LESSON 1/TASK 1
Close and continuing coordination is required between the PM, the engineer, the safety office, and
other staff agencies, including the transportation office, when appropriate. Traffic control studies are
one of the major methods used by the PM to provide information to the other staff officers. Such
studies must be conducted on a continuing basis in order to provide the staff the latest information
required to make recommendations to the commander. Civil authorities must also be consulted to
ensure that post activities and those planned for adjacent civilian communities do not conflict and are
closely integrated.
General Considerations
Traffic studies are required whenever changes occur in traffic conditions. Such changes might be
major or minor. They may be caused by changes in the missions of units at the installation, or by the
relocation of units. The addition of new roads, buildings, or parking lots may also cause changes.
Traffic studies may be required because of changes in adjacent civilian highways that affect the traffic
on the installation, or vice versa. Traffic studies may also be generated based on information from
traffic enforcement and accident investigation activities. The type of change will determine the nature
and depth of the study.
When traffic studies are conducted, the public should be informed. This is especially true if the study
will affect their day-to-day routine. Keeping the public informed will enhance public support and
cooperation. Informing the public may also preclude, or at least reduce, some traffic congestion that
may occur from individuals "rubber-necking" when the study is being conducted. Coordination and
cooperation with the installation PAO can greatly assist the PM in keeping the public informed.
An operating station is used in conducting traffic studies. It normally will consist of one or two MP who
will collect data. Each operating station should be checked by a supervisor a minimum of five minutes
for every hour. A supervisor should therefore be provided for every two to eight stations. A coordinator
for the overall study is also appointed.
Each station should have two means of communication. Preferably, one of these is the telephone.
This provides the station with a primary and alternate means of reaching the supervisor in case of
emergencies or problems.
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