General Orders Details

G10.3.1 Traffic Direction and Control

Chapter: Chapter 10: Traffic and Parking Services
Sub-Chapter: 10.3 - Ancillary Traffic Services
Effective Date: 03/27/2024
Revised Date: 03/27/2024
Rescinds: None

Purpose

To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow for traffic direction and control.

General Order

The IUPD will promote the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which may require manual direction, manual operation of traffic control signals, or use of temporary traffic control devices.

Procedures for manual traffic direction and control (10.3.1 a)

Personnel will, at all times, give proper consideration to their own safety while carrying out manual traffic direction and control.

Personnel carrying out manual traffic direction and control will ensure that their presence and purpose are well demonstrated to drivers and pedestrians by employing clear hand signals and gestures to assist driver and pedestrian recognition and response to their direction. The following rules and procedures will be observed while directing traffic:

• Personnel will select a position to direct traffic which provides a full view of the intersection or incident scene, makes them readily visible to drivers and pedestrians, and affords them the maximum safety.
• Personnel will assume a posture at the control position which reflects confidence, command, and courtesy.
• Personnel will use clearly visible signals and gestures. Exaggerated movements may be necessary in certain circumstances to avoid motorist confusion.
• Stopping Traffic
  • Point and look directly at the driver that is to stop until eye contact is made.
  • Raise one hand with the palm toward the driver until they stop. Personnel may point with their other hand to the exact location the driver is to stop.
  • When stopping vehicles on an open highway, face the traffic to be stopped and extend both hands above the head with palms toward the drivers.
• Starting and Maintaining Traffic Flow
  • Point at the driver being directed to start and make eye contact.
  • Rotate the hand up and over the chin bending the arm at the elbow.
• Turns
  • Turns will be allowed when they can be accomplished safely.
  • Turns will be directed by pointing at the driver until eye contact is made, then pointing in the direction of the turn.
• Whistles may be used to supplement hand signals. One long blast signals motorists to stop. Two short blasts signal motorists to proceed.
• Due to the reduced visibility, personnel will be extra cautious when directing traffic during hours of darkness. The emergency lights and road flares or traffic cones should be used to help warn approaching motorists. Personnel will also be aware that being backlit by bright lights may reduce the ability of approaching motorists to see them. The traffic wand should be used if available. When using a flashlight:
  • the beam of the flashlight may be aimed at and across the pavement in front of approaching cars as a signal to stop.
  • the beam may be rapidly flashed in the direction of the approaching vehicle to get the driver’s attention.
  • the beam should be moved along the roadway to indicate the path the vehicle should proceed in.
• Minor variations in the uniform signals used for traffic direction may be made to facilitate the flow of traffic in unusual circumstances.

High visibility clothing required (10.3.1 b)

Personnel will wear their department issued high visibility traffic vests or jackets while performing traffic direction and control duties or when conducting operations likely to involve prolonged exposure to vehicle traffic.

There may be unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic accidents or other emergencies, when personnel do not have time to put on their high visibility clothing. However, personnel will put on their high visibility clothing at the earliest practical opportunity.

Considerations during periods of adverse road or weather conditions (10.3.1 c)

Adverse road or weather conditions may include but are not limited to:

• accidental hazards such as debris in the roadway or downed power lines;
• acts of nature such as snow, ice, or fog; and/or
• engineering hazards such as damage to the roadway.

Personnel may be assigned to conduct traffic direction during severe weather conditions or when roads are not suited for vehicular traffic. Personnel may detour traffic, shut down the road, or provide motorists direction around hazardous areas or locations.

Personnel will be especially observant of downed power lines and take precautions to prevent electrocution-related injuries or deaths. These precautions include but are not limited to refraining from touching or attempting to move the lines, maintaining a safe distance away from the lines, and directing vehicles and pedestrians away from the lines.

The appropriate department, company or agency will be contacted via the dispatch communications center to address the hazard.

Circumstances warranting the manual operation of traffic control signals (10.3.1 d)

Circumstances that warrant the manual operation of traffic control signals may vary and include but are not limited to:

• malfunctioning of the traffic signal;
• facilitating movement of traffic at collision scene, emergencies, or special events;
• providing a thoroughfare for motorcades;
• alleviating congestion resulting from the use of automatic controls; and/or
• any other law enforcement related purpose.

Use of temporary traffic control devices (10.3.1 e)

Temporary traffic control devices such as barricades, cones, or other devices may be deployed in support of traffic direction and control activities. The devices will be removed from the lane of traffic as soon as practicable following the need for the temporary control device.