Module 5

TRAFFIC SUPERVISION
LESSON
5

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

LESSON
5
 TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

Traffic Law Enforcement action is part of enforcement involving the arrest,

issuance of Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP) or Inspection Report
Summons, or warning of any person who is believed to have violated a law,
ordinance, or regulation pertaining to the use of traffic roads.
TWO MAJOR FUNCTION OF
TRAFFIC LAW
ENFORCEMENT
1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement. this function includes the enforcement
of traffic laws deterrent to law violations special assistance to prosecutors
and courts and incidental services to highway users.
2.Court Traffic Law Enforcement. One part of traffic laws enforcement is
performed by the court through PROSECUTION, ADJUDICATION, and
PENALIZATION of cases.
 THREE IMPORTANT GOALS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

1. To increase safety level enforcement effort should directed towards the reduction of accidents or
minimizing their effects.
2. To increase traffic efficiency- when traffic violators are reduced particularly those related to traffic
obstruction through an effective enforcement, there will be free-flow of traffic.
3. To insure harmonious and comfortable environment - when there is an increase safety level and
increase traffic efficiency, traveling is more comfortable and luxurious and it may reduce chaotic
situation in the traffic way.
MAJOR ELEMENTS OF TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM
1. Enforcement System. This area consists of legislation, police and the court. Legislation defines and
specifies correct or incorrect road user behavior. Police and the courts are charged with the responsibility
of insuring that these laws are adhered to
2. Road Users System Legislation ( Traffic Way User). This element includes pedestrian, pedal,
cyclist, passengers and others.
3. Road System (Traffic System). This area is composed of the entire road and vehicle complex, as well
as all traffic rules and regulations.
 FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS IN THE
ENFORCEMENT PROCESS
1. Detection (of violation" ). A whole police responsibity that entails looking for
defects in the behavior of motorist, pedestrians, vehicle, equipment and roadway
condition. Requires knowledge of law on the part of the police
2. Apprehension. It is also a whole police funcion which involves the actual taking of
enforcement actions.
3.Prosecution. This area is handled by the prosecution and partly the court where the
police also provide corresponding influences through preparation and introduction of
evidence or close contact with the prosecuting officer
4. Adjudication. While this is obviously a court and prosecutions' function, the police
provide influence on this step by acting as witness to the prosecution or supplying
additional evidence. This step determines the guit or innocence of the accused.
5. Penalization. The court after due process imposes the penalty upon the accused if
found guilty.
 REASONS FOR VIOLATION OF
TRAFFIC LAWS
1. Physical disabilities or infirmities
2. Ignorance of traffic
3. Lack of training and experience
4. Wrong attitude towards driving
5. PUV drivers for increased compensation
6. Driver's apathy towards signs, signals and markings
7. Influential persons violate because they feel they are exempted from punishment
CONSIDERATION THAT ACTS DETERRENTS TO
MOTORIST AND PREDESTRIAN

1. Fear of fine or punishment

2. Loss of driving privilege
3. Possibility of being involved in accident
4. Positive area of good citizenship doing what is right and setting an example
 KINDS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION

1. Traffic Arrest.
It is an enforcement action which consists of taking a person into custody for the purpose of holding
or detaining him to answer a charge of law violation before a court.
A. When can a traffic violator be arrested?
(1) offense committed is serious
(2) detention is necessary to avoid continued violation
(3) there is reasonable doubt that the violator will notappear in court
B. How is arrest made? In general, arrest is made by any of the following:
(1) by an actual restraint f the person to be arrested, or
(2) by his submission to the custody of the person making the arrest
C. Use of force in arresting. No violation or unnecessary force shall be used in making an
arrest and the person arrested shall not be subjected to any greater restraint than is necessary
for his detention.
D. Arrest in Traffic. In arresting a traffic violator, the traffic officer must consider
the following:
(1) An arrest can be effected even without warrant if the offense is committed in the
presence of an arresting officer.
(2) The officer making an arrest must intend to take the violator into custody for the
purpose of bringing him before a court.
(3) Detention of the arrested person may take place.
(3) Detention of the arrested person may take place.
(4) Officer making an arrest must act under legal
authority when taking the arrested person intocustody.
(5) The person being arrested must understand that he is being arrested.
(6) The purpose of arrest is to bring a suspended violator before a court to answer a
charge of violation
e. Recording the Data of Arrest. Whichever action is used by the officer or Agency,
the following information are necessary:
(1) Date/time of Arrest.
(2) Place of Arrest.
(3) The common name of the offense for which the person is arrested.
(4) The full name of the arrested person, his home address, his business address and his
telephone number.
(5) Physical description of the arrestee, including date of birth, nationality and marital
status.
(6) Name of witnesses to the arrest.
(7) Name and badge number of arresting officer
g. When transporting arrested person. The arresting officer should observe the
following guidelines transporting arrested person:
(1) If your unit is equipped with radio, request for transportation unit and maintain
Custody of your prisoner until it arrives.
(2) Give instructions to the transporting officer about the place where the arrestee is
to be delivered.
(3) Have the necessary information and instructions written out so that the
transporting officer will not er in the delivery.
(4) In certain conditions, direct the arrested person to drive his own vehicle to your
Headquarters and follow him with your police mobile.
(5) However, if the driver is not in good condition or the vehidle is in bad shape, let
someone drive the vehicle to the Headquarters.
h. Warrantless Arrest or Citizen's/Civilian Arrest Oftentimes, arrest in traffic is
made right after the commission of the traffic violation.Hence, traffic enforcers
should know the following rules to be observed in arrresting a person without
warrant of arrest as stipulated by paragraphs a-c, Sec 6, rule 113, Rules of
Court:
(1) When in the presence of the arresting officer, the person to be arrested has
committed, is actually committing, or is about to commit an offense.
(2) When an offense has in fact been comitted, and the arresting officer has personal
reasons to believe that the person to be arested has committed it.
2. TRAFFIC CITATION

This is a means of having violators appear in court without physical

arrest. To ensure that an apprehended traffic violator will appear to the
court or to the proper authority, the traffic officer should confiscate the
violator's driver's license and issue Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT) in
some cities and municipalities, Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR)
also in some cities and municipalities, United Ordinance Violation
Receipt (UOVR) among LGUs in Metro Manila, Temporary
Operator's Permit (TOP) in cases of RA 4136 violations, or Traffic
Violator's Receipt (TVR) in cases under the MMDA.
a. Apprehension. As an apprehending officer duly designated by the
LTO, you should observe the folowing when apprehending a traffic
violator:
(1) You may confiscate the driver's license or certificate of registration of
the vehicle for any violation of the RA 4136 and its rules and
regulations, City and Municipal Ordinances.
(2) Fill out the blank spaces of TOP/or TCT forms in order to provide a
detailed report of apprehension for the information, guidance and
reference of all concerned.
(3) Advise the violator to report within 72 hourS, but not less than 24
hours to give allowance for proper transmittal from receipt thereof to
appropriate offices.
b. Where should the violator report? The violator should be advised
to report to:
(1) Traffic Court, if in Manila and for violation of the City's Traffic
Ordinance.
(2) City/Provincial Prosecutor, if in other chartered cities or provincial
capitals without traffic courts, for violations of local traffic ordinances
(3) Municipal Court, in its municipalities, for violation of local traffic
ordinances.
(4) LTO Central Office (TAS) for Metro Manila or counterparts
[REGIONAL TRAFFIC ADJUDICATION SERVICES (RTAS)] for
violation of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), and its
rules and regulations in the provinces.
C. Uses the TOP, the TCT, and the TVR documents designed for
various purposes, namely:
(1) It serves as a receipt for the confiscation vehicle or the driver's license
or the CR/OR of the vehicle.
(2) It serves as a temporary permit to operate motor vehicles for 72 hours
without extension from the of confiscation or apprehension (in case of
TVR Manila, 7 days)
(3) It is an official form of judicial or administrative citation to facilitate
action on the case for which its issued.
(4) It is a record for disposing a case cited therein either administratively
or judiciary.
(5) It is also a receipt for release of the confiscated items after
adjudication and termination of the case
d. Preparation of the Information Complaint. Within your tour of duty, prepare
information or complaint by filing up the TOP for processing of all traffic
apprehensions at the appropriate office.
e. Filing of Information/Complaint. Within 24 hours from the time of apprehension,
file the complaints, together with the confiscated items, with the Clerk of Court or
Provincial Prosecutor or the court having appropriate jurisdiction as previously
stated.
f. Preliminary findings and disposition of License. Within 72 hours or three (3) days
from the filing of the case with the respective traffic enforcement offices, the hearing
authority shall make immediate preliminary findings on the basis of police or
complainant's witness reports as to whether or not there is an imperative necessity of
withholding the driver's license confiscated.
(1) Should there be no such necessity; he shall promptly order the return of the confiscated
license to the owner without prejudice to re-calling said license.
(2) Where the violator fails to appear before the court or the investigating official
concerned, his license or permit shall be forwarded to the LTO for its suspension or
revocation pursuant to Sec. 29., RA 4136.
G Records if court proceedings
1) When the violator appears in Court 15 days and pleads guilty, the Clerk shows the
fine schedule and the violators pays the fine at the Treasurer's office, receipt of which is
shown to Clerk of Court who records the same on the TOP, and his license, if cleared
for release, is now returned to the driver.
(2) If the violator appears after 15 days, his license is forwarded to the LTO for
suspension or revocation; he shows his TOP Copy to the LTO for proper disposition of
his license. Clerks of Courts, in every case, should inform the LTO and/or the
apprehending officer of the final disposition of the case.
(3) The violator appears in Court and desires not to plead guilty to the charge, the Clerk
of Court sets the date of hearing and notifies the accused accordingly and sends a
Corresponding subpoena to the apprehending officer for his appearance.
(4) When the accused is found not guilty after trial his license, if in the possession of
the Court or of the LTO, shall immediately be returned to him unless there is any other
legal ground for its sussuspens or revocation.
3. TRAFFIC WARNING

