Additional Notes in Traffic Management and Accident Investigation

Biorhythm is the theory which asserts that a man exhibits constant variation of life, energy and mood
states.
Man’s Theorized Cycles and Interpretation. Rhythm are peculiar characteristics of most natural
phenomena.
Example:
1. The diurnal exchange of light and darkness.
2. The four seasons.
3. Our wet and dry season.
4. The waxing and waning of moon.
The most famous of biorhythm are the following:
1. 23 days physical cycle
2. 28 days emotional cycle
3. 33 days intellectual cycle
The 23 days cycle is also known as our cycle of strength, endurance and courage (the male component of
a person).The 28 day cycle (equal to a girl’s 28 day menstrual cycle)is also known as our cycle of sensitivity, love
and intuition (the female component of a person). When the curve is above the center line, the biorhythm value is
said to be “high” or a person has some more energy to spare.
Example:
1. Physical high – we tend to be energetic, strong full of vitality.
2. Emotional high – we tend to be creative, artistic, cheerful and happy.
3. Intellectual high – we are able to think quickly and logically.
When the curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be “low” in a recharged period.
Example:
1. Physical Low – we tend to tired quickly; tend to succumb to illness easily.
2. Emotional Low – we feel moody, irritable or depressed.
3. Intellectual Low – we have poor judgment etc.

Registration of Motor Vehicles

R.A. 4136 mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by its owner before the designated District Offices of
LTO.
Classification of Registered Motor Vehicles/Plate Numbers
1. Private- Green with White Background
2. Public Utility Vehicle- Black with Yellow Background
3. Government- Red (Maroon) with White Background
4. Diplomat- Blue with White Background
5. Commemorative Plate- issued for purposes such as fund raising for government projects and programs.
Schedule of Registration
Last Digit of Middle Digit of Weekly Deadline
Plate Number Plate Number
1-Jan 6-Jun 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2-Feb 7-Jul 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3-Mar 8-Aug 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
4-Apr 9-Sep 9 0 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
5-May 0-Oct 29 30 31
OKI-692
Driver’s License
It is not a right but a privilege granted by the Philippine Government through LTO based on R.A.
4136 (statutory qualification). Further, it is a privilege which may be suspended or revoked.
It is a public document which has the presumption of genuineness. (CCC insurance Corp. vs. CA,
SCRA 264)
Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136-Duty to Procure License
No person shall operate any motor vehicle without first procuring a license to drive.
Sec.29 of R.A. 4136-Confiscation of Driver’s License
Driver’s license may be confiscated for violations of R.A. 4136, the rules and regulations issued by
the Commissioner and Local Traffic rules and regulations.
When confiscated, traffic enforcer MUST issue a receipt (TOP) which is good for 72 hrs. Failure to
settle within 15 days will cause suspension or revocation of license.

