Select the option that best describes the traffic controls in the vehicle's environment just prior to this vehicle's critical pre-crash event. The roadway used for filling out this field is the one this vehicle departed from if it is off the roadway just prior to its critical pre-crash event. If this vehicle is in a junction just prior to its critical pre-crash event, this field is filled out based on the roadway this vehicle was on before entering the junction.
If more than one device is present, select the highest device (lowest number on list) most related to the crash.
There are two exceptions:
- One exception is 50 - Person (flagger, law enforcement, crossing guard, etc.). This option takes precedence over the entire list.
- The other exception is a 28 - Other Regulatory Sign. You may have a 28 - Other Regulatory Sign along with another traffic control device (for example, a Warning Sign for a dangerous condition in which the Warning Sign is more relevant in the crash). In this case, the 40 - Warning Sign is more appropriate to select.
When a traffic control is deactivated (e.g., traffic signal that emits no signals) during certain times of the day and was deactivated at the time of the crash, select 00 - No Controls. Also select 00 - No Controls for a traffic control that has just been installed and not yet activated.
If a traffic control is out (e.g., due to a power failure) select 00 - No Controls unless a temporary control (e.g., stop sign, police officer, etc.) has been inserted in which case the temporary control should be entered.
01 - Traffic Control Signal (on colors) without Pedestrian Signal refers to any highway traffic signal by which traffic is alternatively directed to stop and permitted to proceed, utilizing the colors of red, yellow, and green. This traffic control signal does not have a pedestrian control signal.
02 - Traffic Control Signal (on colors) with Pedestrian Signal refers to any highway traffic signal by which traffic is alternatively directed to stop and permitted to proceed, utilizing the colors of red, yellow, and green. This traffic control signal does have a pedestrian control signal.
03 - Traffic Control Signal (on colors) not known whether or not Pedestrian Signal refers to any highway traffic signal by which traffic is alternatively directed to stop and permitted to proceed, utilizing the colors of red, yellow, and green. It is unknown if this traffic control signal has a pedestrian control signal.
04 - Flashing Traffic Control Signal usually has a single colored head and flashes. Use this option if it is a Highway Traffic Signal that is flashing. This includes a flashing beacon. If a flashing red beacon appears with a stop sign, use this option.
Guide signs do not constitute traffic controls.
You may have a Regulatory Speed Limit Sign along with another Traffic Control Device (for example, a Warning Sign for a dangerous condition in which the Warning Sign is more relevant in the crash). In this case, the Warning Sign is more appropriate to select. Another set of questions arises from the issue of proximity of the device to the crash. Judgment must be applied in these situations. Typical signs which create such problems are:
- Speed limit signs where a party to the crash may be speeding;
- "Do Not Pass" signs where a no passing zone extends for miles but is only marked at the beginning of the zone;
- Pedestrians Prohibited signs at entrances to freeways but a pedestrian crash occurs on the freeway between interchanges;
- And other such signs which may pertain to a significant length of road.
In these instances, if the crash occurs within reasonably close proximity of the sign and the sign type is relevant to the crash then it may be appropriate to enter the sign.
Generally, the appropriate option should be used if a party to the crash failed to heed the sign, was in a position to be controlled by the sign, or the sign has some relationship to the crash. For example, for a crash at a four-legged, two-way stop intersection where a driver fails to stop at the stop sign and collides with another vehicle, use the option 20 - Stop Sign. Conversely, at the same intersection, a driver on an approach not controlled by a stop sign loses control and strikes a utility pole. In this case, 20 - Stop Sign would not be appropriate.
Pavement markings are not considered as traffic control devices.
07 - Lane Use Control Signal is for permanent lane control electronic devices (i.e., overhead lights or "X" indicating lane open or closed for rush hour lanes, bridges or at tollbooths).
08 - Other Highway Traffic Signal should be selected for traffic signals that are not covered in the preceding options. Use this option when a School Bus uses flashing lights to control traffic around the bus, regardless of any additional signs the school bus uses. For example, a school bus uses flashing lights and a stop sign on an arm to stop traffic around the school bus. This should only be used if the crash occurred during the time the sign was in effect.
09 - Unknown Highway Traffic Signal is used when the highway traffic signal is unknown at the time of crash.
20 - Stop Sign is a traffic sign used to control vehicular traffic, usually erected at road junctions, that instructs drivers to stop and then to proceed only if the way ahead is clear.
21 - Yield Sign indicates that a vehicle driver must slow down and prepare to stop if necessary usually while merging into traffic on another road but needn't stop if the way is clear.
23 - School Zone Sign/Device is used when the first harmful event occurred during the time the sign was in effect. If the sign was in effect, it does not matter whether or not children were present. Some 23 - School Zone Signs/Devices can be flashing, if this is the case, use this option before using 04 - Flashing Traffic Control Signal.
28 - Other Regulatory Sign
Regulatory signs inform highway users of traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of legal requirements that would not otherwise be apparent.
Examples of Regulatory Signs other than 20 - Stop Sign or 21 - Yield Sign are:
- Speed Limit
- Turn Prohibition
- Do Not Pass
- Do Not Enter
- Wrong-way
- One-way
- Road Closed
- Hazardous Cargo
29 - Unknown Regulatory Sign is used when the regulatory sign was unknown at the time of crash.
40 - Warning Sign is used when it is deemed necessary to warn traffic of existing or potentially hazardous conditions on or adjacent to a highway or street.
Examples of Warning Signs:
- Work/Construction Zone related (Lane Shift, Uneven Surface, Workers Ahead, etc.)
- Changes in Horizontal Alignment (Hill, Curve, etc.),
- Road Narrows,
- Divided Road/Divided Road Ends,
- Low Clearance,
- Road Surface Condition (Bump, Slippery When Wet, etc.),
- Traffic Flow (Merge, Two-Way Traffic, No Passing Zone etc.)
- This includes electronic warning signs such as portable signs, (i.e., attached to a vehicle), or stationary devices.
- Flashing lights on an approaching train.
65 - Railway Crossing Device is used to control or warn vehicular traffic at a railway crossing.
Examples:
- Flashing Lights
- Wigwags
- Bells
- Cross Bucks
98 - Other includes: any other device, which functions as a traffic control device which is not listed as an option above and is related to the crash. Some examples are: barricades, cones, drums, and object markers.
99 - Unknown is used when the traffic control device at the time of crash was not known.