How to Be Traffic Controller - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When traffic controllers are not present, there can be a dramatic increase in traffic congestion and accidents. Without traffic controllers, drivers are unable to rely on a single source for directions and can become confused. This confusion causes them to make wrong decisions and drive dangerously, leading to increased accidents due to lack of awareness of their surroundings.

Furthermore, traffic controllers are able to direct traffic away from congested areas, allowing the flow of traffic to move more quickly and efficiently. Without this guidance, traffic jams can form and drivers can become frustrated, leading to road rage incidents. traffic controllers also help to ensure that emergency vehicles can get to their destinations quickly and safely, allowing them to provide critical assistance when needed.

Steps How to Become

Meet the minimum requirements. Generally, this includes being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED.
Complete any necessary training requirements. Depending on your state and/or municipality, you may need to take a traffic control training course.
Obtain your certification. You must pass an examination to become a certified traffic controller.
Apply for open positions. Check with your state or local government for any open positions in the traffic control field.
Complete an on-the-job training period. Most employers require a minimum of 40 hours of on-the-job training before you are allowed to work independently as a traffic controller.
Maintain your certification. Traffic controllers must keep their certification up to date by attending classes and taking exams as needed.

Traffic controllers play an integral role in ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians on roads. They help ensure that traffic flows smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents. To be a successful traffic controller, it is necessary to have strong knowledge of the rules and regulations of traffic control, as well as the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

traffic controllers must possess excellent communication skills and be able to coordinate multiple parties simultaneously. Being skilled and competent in traffic control also requires a thorough understanding of road signs and signals, so that they can direct both drivers and pedestrians accurately and effectively. the responsibility of traffic controllers is to create a safe environment for everyone on the roads.

You may want to check Traffic Signal Timing Engineer, Airport Terminal Services Supervisor, and Highway Traffic Signal System Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor traffic conditions, such as the volume and speed of vehicles, and adjust signals accordingly.
Respond to incidents, such as vehicle accidents and disabled vehicles, by calling for assistance and directing traffic.
Assist pedestrians in crossing streets safely.
Provide directions and traffic information to motorists.
Issue citations to drivers who violate traffic laws.
Inspect and maintain traffic control equipment, such as signs, signals, and barricades.
Develop and implement traffic control plans for construction sites, public events, and other situations.
Coordinate traffic control activities with those of other agencies, such as public works departments and police departments.
Investigate traffic accidents to determine causes and file reports.
Operate two-way radios to communicate with other traffic personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of traffic laws, regulations and safety procedures.
Ability to work within a team environment.
Ability to work independently and make decisions in a timely manner.
Ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Good judgment and decision-making skills.
Ability to remain calm and courteous in stressful situations.
Ability to read and interpret maps, diagrams and signs.
Proficiency in the use of computers and related technology.

Good communication skills are essential for a successful traffic controller. Being able to effectively communicate with drivers, pedestrians and other road users is necessary to ensure safety on the roads. The ability to give clear instructions and direct traffic in an efficient manner is a key skill for traffic controllers.

They must be able to assess a situation quickly, to ensure the safe flow of traffic and prevent accidents. Furthermore, a traffic controller must be able to remain calm and collected under pressure, in order to make sound decisions in difficult situations. Good problem-solving skills are also beneficial, as this allows the traffic controller to respond to a situation by finding the best solution.

All of these skills help the traffic controller to keep roads and intersections running smoothly while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Parking and Traffic Control Planner, Airport Traffic Management Specialist, and Airport Security Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a traffic controller?
How do you handle stressful situations when directing traffic?
Describe your experience in setting up and dismantling traffic control systems.
How do you work with other members of the traffic control team to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians?
What strategies do you use to ensure the flow of traffic is uninterrupted?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while directing traffic.
What techniques do you use to ensure that your instructions are followed by motorists?
How do you stay current on changes in traffic laws and regulations?
What is the most challenging situation you have ever encountered while working as a traffic controller?
How do you remain calm and focused while working in a noisy and chaotic environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Traffic Control Software. This software can be used to manage, monitor and control the flow of traffic on a network. (eg: IBM Netcool Traffic Control)
Network Monitoring Tools. These tools are used to monitor the performance of a network, detect and diagnose network failures, and analyze network traffic. (eg: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Access Control Lists. Access control lists (ACLs) are used to manage access to a network. (eg: Cisco Access Control Lists)
Network Configuration Tools. These tools are used to configure and manage the hardware and software of a network. (eg: Ansible Network Automation Platform)
Protocol Analyzers. Protocol analyzers are used to analyze network traffic in order to detect and diagnose network problems. (eg: Wireshark Protocol Analyzer)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
Womens Transportation Seminar (WTS)
Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America)
Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS)
International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
National Traffic Officers Association (NTOA)

We also have Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Engineer, Traffic Signal Design Manager, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Intersection Control. The process of managing the flow of traffic through an intersection of two or more roads.
Lane Control. The process of managing the flow of traffic within a lane by controlling the speed and direction of vehicles.
Signal Timing. The process of adjusting the timing of traffic signals to optimize the flow of traffic.
Stop Signs. Signs placed at intersections to indicate that drivers must stop before proceeding.
Yield Signs. Signs placed at intersections to indicate that drivers should slow down and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
Speed Limits. Regulations that set the maximum speed at which vehicles can legally travel.
Road Markings. Lines and symbols painted on the road surface to indicate lanes, guide drivers, and provide other information about the roadway.
Traffic Calming. The process of reducing traffic speeds and volumes by modifying the design of the road or installing physical obstacles such as speed bumps or traffic circles.
Traffic Management Plans. Plans designed to improve safety and reduce congestion on roads by controlling the flow of traffic.
Traffic Flow Monitoring. The process of collecting data about the number and type of vehicles using a road at a given time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Traffic Controller?

A Traffic Controller is a person responsible for directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic safely, efficiently and effectively around a work site.

What qualifications are needed to be a Traffic Controller?

To become a Traffic Controller, you must have an identification card from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, complete a Traffic Controller Course, and obtain an Australian Traffic Control Licence.

What does a Traffic Controller do?

A Traffic Controller is responsible for managing traffic and pedestrians around a work site. This includes ensuring that the appropriate traffic signs and signals are used, controlling vehicle speed, and providing directions to drivers and pedestrians.

What safety equipment do Traffic Controllers use?

Traffic Controllers use specialised safety equipment such as brightly coloured jackets, hard hats, reflective vests, high visibility flags, and traffic cones to ensure they are visible to drivers and pedestrians.

How long does it take to become a Traffic Controller?

It takes approximately two days to complete the Traffic Controller Course and obtain an Australian Traffic Control Licence. After completing the course, you must then apply for an identification card from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.