Types of License, Procedures and Procurement

1. Student Permit
Allowed to drive only in the presence of a duly license driver accredited by the LTO, acting as
instructor to the student-driver who shall be equally responsible and liable for any violation of the provision of R.A.
4136 as amended and for any damage done by the motor vehicle or account or as a result of its operation by the
student-driver under his direction.
The applicant must be:
a. At least 16 years of age (Birth certificate)with the consent of parents.
b. Physically sound and in good health with no contagious ailments.
c. Mentally capable
d. Know how to read and write
e. Must apply personally
f. Payment
Validity: 1 year from the date of issuance.
2. Non-Professional Driver’s License (Green Logo)
Applicant must fulfill the following:
a. Must be at least 17 years of age.
b. Has previously issued with Driver’s Permit not less than 1 month.
c. Certified by an LTO accredited doctor that:
c.1. he/she is physically and mentally sound.
c.2. he/she has normal vision hearing
d. Pass the written examination.
e. Pass the actual road test
f. Fill out the application form
g. Payment
Two kinds of applicants for non-professional driver’s license
a. Holder of student permit for 4-5 months old, and
b. The applicant for the renewal of the expired non-professional driver’s license.
Restriction
a. The holder is allowed to drive his own vehicle only and not to earn livelihood.
b. The type of category of vehicle authorized to be driven is up to 4500kgs gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Validity
a. Valid for 3 years from the date issuance.
b. Renewable every 3 birth months succeeding years and automatically expires if not renewed on due date.
3. Professional Driver’s License (Red Logo)
The distinctive feature of the holder of professional driver’s license is the privilege to make driving a
means of livelihood.
Must be:
a. At least 18 years of age.
b. Present either:
b.1. A student permit issued/possessed for at least 5 mos.
b.2. Non-professional driver’s license issued/possessed by the applicant for not less than 4 mos.
c. Certified by an LTO accredited doctor that:
c.1. he/she is physically and mentally sound.
c.2. he/she has normal vision hearing.
c.3. has no contagious ailment
c.4. no history of heavy liquor drinking and drug abuse.
d. Criminal clearance (PNP, NBI or Prosecutor).
e. Must pass the written examination.
f. Pass the actual road test.
g. Fill out the application form
h. Payment
Validity
a. Valid for 3 years from date of issuance
b. Renewable every 3 birth months of succeeding year and automatically expires if not renewed on
due date.
4. Military Driver’s License
This is one of the two special types of license issued by the agency for limited and special
purpose.
While the issuance is made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), however, the holder
has to pass all the test and examination in compliance with the rules and regulation thereof.
The holder must be military personnel and authorized to drive a military vehicle only.
Validity
a. Valid for 3 years from the date of issuance
b. Renewable every birth month of succeeding year and automatically expires if not renewed on due date.
5. International Driver’s License
 This is the second special type of license issued for special purpose and issued by the Philippine
Motor Association (PMA). Before issuance applicant must be a holder of domestic license, a sine-quanon before
the issuance of International Driver’s License.
This kind of license is also issued to foreigner or tourist driver’s license who desire to drive for a
period not beyond 90 days sojourn, provided the applicant must comply with the basic requirement for licensing.
Validity
It is valid as indicated therefore and recognized in countries signatories to the Geneva
Convention.
Driver’s Examination
1. Written Examination
a. Non-Professional License-must have 30 points out of 40 questions
b. Professional License- must have 50 points out of 60 questions
2. Road Test
Mandatory Drug Test
Driver’s Restriction Code
Restriction Code No. 1 is limited to a motorcycle/motorized Tricycles.
Restriction Code No. 2 vehicle up to GVW of 4500 Kgs
Restriction Code No. 3 vehicle with GVW above 4500 Kgs
Restriction Code No. 4 automatic clutch up to 4500 Kgs GVW
Restriction Code No. 5 automatic clutch above 4500 Kgs GVW
Restriction Code No. 6 articulated vehicle 1600kgs GVW & below
Restriction Code No. 7 articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 Kgs GVW
Restriction Code No. 8 articulated vehicle 4501 Kgs & above GVW
Restriction Code No. 9 disabled

Driver’s Condition
A- wear eye glasses
B- drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
C- drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
D- daylight driving only
E- accompanied by a person with normal hearing
Lost Driver’s License:
Licensee shall apply for a duplicate of the original on file with the LTO by filing a sworn statement that
such license has been lost and that a thorough and diligent search was useless.
Exceptions to HIT and RUN
1. If he is in imminent danger of being seriously harmed by any person/s by reason of the accident.
2. If he reports the accident to the nearest officer of the law; and
3. If he has to summon a physician or nurse to aid the victim.
The Conductor – As mandated by law, the conductor must pass the statutory qualification before a license is
issued in his favor, a condition precedent to his employment. He shall be exclusively held liable if he allow more
passengers or more freight or cargo in his public utility trucks or buses.

