I.

Traffic

The flow of cars, people, and goods on roadways is referred to as traffic,

and it is essential to transportation planning. Designing and maintaining roads and
control systems to guarantee safe and effective transport is the main goal of the
civil engineering field of traffic engineering. The primary objectives are traffic
monitoring, traffic problem identification, and data collection by offsite (e.g., GPS,
applications) and onsite (e.g., cameras, sensors) approaches. This information
aids in the development of focused solutions, such as adjustments to signal timing
or road upgrades. To guarantee the best possible traffic management, solutions
are then assessed according to their cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficiency.

II. Traffic and Roadway Safety

A. Traffic and Roadway Safety

Traffic safety is the most common health determinant related to the

transport sector. New technologies such as electric vehicles have been
associated with less noise. Noise produced by vehicles can help to increase
awareness of such vehicles in public spaces. In recent years, these have
been suggested to add noise electric and hybrid vehicles to increase
awareness of such vehicles in public space and reduce the risk of traffic
 injuries, especially between pedestrians and cyclists (Dalrymple, 2013).

B. Who Constitutes the Safety

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes
result in the deaths of approximately 1.19 million people around the world
each year and leave between 20 and 50 million people with non-fatal
injuries. More than half of all road traffic deaths occur among vulnerable
road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Road traffic
injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged
5–29. Yet two thirds of road traffic fatalities occur among people of working
age (18–59 years). Nine in 10 fatalities on the roads occur in low- and
middle-income countries, even though these countries have around 60% of
the world's vehicles. In addition to the human suffering caused by road
traffic injuries, they also incur a heavy economic burden on victims and their
families, both through treatment costs for the injured and through loss of
productivity of those killed or disabled. More broadly, road traffic injuries
have a serious impact on national economies, costing countries 3% of their
annual gross domestic product. Measures proven to reduce the risk of road
traffic injuries and deaths exist and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development has set an ambitious target of reducing road traffic deaths and
 injuries by 50% by 2030.

C. Major Cause of Roadway Related Accidents

1. Not wearing helmets and seatbelts
Traffic laws and regulations are assigned by the DPWH in
order to keep the safety on the road. One of which is the mandatory
wearing of helmets (for motorcycles) and seatbelts (for
automobiles). However, in the Philippines, one of the major causes
of road related accidents are due to the negligence of road users
upon this law.

2. Distractions such as use of mobile devices

When operating a vehicle, it is essential for us to keep our
eyesight on the road. The use of mobile device and other gadgets
while driving is strictly prohibited to the point that drivers are to face
charges when caught. Due to the regulation mandated by the
Republic Act 10913 also known as the Anti Distracted Driving Act
that raises road safety and reduces road accidents by distracted
driving. Shown in the image below is one of the distracted driver
related road accidents.
3. Unsafe Vehicle and Road

4. Inadequate Road Signages/ Lights

 5. Human Error

D. Importance of Safety in Roadways

III. Safety Equipment and Devices

A. Traffic Cones
Traffic cones are a universal symbol of safety and order. They
direct traffic, protect workers, and prevent accidents in some of the
busiest and most dangerous areas. Similar to safety signs, traffic cones
provide clear visual cues to guide people and vehicles effectively. Traffic
cones come in many designs, with seven different types of traffic cones for
specific situations. From standard orange cones to advanced models with
reflective features, each type has a purpose.
 Traffic cones help control and guide the flow of people and
vehicles in areas where safety is important. According to the Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), they are essential for
marking construction zones, lane closures, or accident sites to ensure
safety. Their bright colors and distinct shapes make them easy to notice,
reducing the chances of accidents. Traffic cones are also used in many
other settings like events, warehouses, and parking lots. They can mark
off restricted areas, direct pedestrian movement, or highlight temporary
hazards. Their simple design and high visibility make them a reliable tool
for keeping spaces organized and safe.
B. Barricade and Barriers
According to Merriam-Webster, these two words have similar, albeit
different, meanings. A barrier is defined as “something material that blocks
or is intended to block passage” while a barricade is defined as “an
obstruction or rampart thrown up across a way or passage to check the
advance of opposing forces”. OSHA, on the other hand, defines them in
their safety and health regulations for construction as such: a barricade is
“a physical obstruction such as tapes, cones, or A-frame type wood or
metal [or plastic] structures that provides a warning about, and limits
access to, a hazardous area”, while a barrier is “a physical obstruction that
prevents contact with energized lines or equipment or prevents
unauthorized access to a work area”. In the safety field, OSHA’s
definitions are especially important, as the use of barricades and barriers
alike are consistently found as safety requirements in construction, traffic
control, warehouse work, and more.
 Barriers hinder entrance or passage to specific areas. The most
common type of barrier is one that is well-known – a fence. Whether chain
link or made of metal or another material, fences and other types of
barriers (such as A-frame or foldable barriers) are intended to bar passage
to any given site or thoroughfare or separate one area from another.
Gates, plastic blockades, and even caution tape can also fall within the
barrier category.

