dry grass…
TRAFFIC CONES/FLARESKEY: How do devices appear to approaching motorists ? Serve as long range channeling devices When clearing of roadway is not immediate As soon as injuries are assessed and medical assistance is summoned Evenly spaced distances Convey message to drivers-which direction they are expected to go
Amber Warning Lights Typical example of amber lights on rear deck of car or truck
POSITION OF VEHICLES In this position the safety vehicle serves as a shield to protect against drivers who are not alert Impact noise with safety vehicle would warn of impending danger
Safety Vests • • Effective Nov 24, 2008 • Federal Highway Administration 23 CRR Part 634 Worker Visibility Rule • • Class 2 Vest: • Med visibility on roads with 25 to 50 mph traffic • • Class 3 Vest: • High visibility on roads with speeds over 50 mph plus drivers must be able to see full range of body motions from a minimum distance of 1,280 feet.
Class Exercise • Part One (in classroom) • Each person will demonstrate the hand signals for: • Stop • Forward • Right Turn • Left Turn • Part Two (in parking lot) • Each Person will demonstrate using hand signals / whistles • Stop, Forward, Right Turn & Left Turns • Right Turn across a traffic lane • Left Turn across a traffic lane • Placing a car in a hold position to not block single lane
Exercise Tips • Use the whistle – it works! • Always look around for approaching traffic • Move the biggest group of cars first • Stop all cars prior to switching
Traffic Control Training Instructor: Sgt. Don Silverek 707-535-3789 Course Design: Sgt. David Willat Thank you for attention and participation Sonoma County Junior College District Police Department 2009