The Ten Commandments of Traffic

1. Keep Right –except when overtaking another vehicle and shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof, except
further, on a highway, that has two or more lanes for the movement of traffic in one direction.
On highway having two or more lanes for the movement of traffic in one direction the driver of a
slow moving vehicle shall drive to the right, while the driver of a fast moving motor vehicle to the left.
In case of incoming emergency motor vehicle, the non-emergency vehicle shall immediately drive
to the right to enable the former to overtake the latter.
2. Observe Road Courtesy – One must yield to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, trains, vehicles with right of way,
vehicles ahead, large vehicles, uphill traffic, and traffic with momentum, straight traffic, and traffic signs.
Emergency vehicle, the LTO refers to:
• Vehicles with physicians on emergency call.
• An ambulance of emergency call.
• Vehicle with wounded or sick person for emergency treatment.
• AFP/PNP vehicles on official time in use of riot, insurrection, rebellion or invasion.
• Vehicles in pursuit of a criminal including a law enforcer overtaking of pursuing traffic violence.
• A police or fire department vehicle on call.
The Right of Way Rule:
• It means the right to proceed ahead of another vehicle or pedestrian.
• Note: A high percentage of all collision occurs at intersection. Many of these maybe attributed to the
driver’s uncertainty or failure to observe the rules of the right of way.
Pedestrian – The driver of any vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing such
highway within crosswalk, except at the intersection where the movement of traffic is being regulated by a
 peace officer or by traffic signal. Every pedestrian crossing a highway within a business or residential district,
at any point other than a crosswalk, shall yield the right of way to vehicles upon the highway.
Through Highway or Railroad Crossing – The driver of the vehicle upon a highway shall bring to a full stop such
vehicle before traversing any “through highway” or Railroad crossing except if it is apparent that no hazard exists.
Private Road to Highway – A vehicle from a private road must yield to that on a highway.
3. Prohibited Parking – Vehicles should no be parked near or within intersection, on crosswalk or pedestrian lane;
within 6 meters of the intersection of curb lines; within 4 meters of the drive way entrance of any fire station,
hospitals, clinic and others; within 4 meters of a fire hydrant; in front of a private driveway; double parking or on
the road side of any vehicle stopped or parked; on the sidewalks, path or alleys not intended for parking; at the
foot of the bridge; at any place where official signs are posted prohibiting parking or to be declared “NO PARKING”
zone.
4. If Doubt, Do Not Overtake – In general, the overtaking lane is the lane to the left of the overtaken vehicle going
in the same direction, the overtaken vehicle is the burden vehicle.
Before overtaking, consider the ff:
1. Signal the intention.
2. Check if overtaking lane is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to be safe.
3. Maneuver at own risk to over take and pass the other vehicle safely at a distance to the side of the overtaken
vehicle when a lane is clear.
5. The Bus-stop Rule – Buses line up in a single file in their order of arrival. The lead bus moves forward to center
of the column of buses lining up on the bus stop zone, and may remain until the zone is filled up with buses, but
not hang on than three minutes. Any bus has the option to move out of the area anytime or bypass a bus stop.
There shall be no doubling up at any point in the bus stop zone.
6. Rules to Prevent or Untangle Traffic Jams – Keep opposing lanes and intersection open. In heavy, slow or
stopped traffic, there shall be no overtaking. In construction, the vehicles should merge alternately.
7. Observe the Traffic Management Measures – Like the bus yellow lane, bus stop segregation scheme, truck ban,
counter flow reversible lane, one way, car pool, odd-even scheme and restraints on turning.
8. The Philosophy of a Pinoy Driver – Motorists should observe equity of the lead vehicle, doctrine of the last
clear chance, and the first come first served or Rotunda rule.
9. On Pedestrian – Keep off road way except to cross on crosswalk. Wait, embark, and alight at bus or jeep stop.
10. Remember the International Driving safety Reminder – Safety first.

Maximum Allowable Speeds for Vehicles

a. Open country roads, with no blind corners not closely bordered by habitations.
Passenger cars and motorcycles 80 Kms.
Motor Tricks and Buses 50 Kms.
b. On “through streets” or boulevards clear of traffic, with no blind corners, when so designated.
Passenger cars and motorcycles 40 Kms.
Motor Tricks and Buses 30 Kms.
c. On city and municipal streets, with light traffic, when not designated through streets.
Passenger cars and motorcycles 30 Kms.
Motor Tricks and Buses 30 Kms.
d. Through crowded streets, approaching intersections at blind corners, passing school zones or similar
dangerous circumstances.
Passenger cars and motorcycles 20 Kms.
Motor Tricks and Buses 20 Kms.