This is an enforcement action which does not contemplate possible assessment of

penalty by the court or otherwise as a result of warning alone. There are three
types of traffic warning: visual, verbal, and written.
a. Visual Warning. This is usually used when you havha oserved a minor
violation but are more importantly occupied at a moment. Indicate by gesture of
the hand and /or of the head.
b. Verbal Warning. This is a form of safety education.Tell the driver/violator that
he violated a law and explain the hazards of such violations.
C. Written Warning. This is a combination of verbal warning and citations. It
gives the spirit of verbal warning and the form of citation. This is seldom used
nowadays
 I. Decision Enforcement
In determining what enforcement action to be taken, whether you arrest, cite or
warn the apprehended violator, consider :
1. Degree of violation;
2. Accuracy of observation;
the following:
3. Traffic and weather condition;
4. Evidence gathered;
s Whether a new law or not; and violations.
6. Continuous or momentary actions, a factor in some type of violations
3. Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement

Pursuit is a part of routine enforcement activity performed by police and is used when a
violating driver is detected.
1. When to pursue? When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal reaction is to pursue the
violator until you apprehend him. However, due to traffic congestion or other complications, such
action is sometimes neither practical nor safe. In pursuing, observe the following:
a. Pursuit must always be tampered with common sense and foresight of like hazards.
b. Better judgment is used in deciding to lose a traffic violator who can be apprehended at
another time than giving great risk to yourself, your vehicle and other drivers.
C. Pursuit requiring high speed operation of police vehicle may be justified in certain
circumstances such as in the apprehension of a driver endangering the lives of motorists,
pedestrians, and others through operation which can be classified as other than reasonable
and proper which is dangerous and negligent.
d. Type of serious violation is an important factor in deciding to pursue
(1) Non-hazardous violations. Pursuit to apprehend this violator seldom warrants a
prolonged chase or operation of your police vehicle at high speed. These violations do not
justify the same degree of risk as may be justified as hazardous violations,
(2) Hazardous violations. These violations present continuing danger to other road users
that require immediate and sometime aggressive pursuit.
Examples are:
(a) Driving while under the influence of liquor:
(b) Reckless driving; and
(c) Driving on excessive speed.

e. Consider the following when pursuing hazardous violators:

(1) A violator of this nature is likely to have little Concern for other drivers at their safety.
(2) Successful flight from identification apprehension is usually his only concern.
(3) Be prepared for acts of this type of violator which could give him an advantage while
interfering with your pursuit and successful apprehension. Like
trying to force you or other motorists off the road.
f. Consider your driving skill and experience. Driving skill is that collection of
proper habits which enable a person to detect and evaluate road and traffic conditions
about him, and to maneuver his vehicle properly without consciously thinking about
what he is doing. Check your skill in these areas:
(1) Manipulative skills - making your vehicle behave as you intend.
(2) Recognizing road and traffic conditions that may
hinder your pursuit.
(3) Defernsive driving- anticipating and allowing bad- driving by others.
G. Resisting distraction. You should know what evasive actions will permit you to
avoid or escape unfavorable traffic conditions. A driver can often protect himself from
danger if he knows how to recognize the danger in time and take proper evasive action
2. Pursuit Techniques
A successful pursuit operation can he attained if the
pursuing officer knows the following:
a. His limitations and strength in driving a patrol vehicle
under normal conditions.
b. Good driving combined with effective techniques will help
to minimize the dangers involved in pursuit in high speed.
C. Normal driving skill is not automatically improved by
wearing a police uniform, or by having a police car to
operate.
3. Identification of Pursued Vehicle
a. When alone, use a dipboard with attached paper and pencil. Anchor the clipboard by
sitting on part of it so that notes can be written without looking down.
b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehices on a "hot sheet" within easy viewing range while
in driving position. The list should be arranged by cases of offense for rapididentification of
violators wanted for more serious offense.
C. Identify the violator's vehicle for later identification, particularly when pursuit is lengthy,
interrupted or abandoned, or in case you are injured by the violators.
d. The registration plate is very important and accurate method of establishing identity of a
vehicle is also important. Train yourself to observe complete license plate number at a
glance.
e. Record the registration number as soon as possible, and check it against your "hot sheet."
Sometimes prescribed registration number on a dlipboard is the only clue to the
identification of an escaping violator struck or injured an officer
4. Itemized Identification Features of the Vehicle

a. COLOR - For example, red, black, etc. When the vehicle has more than
one color, first give the color of the body and then the top, i.e., black body,
gray top
b. YEAR OF MANUFACTURE - learn to identify the year model of a vehicie,
i.e., "1996".
c MAKE- Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, etc
d. BODY TYPE- p-up, wagon, 4dr sedan, truck, etr
e. LICENSE PLATE NUMBER- city or province of issuance, letter and
number prefixes, i.e., AAA 456
f. OUTSTANDING FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES- bank racing stripe,
vinyl top, particular damage which a noticeable as crumbled fender,
damaged door, or cracked door.
g. UNUSUAL feature of the DRIVER 0R PASSENGERS- dothing, air,
glasses, etc.
5. Keep Headquarters Advise

a. It is your duty to apprehend violators as soon as possible. Radio

contact with HQS aids in accomplishing this objective by alerting
other patrol units in the area.
b. While in pursuit, use your radio whenever necessary and advisable.
If forced to abandon pursuit and there is no radio available, use any
nearest telephone
6. Stopping and approaching a violation
a. In stopping a violator, it must be done in safety to you, the driver
you stopped, to other road users.
b. Approach the violator preferably on the left side from
the rear and alert for the unexpected.
K.OFFICER VIOLATOR RELATIONSHIP
1. The appearance of your uniforn, equipment and person which will create the violator's
impression of you. A neat, clean uniform properly Worn and well-groomed person will
create a good impression. Observance of the following rules when talking with the violators:
a. Get your emotions under control. Don't appear before him when you are both at the peak of
tension.
b. Advise the violator the nature of the alleged violation in a manner that he can fully understand
c. Allow the violator to talk and explain his side.
d. Be courteous and business-like. You may introduce yourself or use only " good morning", "Sir"
or "Madam".
e. Request compliance. Use requesting words such as "May I,"Please"and Kindly when directing
the violator.
f. Avoid teling the driver what not to do. If you want him to do something, whenever possible,
explain why you want him to do it.
3. Never open your conversation in a sarcastic or derogatory way. Avoid such opening as:
a. Don't you know -----?
b. Who do you think are?
C. Where do you think you are going?
d. What's your hurry?
4. Being alert at all times for the unexpected, approach the
violator with these cases:
a. Take time to get ready to talk with the violator.
b. Know what you are going to do and say.
C. Have any equipment you will need such flashlight clipboard, or citation pad.
d. Review the facts which led you to your stopping
violator before you begin to talk.
e. Decide what enforcement action you are going to take before you approach the violator
5. In requesting for the driver's license or vehicle registration certificate
(CR), observe the following:
a. Do not put your head or arms in the car windows
b. While waiting for the license, ask the driver, " What is your name, Sir"
c. Never accept anything other than the papers requested
d. Ask the papers being requested be removed from the billfold or other
container.
e. Have the driver hand the requested papers to you outside the window
f. Establish the identity of the driver and check the entries of both the license and
the registration papers for any possible fraud, or false identities or falsification
g. Do not return the driver's license and vehicle registration certificate until you
are about to terminate the vehicle interview
6. In terminating your contact with the violator
a. Explain to the driver what action he must take.
b. Tell him when and where he must appear.
c. Don't discuss probable bail penalties with the violator.
d. Avoid any naughty suggestion that he should engage in the services of a
counsel or how he should plead.
e. When you are certain the driver understands what he should do, close the
interview by:
(1) Thanking the driver for his cooperation.
(2) Explaining how he may avoid further difficulty.
f. Help the driver get safely through the traffic.
g. When the violator leaves, don't follow him immediately. feel that you are
just waiting to nab him again.
L. ROAD CHECK

