FIELD EXERCISE 1 in CE 121

Introduction Traffic control devices are ways of informing the road users about the detailed requirements or conditions that affect the road usage in some places together with the time of use to avoid accidents. Traffic control devices can be grouped into three: regulatory, warning and guiding devices. For efficiency of the devices, every control devices must catch the attention of the road user, transmit simple meanings for a shorter response of the road user to the message and must value the rights of every road users. An upright road user must obey the standard rules in using different traffic signs to assure safety on the road. Traffic control devices are standardized internationally according to their shape, color, size, illumination/reflectorization, and position of the devices. In order for the control devices/traffic signs to be functional, they must be well-maintained and can last for a couple of years before they were substituted. Objectives To classify the different traffic control devices that will be encountered in the field To explain the meaning of each traffic sign To explain the purpose of each object markings/markers To comment on the devices compliance with international standards To recognize problems affecting the effectiveness of traffic control devices

Methodology Every group is assigned an area of observation. Given the area to be surveyed from UPLB Gate to Sakay Village look over for different traffic signs established along the road section. Take a picture of every traffic signs observed along the road section assigned plus the picture of the group at the starting point and in the end point. After taking of pictures classify the traffic signs according to their functional group and explain their meaning. Determine if the signs obey to the standard composition of a traffic sign. For object markers, explain its purpose and determine if it obeys to the standard composition of an object marking.

Guide Questions: 1. Based on your observations, do you think some advertisements/billboards are already obscuring some traffic signs? Must there be regulations on putting up advertisement signs? - Yes, there are some advertisements/billboards that obscure some traffic signs. Some obstructs the drivers sight on the sign like bushes and trees. In addition to, advertisements/billboards near traffic signs divert the drivers attention therefore they might not notice that a traffic sign says STOP for example. - If advertisements/billboards are to be placed along the side of the road, the poser of the advertisements/billboards must consider a definite distance away from a traffic sign so that it would not block the drivers sight on the sign. 2. Nowadays, many local government units have been able to get support from private companies in fabricating and installing traffic signs at locations under their jurisdiction, provided that the companys logo or identification is indicated in a certain area of the sign (one-eight to one-fifth of the total surface area). Would you agree to this? Why? Or why not? I would disagree on this condition because a traffic sign is built and installed to give an information about the road or as a warning for every road users and must not be used to gain an advantage to promote advertisements of the sponsors. 3. Most international signs consist mainly of symbols with minimum or almost no words in them. Would you suggest putting words in Tagalog or in any dialects in order to convey their meaning? Why or why not? -Yes, I agree on it because nowadays it is evident that although some drivers have their drivers license, they dont even know what do several traffic signs really mean specially those that are not frequently seen on ordinary roads a driver used to drive on. It is better to put Tagalog words on traffic signs given that it would not violate the rule on what size and on how concise a sign should be.

Conclusion Traffic signs/ traffic control devices are very vital in the transportation region because these devices give an aid on how would a road user act while s/he is on the road so that traffic is controlled and safety of everyone is guaranteed. And for traffic control devices to be effective, cost-effective and sensible, it should follow the standard format of a traffic sign to avoid curiosity of the road user on the meaning of the sign, thus, making the traffic systematic and making road users more aware whenever they are on travel.