Traffic control Basic security guard training

Last Updated on June 2, 2025

Basic security guard training Unit 5 Lesson (E)

Traffic control is often a part of a security guard’s responsibility, especially when assigned to private property.

This lesson in Traffic control basic security guard training online will help you understand the rules, responsibilities, and procedures to ensure smooth vehicle and pedestrian movement in your duty area.

Authority of a Security Guard in Traffic Control

A security guard has the authority to control traffic only within the private property they are assigned to protect.

You cannot direct traffic on public roads or highways unless specifically asked by the police during an emergency. Always inform your supervisor before leaving your post for public traffic control duties.

Principles of Traffic Control

1. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
2. Ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers.
3. Always be aware of your safety.

Types of Traffic Control

Security guards may be required to manage various types of traffic depending on the nature of the site and its environment.

Traffic control isn’t just about waving your hands at vehicles—it’s about understanding how to manage the safe and efficient movement of both people and vehicles under different conditions. The two main categories of traffic control are:

1. Pedestrian Traffic Control

This involves managing the flow of people on foot. As a security guard, you may need to:

• Prevent unauthorized entry during an accident, emergency, or restricted operation.
• Guide people to safe zones or away from hazardous areas like fire scenes, chemical spills, or crime scenes.
• Assist disabled or elderly persons in crossing busy parking areas or internal roads.
• Ensure order during events such as concerts, religious gatherings, or employee shift changes.

Example Situations:

• During an accident on company property, you may need to redirect foot traffic away from the accident site.
• In a busy shopping mall, you may need to control the crowd flow to avoid overcrowding in elevators or escalators.

2. Vehicle Traffic Control

Managing vehicles is one of the most common forms of traffic control. This includes:

• Guiding vehicles into designated parking spots.
• Directing vehicle movement at the entry/exit points of facilities.
• Ensuring smooth flow during peak hours or shift changes.
• Controlling vehicle access during emergencies or lockdowns.
• Assisting delivery trucks or heavy equipment vehicles in tight entry areas.

Example Situations:

• At a construction site, you may need to direct cement trucks or cranes to prevent blocking emergency exits.
• In residential complexes, you might have to manage visitor vehicles during peak holidays or family gatherings.

3. Emergency Traffic Control (Advanced)

This is a higher-level responsibility and may require special authorization or police coordination. As part of the Traffic Control Basic Security Guard Training Free, you learn how to:

• Temporarily take control of a traffic situation during incidents like power failure, vehicle collision, or fire.
• Protect the scene until emergency services arrive.
• Assist emergency vehicles by clearing the way safely.

Note: Always inform your supervisor and follow protocols before stepping into public roadway traffic, even during emergencies.

4. Event-Specific Traffic Control

Security guards are often hired to manage traffic during events such as:

• Public fairs
• Corporate gatherings
• Weddings
• Political rallies
• Sports events

In such cases, your role may involve:

• Coordinating with event organizers
• Managing traffic flow and parking
• Controlling pedestrian access to restricted or VIP areas

5. Internal Site Traffic Control

On large industrial or commercial properties, there may be internal traffic systems involving:

• Service vehicles
• Bicycles
• Electric carts
• Loading dock operations

Your job may include:

• Directing internal logistics traffic
• Ensuring compliance with speed limits on-site
• Avoiding conflict between pedestrians and operating machines

When You May Be Required to Direct Public Traffic

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Fallen power lines or trees
• Emergencies like fire or explosion
• When traffic lights fail
• When instructed by police or the client
• Protecting crime scenes until police arrive

How to Stay Safe During Traffic Control

Safety is a priority in traffic control. As trained in our Traffic Control basic security guard training online, always:

• Wear high-visibility clothing and safety gear
• Use tools like whistles, flashlights, and illuminated batons
• Consider weather visibility (fog, rain, etc.)
• Take a safe standing position to view all directions

⚠️ Never assume drivers see you, especially at night or when near large vehicles.

Important Safety Tips for Traffic Control

When managing traffic, you must stay alert and prioritize safety at all times. Keep the following key points in mind:

• Never assume that a driver has seen you. Especially at night, drivers may not notice you even if you’re standing in the middle of the road. This is particularly true when you’re near large vehicles like trucks or buses, where blind spots can block their view of you.
• Be mindful of weather conditions. Rain, fog, or cloudy weather can reduce visibility for drivers and make it harder for them to see your signals. Always exercise extra caution in poor weather.
• Choose your position carefully. Stand in a location where you can observe all directions of traffic. If you’re managing a junction or intersection, make sure you have a clear view of all incoming lanes.
• Stay alert at all times. Always watch for drivers who may not be paying attention or who might not have seen you. Maintain eye contact with drivers when possible, and be ready to react quickly if necessary.

Standard Hand Signals for Traffic Control

While handheld signs are commonly used today to manage traffic at intersections, hand signals remain an essential skill for security guards.