1. Objectives of road check. The objective of road check is to detect and inspect
the following:
a. faulty vehicle equipment
b. registration and licensing violations
c. intoxicated drivers
d. the load or cargo of commercial transportation vehicle for load weight
2. Considerations to be taken.
a. minimum delay to motorist
b. thorough checking procedure
c. protection/safety of both motorist and officers
d. timing, location and frequency
Lesson 5.2

Lesson 5.2

TRAFFIC
DIRECTION AND
CONTROL
 INTERSECTION
As applied to a street or highway, It means the space occupied by two streets at the
point where they cross each other. Usually, this is the place where traffic direction
and traffic control is needed.

POLICE TRAFFIC DIRECTION

It is defined as telling drivers and pedestrians when, how and where they may or
may not move or stand at a particular place, especially during emergencies or period
of congestion.
A. Who are tasked to direct and guide
traffic?
In the Philippines, traffic officers are usually deputized by the
Land Transportation Office who normally Comes from the PNP-
TMGpolice auxiliaries, MMDA Traffic Management Section. In
some places, volunteers coming from barangay security forces and
other civic organizations assist in the directing and controlling of
traffic particularly during rush hours, special occasions, and time
of emergencies.
B. Directing and Guiding
Traffic 1. When you are assigned to direct traffic. you are expected to indicate or show to
the drivers and pedestrians how, when and where they may move.
2. In order to do this, use a type of sign language which shall be clearly
understandable to all persons you will be directing.
3. However, if your signals are different from those used by other officers, motorists
would probably fail to understard them and ignore you altogether.
4. Hence, it is important for the efficient direction of that the officers use uniform
gestures and signals.
5. Moreover, the signals should be able to be seen over a fairly long distance.
When directing traffic, you first want drivers and pedestrians to recognize that you
are the officer who will tell them what to do. But you must also know how to tell
them when to stop, go or turn by using gestures alone
6. Normally, this is in the center of the intersection.as straight though your mean
business. Stand straight with your weigh equally distributed to each foot.
7. When you are not signaling, let your hands fall at your sides. When you authorize
vehicles to move, do not face them. Stand so that your side is toward the oncoming
vehicle.
C. Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic
1. Use hand signals to designate decisions to motorists and pedestrians (see
figure 42).
2. Supplement the arm/hand signals witha whistle:
a. one long blow to STOP.
b. two short snappy blasts for GO.
c. three blasts to be used for assistance.
3. If two or more officers are assigned in one intersection, only one makes the
decision, while the other take theirs from him.
4. To stop a moving lane, point at the car you intend to stop and give the driver
the opportunity to stop (see fiqures 42.1- 42.4).
5. The hand signal should be made with the arm extended and the palm facing
the person or vehicie to be stopped.
D. Night Control of Traffic
1. When light is sufficient, work as in day time.
2. If light is not sufficient, use flashlight:
a. To STOP, direct the flashlight in line of the vision and move back and forth.
b To START, Use the same motion as in daylight except with flashlight.
c. Supplement the actions with whistle.

E. Hand Signals
Hand Signals. Figures 42 to 46 are some of the standard hand signals when directing
traffic.
Note: The signals may be modified also by the traffic direction officer as it deemed
necessary so that motorists may cearly understand the decision of the traffic officer
especially during night time. In addition to the hand signals and blowing of the
whistles, flags with varying colors (usually red and green) are used to supplement the
signaling.
Module 5.3

Module 5.3
TRAFFIC
PATROL
 TRAFFIC PATROL

It refers to the observation of road conditions, the behavior of the drivers and other users
of vehicles for the purpose of traffic supervision and law enforcement and providing
authorized traffic-connected services to the public.

A. Types of Traffic Patrol

1. Line Patrol. This involves either moving or stationary observation at a certain route or
point of a major street in a city. Usually, this is done by foot patrol officers.
2. Area Patrol. This involves the conduct of observation either by moving patrol or
observation of a certain area which included a number of streets, roads or sections of a
highway, Area patrolling is usually the job of mobile police officers as well as those
motorcycle cops.
B. Types of Stationary Observation

1. Conspicuous Observation. Stationary observation in which observer remains in full view of

traffic conditions.
2. Visible Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is in full view but so located,
for example, at side street, so as to require effort on the part of traffic users to discover the observer.
3. Concealed Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to persons
using ordinary power of observation from the roadway being observed.

C. Purposes of Traffic Patrol

1. Deterrent to violations and dangerous driving.

2. Detecting and apprehending violators.
3. Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
4. Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction which needs attention.
5. Providing certain services to the public.
6. Handling emergencies as they arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.
D. Deterring Drivers from Violating

1. Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement actions against a violator.
2. Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.
3. Leave the area and proceed to another area after you haw taken enforcement action.
4. In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, be sure to spend more time in some area
wherein motor or drivers fail to be aware of their common bad driving practices.
5. Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators in order to deter
traffic violators

E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving

Be alert for potentialy hazardous drivers. His action may not be illegal, but may serve as road
hazards that need to be cautioned. This kind of driver may not have enough driving experience
he may be under the influence of liquor or narcotics that may later on contribute to an accident
if no action is taken against him at once.
F. Example of Actions and Conditions which may Need Close Watching for Further
Investigations

1. Driving extremely at low speed.

2. Slow moving vehicles in left or "high speed" lanes.
3. Racing motor sliding stops, jumping starts, and the like.
4. Excessive maneuvering such as backing up four or five times to get into a parking space.
5. Pulling to curb lane at traffic signal
6. Having turn signals on when not attempting to turn.
7. Waving in roadway.
8. Failing to slow for an intersection with obstructed view.
9. Passing or attempting to pass several cars in a bunch.
10. Suddenly turning off at approach of police vehicle.
11. Teen-age groups at night particularly when in two or more vehicles.
12. Damage or dressed up vehicles.
13. Faulty or obscured license plates.
14. Unlighted parked cars with motor running

G. Detecting and Apprehending Violators.

These are the main jobs or duties of traffic patrol officers.

H. Observing Traffic Conditions.

As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and ears of the department when on traffic patrol.
You must supply information about what is happening on the street. This information may
be used for many purposes.
I. Road Intelligence

Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may observe an unusual amount
of delay at a certain intersection each morning and when you learn that it is due to
loading or unloading of passengers on a "NO LOADING ZONE", be sure to report the
situation at once to your superior officer. Pay special attention to congestions that tie up
traffic for a block or more. You should also report unnecessary delay at stop signs or
signals which are installed when traffic is heavier. Include in your report all road and
bridge conditions.

J. Patrol Assignment

You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or you may have instructions to use a
combination. For example, you may patrol a certain street noted for excessive accidents
in a line at specific times. The following are some guidelines when assigned in traffic
patrol unit.
1. Be sure to be familiar with the street lay out in your area.
2. Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion likely to occur so that you can
"drive around" these places when on emergency call,
3. When assigned to area patrol, you may or may not be able to cover your entire
assignment area on each tour of duty, depending upon its size. You may not be able to ge
the same amount of attention to each section due to the necessity of concentrating on a
certain trouble spots However, you should consider yourself responsible for traffic
conditions in the entire area.
4. When assigned to line patrol, you are responsible for the traffic conditions on a
particular street or highway.
5. You may also want to employ patrol techniques which wil require you to depart
momentarily from an intersecting stree rather than always approaching it from the street
which you are patrolling.
K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques.