Traffic Laws and the Role of Enforcement:

Enforcement is a complex activity because it deals directly with human behavior. It is concerned
with people, attitudes, habits, personality and motives. In order to deal with law violations effectively, it is
necessary to understand something about the following:
1. The first laws concerning driving behavior which were developed mostly from experience over the years resulted
from custom and common usage.
2. Traffic laws, like all other laws, reflect the beliefs, behavior and standard agreed on by society.
3. Traffic law violation is classified into two (2) groups:
a. Hazardous traffic law violation – any violation of any law, ordinance, or regulation affecting
the use or protection of the streets and highways enacted primarily to regulate the safe movement of vehicles and
pedestrians. There are two general kinds of hazardous violations:
a.1. Unsafe behavior
a.2. Unsafe condition
b. Other traffic law violations – are violations of any law, ordinance or regulation affecting the use and protection
of street or highways but which are not enacted primarily to regulate safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Why People Violate Traffic Laws:
1. Physical disabilities and infirmities
2. Ignorance of laws, rules and regulations
 3. Mental disorder
4. Lack of training and experience
5. Wrong attitude towards driving
6. Habitual traffic violators
7. PUV driver’s for increase compensation and commission
Deterrent Act to Traffic Violators
1. Fear of fine and 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.
Enforcement makes Drivers believe in two ways:
1. Observation Effect – If a driver sees a police officer or identifiable police vehicle, he is reminded that he must
obey the law or suffer the consequences. Few drivers violate traffic laws when they are in the presence of police
officer.
2. By Reputation –If enforcement is steady and active over a long period of time drivers develop the feeling that
their risk of being apprehended at any time is high. It is the “influence by reputation” that enforcement strives to
attain.

Kinds of Enforcement Actions:

1. Traffic Arrest if:
a. Offense committed is serious.
b. Detection is necessary to avoid continued violation.
c. There is reasonable doubt that the violator will not appear in court.
2. Traffic Citation
In case of traffic violation, the officer should confiscate the violator’s driver’s license and issue: Traffic
Citation Ticket (TCT), Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or Traffic Violator’s Receipt (TVR).
The Violator Should Report and Claim his/her license to any of the following:
1. Traffic Court, if in Manila and for violation of the City’s Traffic Ordinance.
2. City/Provincial Prosecutor, if in chartered cities or provincial capitals without traffic courts, for violations of
traffic ordinance.
3. Municipal Court, in municipalities, for violation of local traffic ordinances.
4. LTO Central Office (TAS) for Metro Manila or its counterpart (RTAS) for violation of Land Transportation and
Traffic Code (R.A. 4136).
3. Traffic Warning
The three kinds of warning are:
a. Visual Warning – gesture of the hand, and of the head, a toot of the horn that you are aware of the
violation.
b. Verbal Warning – are really a form of safety education. You tell the violator that he has violated the law
and explain the hazards of such actions. They are frequently used when there is a new enforcement program going
into effect and the preliminary phase calls for a period of public education.
c. Written Warning – are combination of verbal warning and citations.
Decision Enforcement
1. Degree of violation
2. Accuracy of observation
3. Traffic weather condition
4. Evidenced gathered
5. Whether a new law or not
Itemized Identification of Features of Vehicle
1. Color
2. Year of Manufacture
3. Make- Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu etc…
4. Body type- Wagon, Truck, 4dr Sedan
5. License Plate Number
6. Outstanding Features and Accessories
7. Unusual Features of the Driver

Types of Stationary Observation

1. Conspicuous Traffic Observation – it is a stationary observation in which the observer tries to attract attention
by keeping in full view of traffic.
2. Visible Traffic Observation – it is a stationary in which the observer is in full view but located, for example, on a
side street, as to require effort on the part of traffic to discover the observer.
3. Conceal Traffic Observation – it is a stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to persons using
ordinary powers of observation from the road way being observed.
Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement
1. Decision type and seriousness of violation is an important factor to pursuit.
2. Pursuit techniques.
3. Safety driving pursuit.
Stopping and Approaching Traffic Violator:
1. Stopping a violator must be done with consideration to your safety, the driver you stopped, to other
drivers and pedestrians.
2. Approach the violator preferably on the left side from the rear and be alert for the unexpected.

Traffic Supervision, Direction and Control

Traffic Supervision – Keeping order on the street and highway within existing regulations to make their use safe
and expeditious.

All men on the department should be trained to direct traffic at the following:
a. Accident scene
b. Other emergencies
c. Planned special events
d. Regular point and interrogation control
e. Directing pedestrian’s movement
Supervised Route – Any street or highway on which traffic is supervised to some considerable degree.
Police Traffic Direction – It is defined as telling drivers and pedestrians how and where they may or may not move
or stand at a particular place, especially during periods of congestion or emergencies.