Oftentimes, just like a backyard fence, barriers are permanent or

semi-permanent structures. Barricades are most commonly used for
different types of defense. When you hear the word “barricade”, you likely
think of a construction site or a long line of orange and white lining the
freeway.

OSHA requires the use of barricades in most, if not all, sites due to
the fact that hazards exist exponentially, so it’s a fair assumption to make.
In situations where barricades are deployed, they are almost always
 present as defense or deflection against hazards, whether for workers or
pedestrians. Barricades are used as a division on busy streets or high-
speed freeways/highways between construction and traffic, and can also
be found encircling hazards such as holes in the ground, heavy
equipment, and areas where live electricity is present. As these hazards or
sites are generally temporary, so is the assembly of barricades that
enclose them.

C. Reflective Vest
When most people think of the advantages of a safety vest, they
think of the visibility that they help provide. That is why people wear
reflective running vests and even reflective vests for cycling. Reflective
vests are generally designed with a combination of bright colors and
reflective sections so that visibility is maximized no matter what kind of
light is outside. Along with helping other people notice workers and
reflective vests, they can also help workers to keep track of each other in
the dark.
 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic
personnel can have safer enforcement of their duties following the
donation of 108 high-visibility reflective vests by a private sponsor on
Friday. Edison “Bong” Nebrija, MMDA Edsa Special Traffic and Transport
Zone (ESTTZ) head, said they appreciate the donations from private
organizations and individuals, who see and happy with the work of the
MMDA. “Hindi lang naman si sir Alvin Carranza, marami ring mga taong,
they signify their intentions to help us out. Sa susunod naman may iba na
naman gamit na ibibigay sa amin from a different group naman, so,
pampa-high morale talaga ito sa mga enforcers natin (It’s not just Alvin
Carranza, there are many people who have signified their intentions to
help us out. Next would be other equipment that would also be given to us
by a different group. This really helps with keeping the morale of our
enforcers high),” Nebrija said in an ambush interview at the MMDA office
in Makati City.
D. Signages
LTO Road Signs, also known as Traffic Signs, are simple arrows
and pictures that indicate vital information on the road for vehicles and
drivers to understand. These are employed to prevent collisions, ensure
safety, and make driving on public highways more pleasant. The majority
of road signs can be found above or beside a highway, a curved road, a
crossroads, a bridge, a slippery road, and so forth. This is a method of
informing drivers of the impending road situation, such as if they need to
stop, slow down, make a hard right turn, or take other measures. Use our
Philippines road signs guide to learn about all of the signs, their meanings,
and where you’re most likely to see them on the road
E. Road Studs
Road studs are a crucial part of road safety in the United Kingdom.
They are small, reflective devices that are placed along roads to improve
visibility and guide drivers. They are often referred to as “cat’s eyes,”
because of their distinctive shape and bright reflective properties. In this
blog post, we will explore the history and importance of road studs, and
how they have helped to make UK roads safer for drivers and pedestrians
alike.

F. Delineators
Delineator posts are a quick, easy, and affordable form of
temporary traffic safety. From parking lots to work zones, these high-
visibility, highly-effective pieces of equipment are the best practice choice
for a range of applications. But first: What Is a Delineator? A delineator is
a category of traffic control products that include cones, vertical panels,
and bar barriers. In fact, “bar barriers” are often simply called delineators.
What Makes a Good Delineator? Typically speaking, a quality delineator is
made of either high- or low-density polyethylene plastic. The high-visibility
colors include yellow, red, orange, and white. They’re also commonly
paired with reflective tape, blinking lights, and retractable belt mounts. A
rubber base is a common inclusion to prevent delineators from being
toppled by heavy winds. Depending on the quality, traffic cones and other
delineators should also return to their upright position and proper shape
 after being run over by a car.

G. Speed Bumps and Speed Humps

Wherever people and cars are in close proximity, traffic safety is of
heightened concern. Near playgrounds and schools, in parking lots and
multiuse areas, aggressive driving is a safety risk for pedestrians. Speed
reduction is one way to protect people in these areas. Slower traffic
speeds reduce both the likelihood of an accident and the chance of a
fatality should one occur. Both speed bumps and humps are useful to
encourage safe driving in pedestrian zones. Though speed zones are
often set up to encourage safe driving, posted limits can be missed or
ignored, so traffic calming in these areas often incorporates physical
design of the roadway or environment. Speed bumps and speed humps
are vertical obstacles used in traffic management—literal bumps in the
road that jolt the occupants of a vehicle moving too quickly over them.
They are the most commonly used structural traffic calming elements.
They can be made from asphalt, concrete, plastic, rubber, or metal.
Although these measures are related, and have many of the same
benefits, they are not interchangeable solutions: they’re appropriate in
different applications.