1. When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up the rear of the
group. If one or more drivers in the group think that they can no longer be observed since
they have been passed by the first patrol unit, they feel free to violate. The following patrol
unit observes and apprehends the violators. A conspicuous and concealed unit may be used
together in much the same manner.
2. When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at the rear while the
other overtakes the leader. If two vehicles are racing, or if two violators separate, the
paired patrol units can separate for individual pursuit.
3. Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect each other,
particularly when approaching suspicious persons or vehicles. Except for special purposes
or occasions, patrol unit works independently so that more areas can be covered that way.
L. Steps to Take in Cases of Special and Unusual Situations.

1. What to do in case of abandoned motor vehicle? A motor

vehicle is said to be abandoned when it is left unattended in an
area not provided for parking or unattended for one or two days in
an area provided for parking. For these reasons, unattended
vehicles become a problem to traffic flow. In some instances, they
are accidentally found to be a more serious problem than what is
actually thought of, particularly when they are abandoned by
camappers or hold uppers. Abandoned vehicles may be classified
into two categories: a) unattended due to mechanical defects, and
b) abandoned by carnappers or hold-up men,
a. In the case of the first category:
(1) verify and check on the ownership of the vehicle,
(2) and if possible, advise the owner to relocate the vehicle to a much safer place.
b. In case of the second category:
(1) get the plate number and other data of the vehicle,
(2) make a report on the presence of the abandoned vehicle to the nearest TRAFCOM or
traffic police unit,
(3) make possible steps to inform the owner,
(4) bring the vehicle to the TRAFCOM or traffic police impounding area and conduct
aTechnical Inspection Report in the presence of the alleged owner
(5)advice the owner to the present all pertinent papers of the vehicle for the identification of
the ownership
(6) if the vehicle is found to have violated any provision of RA 6539, note its violation and
together with the Technical Inspection Report, submit investigation, and
(7) finally, submit a duly accomplished spot report
2.What to do on stalled or bogged down motor vehicles?

a. Check the defect or condition of the vehicle,

b. Ensure the safety of vehicles and persons involved by conducting traffic
direction in the vicinity,
c. If practicable, push the vehicle to the road shoulder You may request
assistance of other motorists to do this otherwise avail of wreckers or heavy
trucks to move it,
d. Advise the owner of the vehicle to avail the services of a repairman, and
e. Provide early warning devices or any lantern to deter accident occurrences
and provide appropriate precautions for the safety and conveniences of the
repairman and the other motorists.
3. How to handle traffic jam?

a. Determine the cause of the traffic jam,

b. If traffic jam is caused by vehicular accident, conduct fast, immediate but
complete investigation and remove vehicles involved at the scene of accident,
c. If traffic jam is caused by mechanical trouble, assist motorist to push the
vehicle to a place where it will not obstruct the flow of traffic,
d. Establish yourself and conduct systematic flow of traffic,
e. Observe if the flow of traffic became smooth, if not, refer back to letter "a"
above, and
f. Implement proper traffic regulation to avoid further traffic jam.
4.In case of vehicle cannibalization

a. Determine the vehicle parts that were stolen,

b. Take down the name of the owner of the vehicle, the description of the
vehicle, and the location or where the incident took place,
c. Look for immediate possible clues that might lead to the identification of
the perpetrators or their modus operandi,
d. Interview the witnesses and owner to get a general picture of the situation
prior to the incident,
e. Prepare a spot report and submit it to the nearest TRAFCOM Unit, and
f.. If further investigation is necessary, the vehicle may be impounded for
safekeeping.
Lesson 5.4

Lesson 5.4

TRAFFIC
ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION
A. What Traffic Accident Investigation Determines?

1. WHAT happened?
2. WHO and WHAT was involved?
3. WHERE did it happen?
4. WHY did it happen?
5. HOW did the accident occur?
6. WHEN did the accident happen?

B. Purposes of Traffic Accident Investigation

1. Everyone involved is curious about the causes and circumstances of the accident
2. For the police to find out whether there is enough evidence of law violation in the
accident.
3. Claims attorneys and adjusters want to determine negligence on the part of the drivers
involved in the accident so that damage claims can be properly adjusted.
4. Officials and others want specific information about accidents to know how to prevent
future accidents.
C. Common Words and Phrases Used in Traffic Accident Investigation

1. Accident. It is that occurrence in a sequence of events which usually produces

unintended injury, death, or property damage.
2. Traffic Accident. An accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way.
3. Motor Vehicle Accident. Events resulting in unintended Injury or property damage
attributable directly or indirectly to the action of a motor vehicle or its loads.

Included are:
a. Accidental injury from inhalation of exhaust gas;
b. Fire;
c. Explosion;
d. Discharge of firearm within the motor vehicle while in motion;
e. Collision between a motor vehicle and a railroad train or street car on stationary rails
or tracks; and
f. Failure of any part of the motor vehide while the vehicle is in motion.
 Excluded are:
a. Collision of a motor vehicle with an aircraft or water craft in motion; b. Injury or
damage due to cataclysms (flood or sudden
physical change of the earth surface), and Injury or damage while the motor vehide is
not under its power is being loaded on or unloaded from another conveyance.

4. Motor Vehicle. Every device which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is
propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon
rails.
5. Key Event. An event on the road which characterizes the manner of occurrence of a
motor vehicle traffic accident.
6. Debris. The scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other materials left at
the scene of the accident caused by a collision.
7. Skid Marks. These are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not free to rotate,
usually because brakes are applied strong and the wheels locked.
8. Traffic Unit. Any person using a traffic way for trave parking or other purposes as a pedestrian
or driver, including any vehicle, or animal which he is using. It applies not only to motor vehicles
but also to:
a. Pedestrians; b. Cyclists; C. Street cars, d. Horse-drawn (animal-drawn) vehicles;
e. Farm tractors; and f. Other road users in almost any combination - Example A traffic accident
could involve a cyclist and a pedestrian
9. Hazards. A hazard is generated when a critical space motion relationship between a traffic unit
and another object develops due to the movement of either or both. Example: A curve in the path is
a hazard. Another traffic unit in the path is also a hazard.
10.Safe Speed. The speed adjusted to the potential or possible hazards or the road and traffic
situation ahead. Safe speed on the road is determined by the road rather than the particular driver
of a vehicle.
11. Strategy. It is the adjusting of speed, position on the road, and direction of motion, giving
signals of intent to turn or slow down, or any other action in situations involving potential hazards.
12. Tactic. Any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like steering, braking,
or accelerating to avoid collision or other accident
13. Impact. The striking of one body against another or collision of a motor vehicle with
another motor vehicle.
14.Contact Damage. Damage to a vehicle resulting from direct pressure of some foreign
object in a collision or roll over. It is usually indicated by striations, rub-off of material or
puncture.
15. Factor. Any circumstance contributing to a result without which the result could not
have occurred or it is an element necessary to produce the result, but not by itself
sufficient.
16. Primary Cause. A misnomer loosely applied to the most obvious or easily explained
factor in the cause of an accident or the most easily modified condition factor.
17. Cause. The combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any one of
which result could not have occurred.
18. Attribute. Any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a person that affects the
probability of a traffic accident.
19. Modifier. A circumstance that alters an attribute permanently or temporarily.
D. Kinds of Traffic Accidents.

1. Non-Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Refers to any accident occurring on a traffic way
involving persons using the traffic way or travel or transportation, but not involving a motor
vehicle in motion. Example: pedestrian and cyclist in a traffic way.
2. Motor Vehicle Non-Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident which occurs entirely
in any place other than a traffic way. Example: accident on a private driveway.
3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident occurring on a traffic way.
Example: collision between automobiles on a highway.

E.. Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident According to "Key Event".

