LESSON 1/TASK 1
and ease the traffic flow. All of these factors will contribute to the prevention of traffic accidents.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Traffic management is a command responsibility. The commander uses various staff officers to carry
out those responsibilities. As a general policy of the Department of Defense, all traffic programs and
procedures are to be based on the National Highway Safety Program Standards (NHSPS). The
NHSPS was implemented by the National Highway Safety Act of 1966, as amended. Devices and
markings used in traffic control should conform as much as possible to the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices published by the Department of Transportation.
The commander is responsible for public information and safety education. Several of the installation
staff officers are involved in executing this mission. A key individual is the PM, as well as the safety
officer and public affairs officer (PAO). Other staff officers will also be involved. It must be a total team
effort to be effective. The degree of emphasis on selected parts of the program will vary according to
the needs of the community. The program has three primary purposes. They are:
o Teaching that traffic safety is a personal responsibility.
o Providing information to drivers and pedestrians to enable them to protect themselves from
accidents.
o Developing a broader understanding of traffic problems in terms of engineering, enforcement,
and education.
Provost Marshal (PM)
The PM (or equivalent law enforcement officer of other services) has overall staff responsibility for
motor vehicle traffic supervision. He must maintain close liaison with other installation staff officers, as
well as appropriate civilian agencies near the installation. The PM is involved in both traffic planning
and safety, as well as traffic enforcement and investigation. Among the actions included are the
supervision and control of motor vehicle traffic, the promulgation and enforcement of traffic laws and
regulations, and the investigation of motor vehicle accidents.
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