• ♦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

Anchor: #i1007770

Section 3: Traffic Counter Vehicle

Anchor: #i1007775

Safety Standards

Employees shall follow policies and procedures in the Equipment Manual and the Equipment Preventive Maintenance Manual while using state vehicles. Willful violation is grounds for disciplinary action.

Anchor: #i1007788

Collisions

If a traffic counter is involved in a collision while conducting a vehicle classification count:

• Call 911 if injuries need medical attention.
• Move vehicles out of traffic, if there are no visible signs of injury and vehicles are drivable.
• Use a first aid kit or fire extinguisher, if comfortable doing so. Follow universal precautions and treat all blood and bodily fluids as infected by using latex protection.
• Contact your supervisor.

Strandings

For vehicle, road hazard, or other stranding problems, the Texas Department of Public Safety has a toll-free number to help.

• 1-800-525-5555, DPS Stranded Motorist Hotline.

The number is printed on the back of all Texas driver licenses and ID cards, and used for non-emergency assistance. It is not a substitute for 911.

Depending on your location, the call is routed to the appropriate police agency that will provide help or send a unit to check on your welfare until other help arrives.

Anchor: #i1004417Where your call will be routed

Your location	Call routed to
Inside city limits	Police department with local jurisdiction
In a rural area	Sheriff’s office with local jurisdiction
Areas with courtesy patrols	Courtesy Patrol (or you will be given the number)