Knowing the standard hand gestures used by police and traffic officers allows you to effectively control vehicle movement, especially in emergencies or when equipment is unavailable.

Stopping Signal – Step-by-Step Guide

To signal a vehicle to stop:

1. Select the vehicle you want to stop and face the driver directly.
2. Extend your arm fully and point clearly at the driver to get their attention.
3. Confirm the driver has seen you. Make eye contact or observe their response.
4. Raise your arm, keeping your palm open and facing the driver. Slightly bend your elbow for comfort.
5. Maintain this position until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
6. While holding the stop signal, turn your head to check other traffic, but do not lower your arm.
7. Keep your arm raised until all intended vehicles have stopped safely.

Consistency and confidence in your signals help drivers understand and respond appropriately.

Starting Signal – Step-by-Step Guide

To signal a vehicle to move forward:

1. Make sure the intersection is clear and safe before allowing traffic to proceed.
2. Stand sideways to the vehicles you intend to move, giving yourself a clear view of both the traffic and the surrounding area.
3. Face the lead driver and extend your arm fully in their direction.
4. Confirm the driver has seen your signal. Make eye contact or watch for a responsive movement.
5. Turn your palm upward, bend your arm at the elbow, and swing your hand in a smooth, upward motion toward your chin, forming a half-circle.
6. Repeat the motion steadily until the vehicles begin to move.
7. Once traffic is flowing, lower your hand naturally and remain alert to monitor movement and adjust if needed.

Consistent hand movements, eye contact, and body posture communicate authority and clarity during traffic control.

Left Turn Signal – Step-by-Step Guide

To direct a vehicle to make a left turn:

1. First, stop any oncoming vehicles from the opposite direction using the standard stop signal.
2. Check the intersection to ensure it is completely clear of other vehicles and pedestrians.
3. Identify the vehicle that intends to turn left and point directly at the driver with your arm fully extended.
4. Confirm the driver has seen your signal through eye contact or acknowledgment.
5. Use a clear, downward swinging motion with your arm, pointing in the direction the vehicle should turn (to the driver’s left).
6. Maintain awareness of other traffic as the vehicle completes the turn safely.

Always remain alert and ready to adjust your signals based on traffic flow or unexpected hazards.

Right Turn Signal – Step-by-Step Guide

To guide a vehicle making a right turn:

1. Minimal guidance is usually needed if the vehicle is not turning into oncoming traffic. However, stay alert and supervise the turn.
2. For large or heavy vehicles, stop the driver temporarily to allow other vehicles to pass safely before initiating the turn.
3. If multiple vehicles are turning right, stop any crossing pedestrians to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow.
4. Make sure the driver sees your signal and is ready to follow your direction.
5. Point clearly to the driver, then use a downward swinging arm motion toward their right side, indicating the turn direction.
6. Monitor the turn to ensure it is completed safely and without obstruction.

Always remain focused on both vehicles and pedestrians to prevent confusion and accidents during turns.

Dealing with Emergency Vehicles in a Traffic Control Area

As a security guard, you must always prioritize emergency vehicles. Understanding how to respond quickly and appropriately is an essential part of Traffic Control Basic Security Guard Training Online.

Key Guidelines:

1. Emergency vehicles always have the right of way.
   • This includes ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles.
2. Immediately stop all traffic and pedestrians when an emergency vehicle is approaching your control area.
   • Once the junction or roadway is clear and safe, give the emergency vehicle a clear and confident “GO” signal.
   • If the emergency vehicle needs to make a turn, signal only after ensuring that the path is completely free of obstacles or oncoming traffic.
3. Stay alert—often, more than one emergency vehicle will follow. Do not resume normal traffic flow until the entire convoy has passed.

Dealing with Frustrated or Aggressive Drivers

During traffic control, especially in busy areas or peak hours, some drivers may become impatient:

• They may honk continuously.
• Some may act rudely or aggressively, even yelling or using offensive language.
• In such situations:
• Do not lose your temper.
• Stay calm, composed, and professional.
• Firmly and repeatedly give clear directions until the driver understands.
• Never engage in arguments or react emotionally.

Your ability to manage pressure calmly helps maintain order and reinforces public confidence in your authority.

Summary

• Traffic control may be part of a security guard’s regular duties or assigned during emergencies.
• All traffic accidents must be reported to the police immediately, even if they appear minor.
• Manual traffic control is only necessary when vehicle or pedestrian flow is disrupted and cannot move safely on its own.
• At any accident scene, life safety and preventing further danger are the top priorities.
• Be aware that an accident scene may also be a potential crime scene, and must be protected until authorities arrive.
• Never argue with drivers, regardless of their behavior. Stay calm, polite, and professional.
• Always remain alert and observant while managing traffic, especially in high-risk or changing conditions.

These principles are essential in both the Traffic Control Basic Security Guard Training Free and the advanced certification programs.

1. For the full course