Speed humps, sometimes called road humps or undulations, are

used for 10–15 mph speed zones. They’re often seen on local streets or
connector roads where traffic needs to flow smoothly but excessive speed
will endanger pedestrians. Playground and school zones often use these
in traffic management.

Speed bumps are more aggressive traffic calming options than

speed humps, and so are useful in places where pedestrians and cars
share space closely, like parking lots and driveways. A speed bump
generally slows traffic to 2–10 mph, giving both people and cars time to
react safely to one another. Speed bumps are rarely used on public roads
because they require vehicles to come to a near stop to pass over them,
and can do damage to cars moving at regular speeds. Speed bumps can
be two to four inches high, but they have a much shorter travel distance
than speed humps. These obstacles are under a vehicle’s tire for less than
half of a full wheel rotation, with standard widths are between six inches
and two feet. The height to travel-distance ratio creates an abrupt bounce
in a vehicle, which can shake both occupants and cargo. Since a speed
 bump is always much smaller than vehicles passing over it, each axle will
cross separately, meaning a car moving at excessive speed will receive
two substantial jolts.

H. Rumble Strips
Rumble strips take a number of different forms, and can be
produced by cutting grooves within the pavement surface, or by adding
plastic bumps (or ribs) to the road. Transverse rumble strips (also referred
to as bar markings) are placed across the traffic lane to alert motorists to
hazards ahead (such as bends, intersections or areas of pedestrian
activity). They are most effective where drivers have been travelling at
sustained high speed for long periods. Longitudinal rumble strips (also
referred to as raised profile edge lines or audio-tactile edge lines) can be
used to delineate the edge of a road where driver fatigue is known to
cause crashes. As well as providing visual delineation, longitudinal rumble
strips can also be heard and felt by drivers and riders. When a tyre runs
over the rumble strips a noise and vibration is produced. This tells a
sleepy or distracted driver that their vehicle is starting to leave the road.
Centreline rumble strips and flexi-posts. Longitudinal rumble strips can
 also be used in the centre of the road. When combined with painted
centrelines, rumble strips help prevent head-on crashes and run-off-road
crashes resulting from vehicles crossing into the opposing lane. Flexible
posts (or flexi-posts) can also be used in the centre of the road to separate
opposing flows and are an effective treatment in discouraging overtaking
manoeuvres, reducing the likelihood of head-on crashes.

I. Road Marking

Road marking (or line marking) is the application of paints or

materials on road surfaces, pavements, concrete or asphalt to
communicate information to motorists and pedestrians. Where are road
markings painted? Road markings can be applied to a variety of surfaces
on roads and highways, pavements, airfields, car parks, race tracks,
sports courts and leisure complexes. Which road markings should you
use? Depending on the country, region and purpose, road markings use a
standard system of lines, colours and marks to convey directions, lanes,
zones, speed limits, parking, stopping and safety. How are road markings
applied? Road surface marking is applied using road marking machines or
by hand by trained professionals using non-mechanical road marking
equipment. For symbols, stencils are used for accuracy. What materials
are used for road marking? The road marking company will choose the
 appropriate paint or material to suit the surface and mark being made. For
example, different paints will be used for high traffic areas, longevity, anti-
skid, waterproofing or reflective properties. Water-based paints,
thermoplastic, MMA, polymer tape and epoxy resin are the most
commonly used materials in road and floor marking.

IV. Rescue Equipment and Devices

A. First Aid Kits

Having a first aid kit handy helps you be prepared for emergencies.
The American Red Cross recommends keeping one in your home and
your vehicle. First aid kit essentials may vary depending on the type of
vehicle (e.g., car, boat, RV, motorcycle, bicycle, or mountain bike). To
streamline your vehicle first aid kit creation, we’ve compiled a checklist for
cars, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles to get you started.
Why You Need a First Aid Kit for Vehicle When you're traveling, a
first aid kit is beneficial because first aid supplies aren't always readily
available — especially if you're in less populated areas. But vehicle first
aid kits are valuable for all types of transportation — whether traveling by
land or water—enabling you to administer first aid until advanced medical
intervention is available. Injuries can happen anywhere and anytime.

