Traffic Recorder Instruction Manual: Law Enforcement Inquiries

♦Manual Notice 2012-1
►1. Introduction
- ►1. Overview of Manual
  - ♦Manual’s Focus
  - ♦Importance of Traffic Data
  - ♦General Description of Work
  - ♦Traffic Counters’ Requirement
- ►2. Collecting and Posting Reliable Traffic Data
  - ♦Collecting Reliable Data
  - ♦Accurately Posting Data
- ♦3. Definitions
►2. Safety
- ♦1. Introduction
- ►2. Proper Attire
  - ♦Headgear
  - ♦Safety Vest
  - ♦Footwear
  - ♦Clothing
- ►3. Traffic Counter Vehicle
  - ♦Safety Standards
  - ♦Collisions
  - ♦Strandings
- ►4. Traffic Counter Safety
  - ♦Working at Night
  - ♦Working in Heat
  - ♦Working in Inclement Weather
  - ♦Compromised Condition of Counter
  - ♦Distractions
  - ♦Dangerous People
  - ♦Emergency Contacts
- ►5. Road Conditions
  - ♦Available Reports
  - ♦Wireless Internet Access
  - ♦TxDOT Safety Rest Areas
  - ♦TxDOT Travel Information Centers
►3. Preparing for Vehicle Classification Counts
- ►1. Equipment and Supplies
  - ♦Required Equipment and Supplies
  - ♦Recommended Supplies
- ►2. Reviewing Assigned Schedule
  - ♦Schedule Information
- ►3. Counting Station
  - ♦Locating Station
  - ♦Parking
  - ♦Posting State Traffic Survey Sign
  - ♦Leaving Site
- ►4. Synchronizing Timepiece
  - ♦Using the Internet for Official Time
  - ♦Using the Telephone for UTC Time
- ♦5. Trip Checklist
►4. Classifying Vehicles
- ►1. Classification Categories
  - ♦FHWA 13-Category Scheme
  - ♦Classification Table
- ►2. Vehicle Classification Descriptions
  - ♦Motorcycles
  - ♦Passenger Cars
  - ♦Pickups, Panels, Vans
  - ♦Buses
  - ♦Single Unit Trucks
  - ♦Combination Trucks (Pulling Trailers)
►5. Counting Vehicles
- ►1. Counting Instructions
  - ♦Introduction
  - ♦Directional (Two-Way) Counts
  - ♦Three-Way Counts
  - ♦Four-Way Counts
►6. Using Form 1617A
- ►1. Setting Up Form 1617A
  - ♦Required Format
  - ♦Header Information
- ►2. Form 1617A Blocks
  - ♦General Information
  - ♦Counting Scenarios
- ►3. Entering Numerical Data
  - ♦Hours
  - ♦Motorcycles
  - ♦Cars and Pickups
  - ♦Other Vehicles
  - ♦Weather and Traffic
  - ♦Reset Counter
- ♦4. Calculating Totals
▼7. Communications
- ►1. Internal Communication
  - ♦Reporting Problems
- ►2. Dealing with the Public
  - ♦Harassment by the Public
  - ♦Requests for Traffic Counts
- ▼3. Law Enforcement Inquiries
  - ♦Identification Documents
♦A. Vehicle Classification Using FHWA 13-Category Scheme
♦B. Form 1617A (Example)
♦C. TxDOT District Map and Code Numbers
♦D. Schedule Example
♦E. Station Examples (with GPS Locations)
♦F. Form 1617A Header Information
♦G. Texas Counties and Code Numbers
►H. Submitting Data to TPP
- ►1. Traffic Counter Duties
  - ♦Providing Field Data
  - ♦Software Requirements
- ►2. Excel Data Entry Instructions
  - ♦About the Excel Spreadsheets
  - ♦The Data Entry Process
  - ♦Validating Data Entry
- ►3. Converting Excel Files to Text Files
  - ♦Example of a Text File

Section 3: Law Enforcement Inquiries

Identification Documents

While you are conducting traffic counts, it is possible that law enforcement or other authorities may stop to inquire about your activities. Be courteous and respectful, responding to their requests for your identification documents, such as your driver’s license and employment identification.