Methods of Highway Traffic Control

I. Traffic signs
Length of Sign Board- 750/9500mm
Height- 6ft. /2M

International Traffic Signs (1968 United Nation’s Convention in Vienna, Austria on Road Signs)
A. Danger Warning Signs (Caution Signs) – These signs are intended to warn road users of a danger that lies ahead
and of its nature.
This signs have an equilateral triangular shape with one sided horizontal and having red borders.
Lester Wire- Developed the first world electric traffic lights in 1912 in Salt Lake City, Utah USA.
1918- New York City put up the first automatic (three colored) lights then followed by Britain in 1926 until at
present.

Types of Traffic Islands

a. Pedestrian Island (Pedestrian Barriers)
b. Traffic Islands
b.1. Division Island
b.2. Channelizing island
b.3. Rotary
Disadvantages of Traffic Installation
1. Increase total intersection delay. (Off-peak period)
2. Probable increase of accident in certain types.
3. Cause unnecessary delay. (Rear-end collision)
4. Use of less adequate routes maybe included in an attempt to avoid such signals.

Primary Aims of Signal Control

1. To reduce traffic conflicts and delay.
2. To reduce accidents.
3. To economize police time.
Road Classification
1. According to Political Subdivision
a. National Roads – The main road as medium system.
b. Provincial Roads – The linkages between two municipalities.
c. City Roads – The inter-link between municipalities and within the city proper.
d. Municipal Roads – All roads within the town proper.
e. Barangay Roads – Commonly called farm to market road.
2. According to Topographical Terrain
a. Flat road
b. Zigzag road
c. Steep-hill climbing road
d. Down-hill road
 e. Winding road
f. Mountainous road
g. Roller-coaster road

Traffic Accident Investigation

To know what questions to ask and what to look for, you must have some fundamental bearing on
accidents and their causes. When you speak of a traffic accident, everybody knows what you mean – something
went wrong on the highway, either a car is wrecked; somebody is injured or possibly killed. In this regard as traffic
law enforcer, you should have knowledge about traffic accident and the relevant investigation procedure.

Accident
It is the occurrence in a sequence of events which usually produces unintended injury, death, or property
damage.
Traffic Accident
It refers to an accident involving travel transportation on a traffic way.
Motor Vehicle Accident
It refers to events resulting in unintended injury or property damage attributable directly or indirectly to
the action of a motor vehicle or its loads.
Motor Vehicle
Any device which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from
overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
Key Event
It refers to an event on the road which characterizes the manner of occurrence of a motor vehicle traffic
accident.
Debris
Any scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other materials left at the scene of the accident
caused by collision.
Traffic Unit
Any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other purposes as a pedestrian or driver, including any
vehicle, or animal which he is using.
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.
Tactic
Any action taken by a traffic unit to avoid hazardous situations like steering, braking, or accelerating to
avoid collision or other accident.
Factor
Any circumstances 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.
Cause
The combination of simultaneous and sequential factors without any one which result could not have
occurred.
Attributes
Any inherent characteristics of a road, vehicle, or a person that affects the probability of a traffic accident.
Tire Marks
Three Major Parts
1. Tire Marks
2. Skid Marks/Acceleration Scuff - 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.
– Gap Skid
– Skip Skid
3. Scuff Marks (Side Skid Mark )
Other Tire Marks
Yaw Marks (Striations)
Centrifugal Skid Marks
Kinds of Traffic Accidents
1. Non-Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident
2. Motor Vehicle Non-Traffic Accident
3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident
Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident According to Key Event
1. Running off road- Ex.: Vehicle falling on roadside or on a cliff.
2. Non-collision on road- Ex.: Overturning
3. Collision on the road- Ex.: Vehicle to Pedestrian etc…
Classification of Accidents According to Severity
1. Property damage accident
2. Slight
3. Non-fatal injury accident
4. Less Serious
5. Serious
6. Fatal
Causes of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents
1. Simultaneous Factors
a. Road Condition
b. Driver’s attitude or behavior
c. Weather condition
2. Sequential Factors
a. Speed is greater or less than safe
b. Defective Vehicles
3. Operational Factors
a. Road hazards
b. Driver’s non-compliance to traffic laws
4. Perception Hazards
a. Driver’s inability to react promptly to a situation
b. Driver’s faulty action to escape collision course.
Chain of Events in a Vehicular Accident
First: Perception of Hazards
Second: Start of Evasive Action
Third: Initial Contact
Fourth: Maximum Engagement
Fifth: Disengagement
Sixth: Stopping
Seventh: Injury
5 Levels of Activity in Accident Investigation
1. Reporting- Basic data collection
2. At-scene Investigation
3. Technical Preparation- Organization for study and interpretation
4. Professional Reconstruction
Traffic Accident Reconstruction (How)
It is the effort to determine, from whatever information is available, how the accident happened.
Describing the event of the accident, in more or less detail, is the aim of accident reconstruction. It is important
much more if there is no eye witness to the incident. This involves attempting to determine, for each vehicle or
pedestrian involved, such particulars as:
a. Position on the road
b. Facing or heading direction
c. Speed
d. Direction travel
e. Acceleration or deceleration
f. Rotation
5. Cause analysis
Traffic Accident Analysis (Why)
Accident analysis is a detail study made to determine the factors contributing to the occurrence of
accidents. Proper identification of contributory factors is needed in implementing measures to prevent the
occurrence or mitigate the effect of accidents.

