As our roads become increasingly busy and more dangerous, it falls onto our law enforcement officials to control traffic congestion and manage traffic safety. There are a wide range of situations when traffic will need to be managed, for example after a road accident, or during an emergency, when a police car or ambulance will need to get to a destination quickly and easily. Traffic control may also take place when a large number of cars are present in one area, such as during a football match or pop concert. The area will need to be rendered safe for both pedestrians and drivers, and a variety of techniques will be used to control the roads. This article outlines how traffic safety is managed, and the techniques used when keeping our roads safe.
Different equipment used
Authorities will often have to distinguish themselves from the general public so drivers will be able to identify them quickly and follow their directions. Clothing that is used to control traffic can include high-visibility jackets, gloves and a whistle. A torch may also be used to control traffic if it is dark. This enables drivers to follow instructions and ensures safety at all times. The person in authority will also have to assume a position that enables them to see traffic from various directions, such as on the corner of a busy road. In some busy cities such as Rome, the person controlling the traffic will stand near to an intersection or roundabout, and control traffic and pedestrians from a number of different directions. Car traffic may be halted to allow passengers to pass for example, or vice versa.
Different hand signals
As it is often difficult to hear verbal instructions when travelling in a car, the person managing traffic may use various hand signals in order to control the situation effectively. For example, a hand may be raised to ensure that a car stops, and eye contact will also be used. Hand gestures may also be used to tell the driver to keep the car moving, while the other hand may be raised to stop traffic from another direction. Those who are controlling the traffic are highly trained individuals who are able to judge the stop and flow of traffic on even the busiest of roads. A whistle may also be used which can provide drivers with a verbal cue to either stop, slow down, or come forward. Depending on the country and the situation, one blow of the whistle can mean "stop", while two blows of the whistle can mean "go". If a driver is not responding to directions, then the whistle may be blown repeatedly to catch their attention. If a driver is confused about what the traffic official is trying to tell them, they may be approached by the official who will then explain what they need to do.
Signs
Signs are commonly used to help control the flow of traffic in both urban and rural locations. Drivers are required to learn what these road signs mean when they taking their driving test, although other signs may also be installed to notify pedestrians about traffic safety. Signs could include information about roadwork’s, and when to stop to allow traffic to pass.