Types of Vehicles and What to Pack in a First Aid Kit What to

pack in your vehicle first aid kits may vary. We’ve outlined essential first
aid kit supplies specifically for cars, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles
below: Car Kit Essentials Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere.
In fact, there’s an average of 17,000 accidents in the United States every
day. Having a car first aid kit is an excellent way to prepare for an
emergency while on the road. To further enhance your preparedness,
consider including a comprehensive car emergency kit list. While
everyone’s preferences for car kit essentials may vary, there are a few
standard items every auto first aid kit should include. For colder climates,
consider adding items from a winter emergency car kit list. This ensures
you have an emergency car kit list for winter conditions, keeping you safe
and ready for any situation.

Proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable day on the water,

whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the experience. Checking life
jackets, VHF radios, and flares should be a standard part of your pre-
departure checklist. But don’t forget to check your boat first aid kit! Even if
you’re setting off for a few hours, your boating first aid kit could save you a
trip to the emergency room — or be the thing that saves a life. When
checking your boating first aid kit list, you may be thinking about cuts and
bruises. But sunburn, heatstroke, and overexposure to the elements can
pose serious health risks so be sure to take those into consideration.
B. Fire Extinguishers
The most common type of portable fire extinguisher for sale and in
use is the dry chemical extinguisher. These are usually rated for Class
ABC fires, and are inexpensive and readily available. Most of these
extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate powder, which melts to
draw heat away and smother flames, giving it six times as much
extinguishing capacity as water. The fine powder, however, makes for a
mess that is hard to clean. Monoammonium phosphate, in both its melted
and wet forms, makes for a corrosive compound that will attack metal. In
situations where extinguishers are used for emergencies, dry chemical
extinguishers excel for their cost and weight, but will usually leave
equipment ruined. For such sensitive equipment, however, so-called clean
agents exist. HFC236fa and HCFC123 are compounds that boil close to
 room temperature and leave no trace afterward, and are thus used as
extinguishing agents for servers and hospital scanners. They work for
Class ABC fires by drawing heat away and displacing oxygen, which is
why room-size fire-suppression systems involving these require special
caution so occupants aren’t stuck inside to suffocate.
Lastly, make sure you know when and how to use a fire
extinguisher. The last thing you want in an emergency is to fumble around
not knowing how to use the tools you have at hand.

C. Lifting Bags
Complete range of lifting bags, used in rescue operations to lift,
move or stabilize heavy loads such as vehicles, debris or other obstacles
in order to free and rescue people trapped underneath. The air cushions
adapt to a variety of loads, making it easy to lift objects without excessive
effort.
D. Cutter
The SC cutter is used for rapid interventions in small rescue
operations such as rail and road traffic accidents, cutting of metal
structures, vehicle parts, pipes, and steel sections. It is a highly reliable
tool, thanks to the type of steel and the thickness of its blades. It also
excels in providing safe and efficient cutting performance due to the
special geometry of its blades.
V. Emergency Hotline Incase of Emergency on the Road

A. Emergency Hotline

The 911 hotline is the national emergency phone number of the country,
which is managed by the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG). It is the one number for emergency calls for the
police, fire department, or medics. 911 is geared to provide instant
response to life-threatening emergencies such as road accidents, crime
happening, or medical emergencies. It is available 24/7 all over the nation,
both urban and rural.

B. Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross ambulance hotline is an open line for

calling emergency medical transport and first aid services in the
event of roadside accidents or health-related roadside emergencies.
Its purpose is to extend rapid pre-hospital care and ambulance
dispatch to the injured or in need of urgent medical care. It is
 operational 24/7 and nationwide, subject to chapter coverage and
availability.

C. Philippine National Police

117 is the dedicated hotline of the Philippine National Police (PNP),

primarily used to report crimes, traffic incidents, and request police
assistance. It also serves as an alternative to 911 for public safety
concerns, especially during road-related emergencies. The purpose
is to connect citizens directly to police authorities for rapid
deployment. The hotline is operational 24/7 nationwide, ensuring
law enforcement support at any time.
D. Metro Manila Development Authority

The MMDA hotline is 136 and is used to respond to road accidents,

stranded vehicles, and traffic emergencies in Metro Manila. It
requests rescue teams, ambulances, and tow trucks. The objective
is to clear roads and respond to urban road incidents in a timely
manner. The hotline is available 24/7, but only for Metro Manila.
E. DOTr Road Transport Patrol

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) operates the 1342 hotline

to accept the public's grievances on road safety, reckless driving,
and problems concerning the LTO or LTFRB. It promotes safer land
transport through the resolution of offenses, hazardous driving
habits, and passenger concerns. The hotline is accessible
throughout the country during office hours, although some are
automated and may be accessible outside office hours.