1. Running off road. This is usually characterized by motor vehicle falling on the roadside
or on a diff along mountainous roads (see figure 47),
2. Non-collision on road. This does not involve any collision, an example of which is
overturning (see figure 4)
3. Collision on road. On the other hand, this type of accident includes all forms of accident
as long as there is a collision. Examples of this are motor vehicle colliding with
a. Pedestrian may be walking, running or standing on a roadway (see figure
49).
b. Other motor vehicle in traffic - may be head on, head and rear, sides
opposite direction, sides the same direction, head and side collision, etc. (see
figures 501 50.5).
c. Parked motor vehicle the form of collision may be similar to a moving
vehicle like head on collision, however, one is parked anywhere on a
roadway.
d. Railroad train this type of collision usually occurs along railroad
crossings.
e. Bicycle in this form of collision, it is either the motor vehicle or the
bicyclists who initiated the collision.
f. Fixed object traffic islands, pedestrian barriers, electric post (see figure
51).
g. Other objects street cars, ice cream vendor, etc.
F. Classification of Accident According to Severity.

1. Property Damage Accident. There is no fatal or injury to any person

but only damage to the motor vehicle or to other property including
injury to animals.
2. Slight. Only slight damages to properties.
3. Non-Fatal Injury Accident. This results in injuries other than fatal to
one or more persons
4. Less Serious. Only less serious injuries to persons.
5. Serious. This causes serious injuries to persons.
6. Fatal. This results in death to one or more persons.
G. Causes of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents.

1. Simultaneous Factors
a. Road conditions.
b. Drivers' attitude or behavior.
C. Weather condition.

2. Sequential Factors
a. Speed is greater or less than safe.
b. Defective vehicle (vehicle malfunction)

3. Operational Factors
a. Road hazards.
b. Driver's non-compliance to traffic laws, rules and regulations.

4. Perception Factors
a. Driver's inability to react promptly to a situation.
b. Driver's faulty action to escape collision course.
H. Chain of Events in a Vehicular Accident.

1. Perception of Hazard. It is seeing, feeling, or hearing and understanding the usual or

unexpected movement or condition that could be taken as sign of the accident about to
happen (see figure 52).
2. Start of evasive action. It is the first action taken by a traffic unit to escape from a collision
course or otherwise avoid a hazard (see figure 53).
3. Initial Contact. The first accidental touching of an object collision course or otherwise
avoids a hazard (see figure 54).
4. Maximum Engagement. It is greatest collapse or overlap in a collision. The force between
the traffic unit and the object collided with are greatest at maximum engagement (see figure
55)
5. Disengagement. It is the separation of a traffic un motion from an object with which it has
collided. The for between the object ceases at this time (see figure 56)
6. Stopping. This is when the traffic unit/s involved come to rest. It usually stabilizes the
accident situation (see figure 57).
7. Injury. It is receiving bodily harm. This event does not necessary occur after the accident
but within any of the chain of events. It may also happen right after the evasive action taken
by the drivers involved or during the initial contact.
8. Other events that may occur during an accide
a. Point of Possible Perception. The place and time of which the hazard
could have been perceived by a normalperson. It precedes actual perception
and is the beginning of perception delay (see figure 58).
b. Point of no Escape. It is that place and time after or.beyond which the
accident cannot be prevented by the traffic unit under consideration (see
figure 59)
c. Perception Delay. The time from the point of possible perception to actual
perception.
d. Final Position. It is the place and time when objects involved in an
accident finally come to rest without application of power
I. Who Conducts the Traffic Accident Investigation?

In cases of Major Traffic Accidents such as those the attract national media
attention or those that involve numerous victims, the local traffic
investigator shall immediately inform the nearest PNP Highway Patrol
Group Office which shall the take the lead in the investigation under the
Specia Investigation Task Group (SITG) which shall be activated manage
the case. (PNP Field Manual on Investigation of Crimes Violence and Other
Crimes, 2011)
When the proper crime scene processing is necessary, by traffic
investigators may also ask the assistance of the Scene the Crime Operation
Team (SOCO Team).
J. Five (5) Levels of Activity in Accident Investigation.

1. Reporting. This stage involves basic data collection identify and classify a
motor vehicle, traffic and persons property and planned movements involved.
2. At-Scene Investigation. This level involves all action taken by the
investigator at the scene of the crime or accident.
3. Technical Preparation. This involves delayed traffic accident data
collection and organization for study and interpretation.
4. Professional Reconstruction. This involves efforts to determine from
whatever information is available, how the accident happened.
5. Cause Analysis. This last level usually involves final analysis on the causes
of accident which are bases for the prevention of similar accident.
K. Steps Taken by the Police during Traffic Accident
Investigation.

1. Step One. Upon Learning of the Accident.

a. Ask first: When did the acodent happen?, Exxactly where was it?
How bad was it?; Did you see the accident happened?; and Where
can you be reached?
b. Decide whether to go to the scene: Will scene have been cleared
by the time of amvai?; Is it in the investigator's area?; and Should
headquarters be informed or consulted? Then find out, if necessary
is traffic blocked?; Has ambulance been called? Has wrencher been
called? and Was fire apparatus called?
2. Step Two. Start for the Scene. With two-way radio, you can do two things
while on the way.
a. Choose Best Approach. Consider: Time: possible traffic jams; possible
route of driver involved; and probable situation at scene.
b. Drive Safely. Get there safely, if you get involved in accident yourself, then
other units must be used.
c. Be Alert for Cars Leaving the Scene: As possible witnesses or hit and run
drivers; and record registration numbers of any likely looking vehicles.
d. Get Equipment Ready for Use. So far as practical on.the way.
e. Look for Conditions confronting a driver approaching Scene: Low
visibility view obstructions; and traffic control devices.
f. Note Hazards to approaching Traffic: Drop helper to direct traffic if
necessary; and look for physical evidence. Have it guarded until it can be
examined, collected or located.
3. Step Three. Upon Arrival at the Accident Scene
a. Select parking place carefully: Is it safe?; Will it block traffic?; and Can headlight
illuminate scene?
b. Care for injured: Stop arterial bleeding; call for help necessary; help injured from cars
safely, protect injured from exposure; and ask for emergency assistance from bystanders from
anywhere.
C. Look over bystanders and others: Look for drivers; look for possible witnesses; look for
volunteers who will help you; and get them under control.
d. Have Emergencies Under Control: Have spilled gasoline guarded; look for fire and
electrical hazards; look for traffic hazards; put out flares; ask helper to direct traffic; keep
bystanders off roadway; and request help from headquarters if needed.
e. Locate drivers: Consider possibility of hit and run accident; and need to alert headquarters.
f. Measure location of short-lived pieces of evidence.
g. . Arrange for clearing roadway.
h. Delay removal of vehicles except to aid inju
4. Step Four. When Emergency is Under Control.
a. Preliminary questioning of drivers: Who was driving each vehicle?; Note unpremeditated
statement; and look for signs of nervousness, confusion and Intoxication,
b. Gather clues for identifying hit and run cars: Question other witnesses especially bystanders in
hurry to go; and if needed, get signed statement at once from why who may be hard to find later.
c. Examine drivers' conditions: Get specimen for chemical test; and question about trip plan for
possible fatigue.
d. Question drivers carefully: Check license and record data from it; verify and identify address;
check registration and record data; verify ownership and correct address; and Get step by step
account of what driver saw and did.
e. Position and condition of vehicles: Note lights and light switches; note gear position and tires;
mark position of vehicles if it must be removed; and look for unusual thing inside the vehicles
f. Form preliminary opinion as to how accident occurs
g. Photography: Photograph slod mark and location of vehicles: and mark skid mark location for
later measurement.
h. Record place to which injured persons or damage vehicles were or will be taken
5. Step Five. After Getting Short-live Evidence.
a. Get additional evidence: Make test skids, decide whether proof of violation
is sufficient for arrest; if so, make arrest or issue citation; get additional formal
statements, from witnesses remaining at the scene and have road clear if traffic
is obstructed.
b. Suggestion to drivers, if necessary: How much accidents can be avoided in
the future, and tell drivers what reports they must make and dismiss them.
c. Approach the scene by path of each traffic unit involved. Look for: View
obstructions; traffic control devices, etc.; probable points of perception; and
road surface conditions.
d. Complete examinations of vehicles
e. Locate key event of accident.
f. Make additional photographs of: Vehicle damage; view
obstruction; pavement's conditions; and control devices, and
general view, etc.
g. Establish exact location of accident and record it.
h. Measure for scale diagram if location is hard to reach.
i. Review notes of evidence or testimony: Get additional facts at
scene; and Identify all notes with places and time.
J. Clean up location or arrange to have it done.
k. Report to headquarters by radio or telephone. Nowadays, the
cellular phone is a ready alternative in reporting to police headquar
6. Step Six. After Leaving the Scene:
a. Get medical report on injured persons from doctor or hospital.
b. Question drivers or witnesses: At hospital or home if not
adequately questioned; and take needed additional statements.
c. Notify: Relatives of dead or injured; and/or Owner of vehicles.
d. Have specimens analyzed if were taken for chemical a laboratory
test.
e. Have photograph developed; get prints if needed to report.
g. Decide whether analysis of accident is warranted by the time
available for making it.
h. Reconstruction of the accident: Estimate speeds of vehicles
involved; draw scale diagram; analyze angle of collision; get technical
help if necessary, and summarize opinions
I.. Present case summary to a lawyer.
J. Complete report or investigation.
k. Submit to superior for approval.
l. Inform other Agencies or departments of any condition
at the scene which needs attention for safety.
7. Step Seven. If Case Goes to Court:
a. Find out what the prosecutor wants further to develop
evidence.
b. Return to the scene if necessary for the following: Additional
photographs of general scene and long-lived evidence; measure
for scale diagram for use in court and Locate additional witnesses
and review ther testimony.
c. Locate also, if necessary: Relatives and friends who confirm
activities before the accident; technicians who developed pictures,
made chemical tests, and expert who can help
d. Have enlargement made of any photo needed in court
e. Enlarge scale diagram made for court use
f. Pre-trial conference with prosecution witnesses
to review testimony
g. Ensure that subpoenas are issued
h. Testify in court.
i. Organize papers and file permanenty, if
necessary, for future reference
j. Ensure that the position of case is recorded in
drivers record and other reports.
L. The Traffic Accident Report.
1. Uniform traffic Accident Reporting System
2. Preparation of Traffic Acodent Report
a. By a competent, bonafide traffic accident investigator
b. Requirements for an investigator in the submission of
report such as evidence gathered, diagrams, sketches as well
as sworn statements of witnesses
c. Traffic Accident Investigation Report will be accomplished
in five (5) copies for the Court or Prosecutor's Office;
TRAFCOM (TMG) or Traffic Division; the Investigator, the
Insurance comparty of Party-involved #1; and the Insurance
Co. of Party involved #2.
Lesson 5.5