Traffic Accident Investigation Process

Step One – Upon arrival at the scene of the accident get the facts from the bystanders or complainants: Answer
the following (5W and 1H):
a. What happened?
b. Who and what was involved?
c. When did it happen?
d. Why it happened?
e. Where did it happen?
f. How the accident occurred?
Step Two
A. Preliminary questions to drivers:
1. Who was driving and which vehicle?
2. Look for signs of nervousness, confusions and intoxication.
B. Gather clues for identifying hit-and-run vehicles.
C. Question other witnesses.
D. Examine driver’s condition.
1. Check license and record data.
2. Check registration certificate and record data.
3. Verify ownership.
4. Account step-by-step what happened.
E. Position or condition of vehicles.
1. Lights and light switches.
2. Gear position and tires.
3. Mark position of vehicles if they must be moved.
4. Look for unusual thing inside the vehicle.
F. Form preliminary opinion as to how traffic accident occurred.
G. Photograph skid marks and locations for later measuring.
H. Record place to which injured persons or damage vehicles were or will be taken.
Step Three – After getting short live evidence:
A. Make a test skid.
B. Decide whether proof of violation is sufficient for arrest. If so, make arrest or issue citation ticket.
C. Complete examination of vehicles involved.
D. Locate key event or point of impact of accident.
E. Make additional photographs of the following:
1. Vehicle damage.
2. View obstruction.
3. Present condition.
4. Control devices.
F. Measure for scale diagram of location.
G. Get additional facts at the scene of the incident.
H. Report to headquarters by radio or telephone.
Step Four – After leaving the scene:
A. Get a medical report of injuries from the hospital or doctor.
B. Notify the following:
1. Relatives of dead or injured person.
2. Owner/operator of the vehicle.
C. Have photograph developed.
D. Have specimen analyzed, if any were taken, have chemical test.
E. Complete the report of accident.
1. Have copies made if necessary.
2. File report and copies.
F. Complete factual data on investigation report if not completed at the scene.
G. Reconstruct the accident.
1. Estimate speed of vehicles involved.
2. Draw scale diagram.
3. Analyze angle of collision.
4. Get technical help if necessary.
5. Summarize opinions.
H. Complete report of investigation (file report and notes)
I. Inform other agencies of department of any condition at the scene which needs attention for safety.
Step Five – If the case go to court:
A. Find out what the prosecutor wants to straighten evidence.
B. Return to the scene of the accident if necessary for the following:
1. Additional photograph
2. Long lived evidence.
3. Measurement for scale diagram for use of court.
4. Look for additional witnesses and review their testimony and;
4.a Relatives and friends who could confirm activities.
4.b Technicians who developed pictures, made chemical test, etc.
4.c Expert who could help.
C. Pre-trial conference with prosecutor witness.
D. Testify in court.
E. Organized and file papers, for future references.
Step to Take in Case of Injury
1. Stop the arterial bleeding.
2. Ask help if needed.
3. Protect the injured from exposure.
4. Cordon the scene of the accident.
Traffic Accident Investigation Report
A. Uniform traffic accident reporting system.
B. Preparation of traffic accident report.
1. By a competent bonafide traffic accident investigator.
2. Requirements for an investigator in the submission of report such as evidence gathered, diagrams,
sketches as well as a sworn fstatements of witnesses.
3. Traffic accident investigation report will be accomplished if five copies or more is necessary.
3.a One copy for the investigator.
3.b One copy for the record section of the Traffic Management Office.
3.c One copy for the office of the prosecutor/court.
3.d One copy for the Traffic Operation Center.
3.e One copies each for the insurance companies of the parties involved.
Coefficient of Friction:
The measurement of the relationship between the rubber and the road expressed in percentage of
efficiency is universally referred to as coefficient of friction. Some traffic moguls denominated it as Drag Factor.
Friction
It is defined as the resistance between the tire and the roadway that determine the minimum speed of the vehicle
after acceleration/deceleration and sudden change of direction.
The amount of rubber worn from the tire tread depends upon the amount of friction on the road. Invariably, the
coefficient of friction is affected by the type, kind, design of the road surface and by natural man made factors,
these are:
1. Type of surface: asphalted, cemented, sandy or dirt road.
2. Kind of surface: wet, dry, snowy or icy.
3. Design: slope, downhill and others.
4. Temperature: Hot, cold and humid.
5. Natural disaster: flood, mudflow, landslide, and lahar flow.
6. Contamination of surface: oil residue, gas leak, fruit peels and other foreign bodies spread on the road
surface.
Warren E. Clark
Lead development and validated a formula to determine the coefficient of friction in a given roadway that
answers the question: What is the speed of the vehicle before the accident?
Coefficient of Friction or Drag Factor
F= S²
30(D)
Grade or Slope (Gradient)
f= Horizontal distance
Vertical rise or fall
Speed Calculation
S= 5.5 √DF= (speed on a level road)
S= 5.5 √DF(+/-F)= (up or downhill)
Sample Problem:
A driver of a Toyota Tamaraw FX while traversing down along Maharlika Highway suddenly steps on the brake
when a young boy ran across the path. In the process, the vehicle skidded before hitting the boy. When the skid
mark was measured, it yields 55ft 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 30mph is 35 ft; and 2) the vertical fall of the highway is 1.5 ft.
1. Compute first the drag factor. Use the figures used during the test skid:
F= S = 30² = 900= .86
30(D) 30(35ft) 1050
2. Calculate for the gradient because the highway is downhill:
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”:

