Special Event Traffic ControlPresented by

Moraga Police Department

Objectives Safety First, Second and

Always… Perspectives Hands, Tools and Gear 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…

Be constantly aware of ALL the traffic around you !!!

Traffic Management and Control

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…

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

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

Give only one direction at a time

Hand SignalsSignal 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 SignalsSTART

KEEP MOVING

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 SignalsRIGHT 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 SignalsLEFT 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

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

Personal Protective Equipment

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?