Lesson 5.5

HIT - AND - RUN

INVESTIGATION
 A. Hit-and-Run Cases
A Hit and-Run Cases Defined. Evading responsibility is a term commonly
applied to a traffic accident in which a driver fails to comply with any of the
duties required by Sec 55 of RA 4136 Further, it states that no driver of a
motor vehicle concerned in avehicle accident shall leave the scene of the
accident withoutading the victim, except under any of the following
circumstances, as discussed earlier in this book: If the driver is in imminent
danger of being seriously harmed by any person or persons by reason of the
accident; if the driver reports the accident to the nearest officers of the law;
or if the driver has to summon a physician or nurse to aid the victim
 B. Reasons of Apprehending and Prosecuting
Hit-and-Run Drivers
1. Injury might have been lessened or death prevented if the driver had promptly
sought help instead of leaving the accident scene;
2. Streets would not be safe if motorists could flee accident scenes without
accepting responsibility. Unless the negligent driver is found, accident injuries
and property damage victims cannot get compensation this serious offense; and
3. Public knowledge that the police convict hit-and-run drivers deters other
drivers who might otherwise be inclined to evade responsibility by commiting
this serious offense and;
4. Since leaving the scene of an accident acceptable, the police secure increased
public support for the entire traffic control program by prompt and successful
prosecution of these offenders prompt apprehension
 C. Two Important Considerations
1. The driver who flees the scene of an acicdent is necessarily the
driver responsible for the accident. His reasons for flight are often
more important than the simple evasion of responsibility. He may be
wanted for another crime, or intoxicated, or without a valid license, etc.
2. The hit-and-run driver often will report the damage to his own
vehicle as having been the result of another hit-and-run accident in
which some "other mysterious driver" fled without identifying himself.
Similarly, it is not unusual for the hit-and run driver to abandon his
vehicle and then report it stolen as a means of covering up his
involvement in the accident.
 D. Elements of Hit-and-Run

1. You must prove suspect was driving the vehicle at the same time of the accident. Even if you
have witnesses to prove this, get evidence to disprove his alibi.
2. Suspect was involved in an accident resulting in death, person injury or damage to property.
3. Suspect failed to stop, give aid or information as to his identity to other person(s) involved, to
police or to anyone at the accident scene; or failed to take reasonable steps to notify the owner of
damaged property other than a vehicle. Do not overlook the possibility of a simulated second
accident to explain damaged caused by the first accident.
4. Suspect had knowledge of the accident.
a Physical evidence may prove the vehicle fiqured in the accident.
b. Extent of damage to vehicle. Extensive damage to vehicle would preclude allegation of lack of
knowledge. If suspect refrained from using his vehicle for several days since the accident, this
would also indicate the guilt.
c. Guard against claims that the vehicle was stolen to evade responsibility.
 E. The Hit-and-Run Operator
1. Three categories based upon possible psychological explanations for their motivation of flight:
a. Apprehensive-panic-drive, fearful driver: intoxicated drivers; without license; no insurance; his
companion in the car is not his/her mate; stolen car; stolen goods in car; leaving scene of another
crime; and fleeing crime scene or wanted for crime
b. Projectionist-projects guilt. This type of drivers sits as judge and jury, tries the case himself,
finds the other driver at fault refuses to be a party to the accident and drives off as the offended
person.
C. The sneak operator. This type involves minor property-damage-only accidents like one that
smashes a fender and smashes grillwork in his daily Occupational activities and chalks up his
action as the calculated risk shared by all vehicle owners who place their vehicles on the roadway.
2. Classes of Hit-and-Run Drivers. They could be: Drunk drivers; criminals fleeing from the
scene of the crime, improperly licensed drivers or drivers with no license or with revoked or
expired license; drivers who fear publicty an prosecution; ignorance of the accident; driver who
flees in panic; drug addicts; insurance or financial reasons; and or juvenile
 F. Preliminary Steps in Hit-and-Run
1. Refer to checklist on Accident Investigation.
2. Obtain the best possible descriptions of the car and driver
a. A good description may be obtained from partial descriptions given by
witnesses.
b. Get the license plate and any unusual features of the
vehicle.
c. Concentrate on the car's description first.
d. Dispatch initial description and ll subsequent information to the
Headquarters and to police agencies
that may assist in spotting and stopping the suspect vehicle.
e. Broadcast descriptions of the suspected car and driver to all police units and
offices.
f. Try to determine the damage to the fleeing car.
3. Appeal for information through local newspapers, radio, T.V., etc.
4. Carefully search the hit-and-run scene for physical evidence.
a. These may incude broken glasses and fragments, hubcaps, paint scrapping from hit-
and-run car, other evidence such as dirt from subject car, radiator, ornament, etc..
b. Carefully preserve and label all evidence found at the scene.
c. Request laboratory study of evidence.
d. Watch out for the possible return of the hit-and-run driver to the scene of the
accident. This has been known to happen.
5. The Victim
a. Check his clothing; other parts of his body, tire marks, grease, paint chips,
fragments, and such things that might have been left on him by the suspect car.
b. If the victim is killed, get samples of uncontaminated blood from him at the morgue
and samples of hair, skin, etc.
c.Collect and preserve for laboratory examination, the clothes, shoes, and other items
he was wearing at the time of the accident.
 G. Follow-up Investigation

1. Interview persons Iiving along the route taken by the hit- and-run driver; also, operators of filling
stations and garages.
2. Canvass parking lots and other filing stations and garages.
3. Return to the accident scene at the same time on subsequent days and on the same day of the
following weeks to obtain additional witnesses such as delivery men operating on scheduled routes.
4. Follow-up phone calls to garages and dealers of auto parts.
5. Continue appealing for information through the press, radio and TV.