S= √5.5 DF (+F)
4. Then Substitute:
S= 5.5 √55ft x .86) + .67
S= 5.5 √47.3 + .67
S= 5.5 √47.97
S= 5.5 (6.93)
S= 38.12mph
This formula has gained acceptance and validation by the decisional doctrine as enunciated in the leading
case of People vs. Herman before the Traffic Magistrate City Court, New York City, 20 N.Y.S.(2nd) 174 N.Y.
Misc.235. This ruling appears to influence many countries to take official cognizance of the admissibility of skid
marks as evidentiary tool to determine the minimum speed of the vehicle before the vehicular accident.
Classification of Accident According to Severity:
1. Fatal Accident – any motor vehicle accident that results in death to one or more person.
2. Non-fatal Accident – any motor vehicle accident that results in injuries other than fatal (death) to one
or more persons.
3. Property Damage Accident – is any motor vehicle accident where there is no death or injury to any
person but only to the motor vehicle or to other property including injury or death to animal.
Hit-and-run Investigation:
Hit-and-run commonly applied to driver who failed to stop after a road accident. It is the failure to yield to
any officer within reasonable time: the gravamen or the keystone which make the driver liable.
Settled is the rule, that the non-stopping of the driver after the accident has the legal presumption of
evading social and moral responsibilities as mandated by law, in effect, several legal actions can be filed
against the hit-and-run driver, among them are:
1. Abandonment of one’s victim.
2. Failure to lend assistance to the injured parties.
3. Reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.
4. Reckless imprudence resulting to damage to properties.
5. Failure to render assistance to victim.
6. Violation of Section 55, R.A. 4136 as amended.
7. Civil liability of a person guilty of felony.
A Good Reason of Bringing Hit-and-Run Driver’s to Justice:
1. Increase public support for traffic work.
2. Enable people to appraise result to traffic law enforcement.
3. Provides victim a chance to receive compensation for injuries and losses sustained.
Nature of Common Hit-and-Run Cases:
1. Run over of pedestrian crossing on marked crosswalk.
2. Sideswiped of pedestrian on the sidewalk.
3. Collided with a moving vehicle while overtaking on same direction.
4. Collided with a moving vehicle while overtaking on opposite direction.
5. Damage parked vehicle along the roadside.
6. Crushed police road-blocks.
7. Bumped stray animal on the roadway.
How to Delimit the Scope of Investigation from the Wide Universe of Unknown:
Given: A pedestrian when run-over by a speeding vehicle while crossing the marked cross-walk at 1:00 PM.
Blood, splintered glass and debris were splattered on the pavement near the victim.
Unknown:
1. the victim’s identification
2. the kind of vehicle
3. the make of vehicle
4. the model of vehicle
5. the registered vehicle
6. the driver
7. the eyewitness
The absence of informant or eyewitness is not a plausible reason for the crime to be unsolved. There is no
perfect crime only imperfect investigation. For every crime the criminals always leave imprints of his act.
Prosecution of Cases:
Traffic accident investigator has the sole responsibility in the filing of cases to the proper
authorities in case of Fatal and Non-fatal Accident including hit-and-run. For Property Damage the filing is
dependent upon the discretion of the complaining party (either the complainant or the police investigator) within
