Traffic Operations and Management
The operation of the nation’s highway system is the responsibility of the traffic engineer.
Traffic engineering involves the integration of vehicle, driver, and pedestrian characteristics
to improve the safety and capacity of streets and highways. All aspects of the transportation
system are included after the street or highway has been constructed and opened for
operation. Among the elements of concern are traffic accident analyses, parking, loading,
design of terminal facilities, traffic signs, markings, signals, speed regulation, and highway
lighting. The traffic engineer works to improve traffic flow and safety, using engineering
methods and information technology to make decisions that are supported by enforcement
and education. Traffic engineers work directly for municipalities, county governments,
and private consulting firms.