H. Search for Suspect Car

1. Look for physical evidence, such as latent fingerpints

pieces of clothing, marks, damaged parts, hair, blood, etc. which will identify the car as that involved
in the hit-and-run accident.
2. Search the undercarriage of the suspect car. Determine also if there is indication of disturbance in
the grease or dirt adhering to it.
3. Make a careful investigation for replaced parts.
 I. Interview of Suspect
1. Obtain a signed statement if you can.
2. Get a full account of suspect's whereabouts and write it down
just in case he refutes in later.
3. approach and apprehend the driver of the suspect car as soon as
his identity and whereabouts are ascertained.
4. Place the driver in a defensive position by properly directed
questions upon approach
Lesson 5.6

Lesson 5.6

SKIDMARK AS A
TOOL IN TRAFFIC
ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION
 Skidmarks
The sudden application of brakes which results in the locked wheel Condition
places great pressure between he brake shoe and the brake drum that the
fictional forces at this point becomes greater, than the frictional force between
the tire and the road surface. When this condition exsts, the wheels skid.

A. Skidmarks as a Tool in Traffic Accident Investigation

1. Measurement of skidmarks gives idea on how fast the car which left these
marks was going prior to the accident.
2. Estimates of speed based on skidmarks may lead to convictions; or knowing
how to estimate speed correctly may help to keep an innocent person from
being convicted.
B. Other Tire Marks
1. Centrifugal skid mark. A marking on a roadway left by a rotating tire and wheel of a speeding
vehicle on a curve when the speed of the vehicle is above the critical speed of the curve and the
centrifugal force entirely or partial, overcomes the friction between the mass of the vehicle and its tires
and the surface of the roadway.
2. Impending skid marks. Marks caused by the forward rotation of the wheels being slower than the
forward movement of the vehicle. The shadowy beginning of a skidmark along the approach path of the
vehicle is the impending skid mark (a.k.a. as tire shadow marks), while the darker markings are the skid
marks which begins in the impending skid mark and ends at the point of collision or final rest.
3. Yawn mark. A scuffmark made while a vehicle is yawning the mark made on the road by a rotating
tire which is slipping in a direction parallel to the axle of the wheel,
4. Skip mark. A braking skid mark interrupted at frequent regular intervals; the skid mark made by a
bouncing wheel on which brakes keep the wheel from turning.Compare with gap skid.
5. Side Skid Mark (Scuff mark) - It is a roadway markingleft by the tire and wheel of a vehicle sliding
sideways as a result of force other than centrifugal force
6. Gap skid. A braking skid mark which is interrupted by release and reapplication of brakes or which
terminates by release of brakes before collision.
C. Other Marks and Impression Left by a Motor Vehicle either on the
Road Surface or on the Other Motor Vehicle,
1. Ruts. A sunken track worn by a wheel, as in road; hence a groove forming a path for
anything.
2. Gouge. A groove made by a hard part of a motor vehide to another car after side sweeping
each other or it may be left on a road surface by a motor vehicle which overturned then slid
on the road surface.
3. Paint Strips. When a vehicle collided with other object, it sometimes transfers its paint to
the other object.
D. Skidmarks as Evidence in Accident Cases. Skidmarks will: Aid in determining the
speed prior to the accident or collision; show if the vehicle was traveling in the wrong side of
the road; indicate if the driver failed to observe the right of way; and also show if the driver
did not obey a traffic signal.
E. Skidmarks Do Not Show All of the Speed. Skidmarks never show all of the speed of a
car before the accident happened. They show only how far the car would have had to slide to
stop in the distance shown by skidmark.
 Evidence of Additional Speed

1. sliding with one or more wheels before any skidmarks begin to appear;
Dark clear skidmarks do not appear until the hires have slid far enough to get
hot enough to smear rubber as gravel and dirt. or scar on the pavement. This is
less true on such materials
2. Braking without skidding. Cases that the motor vehicle does not skid
particularly: before sliding begins; during gaps; and after marks and before the
car comes to rest.
3. Dragging the car as it hits some object.
4. Damaging other cars or objects.
5. Sliding other cars or objects along the way
6.Vaulting or bouncing up into the air.
F. How to Estimate the Approximate Speed of Motor
Vehicle in Case Skid Mark is not present?
1. When brakes are put on just before contact of vehicles, the skidmarks maybe only two
or three feet long and therefore, show a speed of only five or six miles per hour. While the
wreckage tells that total speed may have been ten times as great.
2. In accident in which most of the speed is lost in skidding, the speed calculated from
skidmarks may come close to showing how fast the car was actually going. Accidents
involving pedestrians are the most common ones of this kind.
3. In any accident in which great damage was done will skidmarks show more than small
part of the speed, often a very minor part of it; but if the skidmarks have been rightly
identified and measured, it can be said that the car was going faster than the speed
calculated from the skidmanks, much faster if there was considerable damage.
G. Things that Determine Skidding Distance

How far a car will take to skid or slide to stop when all four wheels are locked depends on
many things. Three of these factors are imporant, and you must consider them in every
estimate of speeds based on skidmarks.

H. Other Factors that Affect the Skidding

1. Brake Pedal Pressure. When wheels are actualy sliding, additional brake pedal pressure
will not make the stop any quicker.
2. Weight of the Car. Makes a great difference in stopping distance before the wheels
lock, but once they have locked, it makes a very little difference.
3. Tire Thread. One of the most ordinary surfaces, a smooth tire and one with a deep tread
pattern will stop the car in about the same distance.
4. Air Pressure. Makes a very slight difference in stopping distance. On ice, for example,
soft tire will distribute the weight a little more and give somewhat better traction.
5. Tire Material. There is a slight dlfference between tires made of synthetic and those
made of natural rubber.
6. Road Surface. Of surfaces such as mud, snow, and on ice, tires equipped with chains
have a better road-gripping capacity.
7. Direction of Slides. Makes a slight but unimportant difference. A tire will lengthwise
except in materials so soft that it plows or sinks.
8. Temperature of the Air and the Road Surface. Make some difference. In general, on
ordinary pavements, hot weather produces longer stopping distance. This is not necessarily
on ice and snow.
9. Against Head Wind. A car will slide a little farther from given speed with a tall wind
than against a head wind, but this is not a matter of great importance.
1. Length of Skidmark. Consider the following:
a. Be sure they are skidmarks - not just tire marks.
b. Did all wheels slide or just some of them? It makes little difference if tire is sliding
forward or sidewise.
c. Are there any gaps in the skidmarks? Be sure there are gaps caused by a release of brake
pedal pressure and not skids caused by bounced.
d. What is the length of each skidmarks around any curves? It may not make straight from
beginning to the end in the shortest line. You may want to consider two separate lengths for
each Skid mark. One of these is based on the part of the Skid mark you can positively
identify. It gives you speed which will be minimum beyond reasonable doubt. The other is a
possible skidmark which will give you a more likely speed. The first is all you can use in
court, the second is often much useful in figuring out just what did happen in the accident.
e. Use the length that the wheels skid, not the tire slid. Dual tires which leave two marks are
considered as one wheel, and the Skid mark length is counted if either tire on the wheel
leaves this mark.
f. There are two ways of figuring the length of a slide if all on the same kind of pavement.
These are:
(1) Straight Line. A slide is considered straight if both rear-wheel skidmarks do not go off to
one side of the front wheel skidmarks.
(a) Use the length of the longest Skid mark left by any wheel minus gaps in it. This method
is possible because all wheels slide about the same distance. We know that the brakes
definitely have been applied throughout the entire distance of the longest Skid mark.
(b) If one wheel does not slide as far as the others, still it was about to slide when the others
began. The drag on the pavement by this wheel is about the same just before it begins to
slide as when it is actually sliding. It may even be greater.
(c) Therefore, we are usually safe in saying that all wheels are dragging as much as if there
were sliding wheel skid applies to motorcycles, trucks, truck and trailer combinations, and
buses as well as ordinary motor vehicles
(2) Spin. A slide is considered a spin if both rear wheel skidmarks do get off to one side of
the front wheel skidmarks.
(a) Take the length of each skidmarks minus gaps. Add the Skid mark length for all wheels
and divide the numbers of wheels.
(b) This method is necessary in the case of the spins because some of the wheels slid much
farther than others; one end of the car may practically stand still while the other sweeps
around it.
(c) Use this method only when there is about the same weight on front and rear wheels;
that is usually for ordinary cars, motorcycles, and light trucks with trailers or heavily
loaded trucks having duel tires on the rear wheels. Uneven weight with a spin requires
special calculations.
(d) This method gives you a figure for the sliding distance of the vehicle. It is not
necessary to compute it more accurately than to the nearest foot. For this length you may
have two figures, one a positive distance and one a possible distance.
g. Unfortunately, many investigations are carelessly made. For example, investigators may:
(1) Fail to show whether all wheel slid.
(2) Fail to include in the sliding distance a skid shown by a shadow as well as that more
clearly shown by the smear of the hot tire.
(3) Neglect to note whether they are gaps in any of the skidmarks.
(4) Show only an overall length without separate measurements for each wheel. This
usually includes the wheel base of the car with the result that the sliding distance appears to
be length longer than t really is.
(5) Fail to note whether the skidmarks a spin.
6) Measure straight across from beginning to the end are straight or of a curve skidmarks
rather than around its length, h. If the facts are not all there, assumptions should have to be
made about the distance the car slid.
 2. Coefficient of Friction or Drag Factor.