one year from the date of the accident.
In case of Death or Physical Injury incurred during the Traffic Vehicular Accident whether regular
or hit and run investigation, upon the arrest of the accused he must be delivered to the Proper Judicial Authorities
within the prescribed period as provided for under the law.
Court Duty:
Traffic accident investigator will be summoned to appear before the court and there and then testify to
the case he had investigated. The investigator must be in complete police prescribed uniform. He must be fully
aware of the case in issue. During the trial, he will be subjected to a direct and cross examination by the
prosecution and the defense counsel.
Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations
Sources
Republic Acts
1. R.A. 4136- Land Transportation Code of the Philippines. It has repealed Act No. 3992 (The Revised Motor
Vehicle Law).
 2. R.A. 6539- Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972.
3. R.A. 5448- Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger automobiles, motorcycles and scooters, and a
science stamp tax to constitute a special science fund…
4. R.A. 8749- Also known as the “Clean Air Act”.
5. R.A. 8750- Seat Belt Law
6. R.A. 7924- Act creating Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
4. R.A. 8749- Also known as the “Clean Air Act”.
5. R.A. 8750- Seat Belt Law
6. R.A. 7924- Act creating Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Presidential Decrees
1. P.D. 96- Regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns etc… exceptions to vehicles belonging to the AFP, NBI,
LTO, PNP, BJMP, Hospitals and BFP and are specifically intended for use in emergencies.
2. P.D. 207- Declaring parts of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, signs and
signals.
3. P.D. 612- Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles against third party liability…
4. P.D. 1181- Providing for the abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles and for other purposes.
5. P.D. 98- Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles as modified by P.D. 109.
6. P.D. 1729- Authorizing the Bureau of Land Transportation to dispose impounded motor vehicles unclaimed
for a certain period of time.
Letters of Instruction
1. L.O.I. 43- Providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets and highways such as construction,
stalled parked vehicles and other movable objects that obstruct free passage.
2. L.O.I. 112- Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from using roads, highways and bridges whose load
capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.
3. L.O.I. 716- Every motor vehicle to equip at least a pair of EWD.
Memorandum Circulars
1. M.C. 94-188- Issuance of driver’s license to disabled persons.
2. M.C. 94-192- Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.
Executive orders
1. E.O. 202- Creating the land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
2. E.O. 248- Empowering the LTC to control and supervise the operations of Motor Vehicle Driving Schools.
Others
1. Batas Pambansa Blg. 344- Act to enhancing the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings,
institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other laws.
2. Memorandum Unnumbered dated July 13, 1992- Early Warning Device is not a requirement for
registration.
3. SC Bars Lawmen from removing Car Plates (187 SCRA 432)