It is the measurement of the maximum frictional resistance of

pavements. It is equal to the force exerted when the wheels are
skidding divided by the weight of the car.
a. Principle of Computation. For example, the drag of the pavement on the sliding tires of an
automobile is 3,000 lbs.. The automobile weights 4,000 lbs. The number representing the slipperiness of
the pavement, or its friction drag, is then 3,000 divided by 4,000 or 0.75.
(1) This friction drag factor or slipperiness number is called technically the "COEFFICIENT OF
FRICTION." You can measure the drag factor of a pavement by making a test skid which tells how far
a car slides on that pavement while stopping from a known speed.
(2) The drag factor or coefficient of friction can be determined by use of a formula. If we let "S" stand
for the speed in miles per hour from which the test skid is made and "D" the distance in feet that car
slides in coming to stop, then the drag factor, which we call "F", the formula will be:
F = S²
30(D)

(3) The "30" is the formula because speed is given in miles per hour and the distance in feet
(transformation of feet per second to miles per hour). It is called a constant because it stayed the same
in all problems for which the formula is used.
(4) Thus, to find slipperiness number, F, we multiply this speed by itself and then divided by 30 times
the stopping distance. You do not need to carry the division out more than two places to the right of the
decimal point.
b. Applying the Principle of Computation. On a test to measure pavement slipperiness,
a car was stopped in 40 ft. from 30 miles per hour.
(1) Substituting these numbers for the letters representing them in the formula, and
doing the arithmetic involved, we have:
F = S² = 30² = 900 = 0.75
30(D) 30(40) 1,200
(2) It is very important that the test skids to measure pavement slipperiness be
correctly made. You are unlikely to do it right without special experience.
(3) At least two skids are desirable. Compute the slipperiness separately for each.
within 0.05 each other friction calculated from any of several test skids made on the
same paving. This is necessary if you want to be sure beyond reasonable doubt of
calculated speeds.
(4) Test skids using the same car that was in the accident are the best. They thus take
care of some of the minor factor such as the weight of the car, the tire material, the
tread pattern, tire pressure and therefore, make the estimate more reliable.
 3. Grade or slope (Gradient)
a. Grade is measured by a number usually less than 1.00. The measurement is the
number of the feet that the road rises or falls for each feet of the horizontal distance.
b. To find: divide the vertical rise or fall by the horizontal distance. It is not necessary
to carry these division more than two places to the right of the decimal
.Use this formula: F =Horizontal distance
vertical rise or fall
d. Possible ranges of pavement Drag Factors for rubber
tires. The drag factor or coefficient of friction of a pavement of a given description
may vary considerably because quite a variety of road surfaces maybe described in
the same way. Some of these variations are due to the weight of the vehicles, air
pressure in the tire; tread design, air temperature, speed and some other factors.
 4. Reaction Time

This is the distance traveled before applying the brakes. It is computed by:
a. Divide seconds in an hour (3,600) into feet in a mile
(5,280) = 1,467.
b. To determine distance, you will travel in one second, multiply 1.467 (1.47 or 1.50) times the speed at
which you are traveling.
C. Time to get foot off the accelerator and slam it on the brake is 3/4 of a second on the average. The
age of the driver should be considered. d. X speed = length in feet covered before brake works.

5. Brake Tests.

a. In most states (U.S.), a vehicle traveling at 20 mph must stop within the following minimum
distances: Two wheel brakes-foot pedal: vehicle should stop within 45 ft; four-wheel brakes-foot pedal:
vehicle should stop within 30 ft.; and hand brakes: vehicle should stop within 75 ft.
b. Brake tests should not be conducted when the road surface is wet. Tests on wet surfaces may result
in personal injuries to bystanders or others concerned in the tests. The vehicle should be examined to
ascertain if it complies with legal safety requirements and whether its braking system is in operating
order.
c. Use of Decelerometers. These are devices which hold their readings and indicate on a clocklike face
braking efficiency of the car being tested.
 K. Procedure Followed by the Philippine National Police (PNP)

1. The officer submits as evidence in a measurements of the skidmarks and the Court
interprets the case the facts in the light of other evidence: Some courts require the
assistance of an expert; measurements should be accomplished by two men; and
sketches and photographs with measurements indicated should be made soon after
the accident.
2. Some police departments have their officers skid a vehicle to a stop from the legal
speed limit, if this can be done safely, and compare the skidmarks with those in the
accident.
3. Some would draw conclusions from tests based on
physical calculation.
4. Measurement of Skidmarks.
a. Should meet legal standards. Officers measuring the skidmarks and the distances
should verify each other's measurements so that they can corroborate each other's
testimony in court.
b. Evidence should be presented to show that the skidmarks were made by the
 L. Basic Principles in Calculating Speeds from
Skidmarks.
1. Energy and vehicle speed. An automobile moving at
any speed possesses energy. As the speed of the vehicle increases, the resulting energy
developed also increases as the square of the ratio of the increase in speed. Examples:
20 kph = 40
30 kph = 90
40 kph = 160
2. Stopping a Motor Vehicle. Whenever a moving vehicle is stopped, the energy which
it possesses at that time must be expended or spent. It is only when most or all of the
vehicle's energy is expended through skidding of tires that a fairly accurate
calculation may be made of the vehicle's speed before the accident.
a. Conditions should be the same as those existing when the accident occurred. The
character of the road, whether wet or dry, should be the same.
b. Conduct tests on the same road surface and in the same direction.
c. Vehicle's speedometer should be checked, and any difference from accurate
calibrations should be noted.
d. A speed consistent with safety, such as 20 - 30 miles per hour, should be selected for
the test run.
e. Brakes should be applied suddenly and as hard as possible when the car is moving
at the selected test speed.
f. The length of each skid mark should be measured.
g. If a brake detonator is available, the total braking distance should be accurately
determined using such equipment, either mechanically or electrically operated.
h. It is advisable to conduct two or three tests at the selected speed. The test of longest
braking distance which favors the defendant is used in calculation.
i. To avoid possible differences in the application of brakes by the driver, it is advisable
to have the driver of the accidents vehicle drive the car in the test run
 M. Speed Calculation

1. Formulas Used in finding Speed Estimates. The

following are some of the formulas being used in
estimating speed (mph):
2. Where: S = speed (mph); F = coefficient of friction (drag factor); f =
grade (1, 2, 4) or super elevation; and D= distance (feet).
When accident vehicle can not be driven: When the vehicle is damaged
that it cannot be driven, part of the vehicle's energy is expended in
damaging the car and the object struck.
1. A calculation of speed from skidmarks left under these circumstances
gives a speed based only on the amount of energy expended in the
skidding.
2. Consequently, the resulting speed value may be consid erably less than
the actual pre-accident speed, since it is not possible to determine how
much farther the vehicle would have skidded had there been no collision.
 N. Sample Problem.

A driver of a Toyota Tamaraw FX while traversing down along Marcos Highway suddenly
steps on the brake when a young boy ran across the vehicle's path. In the process, the vehicle
skidded before hitting the boy. When the skid mark was measured, it yields 55 ft. long
markings. Applying the formulas for speed calculations, find for the approximate speed of the
Toyota Tamaraw FX before it skidded if: 1) the skid mark of the motor vehicle when tested at
30 mph is 35 ft. and 2) the vertical fall of the highway is 1.5 ft. The solution will be

1. Compute first for the Drag Factor. Use the figures used during the test skid:
F = S². = 30² = 900 = .86
30(D). 30(35ft) 1050
2. Calculate for the gradient because the highway is down hill:
f = horizontal distance = 1ft. = .67
vertical fall 1.5 ft
3. Then, compute the speed by using the formula since the highway is downhill add the
computed "f"