Traffic Count
Traffic Count refers to measuring how many vehicles pass through a specific location during a set time period. This is a fundamental task in traffic engineering that helps cities and organizations make decisions about road design, traffic signals, and infrastructure improvements. Traffic engineers use both manual counting methods and automated systems like sensors or cameras to collect this data. The information helps determine if roads need expansion, where to place traffic lights, or how to improve safety at intersections. When you see this term in resumes, it often indicates experience with data collection, analysis, and making recommendations based on traffic patterns.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Traffic Count studies at 15 major intersections to recommend signal timing improvements
Managed Traffic Count data collection using both manual and automated methods for citywide transportation study
Led team of 5 technicians in performing Traffic Counts and Traffic Volume assessments for highway expansion project
Typical job title: "Traffic Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Traffic Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you plan and manage a citywide traffic count study?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover planning multiple count locations, coordinating staff and equipment, ensuring data quality, analyzing results, and making recommendations. They should mention considering peak hours, seasonal variations, and different counting methods.
Q: How do you use traffic count data to make infrastructure recommendations?
Expected Answer: The candidate should explain how they interpret count data to identify patterns, predict future needs, and make cost-effective recommendations. They should mention considering factors like population growth, development plans, and budget constraints.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to ensure accurate traffic count data?
Expected Answer: Should discuss different counting methods (manual vs automated), quality control procedures, and how to identify and handle unusual patterns or errors in the data.
Q: Explain how weather and special events affect traffic counts.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of external factors that impact traffic patterns and how to account for these in data collection and analysis.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic types of traffic counts?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the difference between manual and automated counts, peak hour counts vs. 24-hour counts, and basic counting procedures.
Q: What safety considerations are important when conducting traffic counts?
Expected Answer: Should discuss personal safety measures, proper equipment setup, visibility requirements, and following traffic safety protocols.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic traffic counting methods
- Data collection and entry
- Simple data analysis
- Understanding of traffic patterns
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced data collection methods
- Project coordination
- Data analysis and reporting
- Traffic study planning
Senior (5+ years)
- Study design and management
- Complex data analysis
- Infrastructure recommendations
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No field experience in data collection
- Unfamiliarity with traffic counting equipment
- Poor understanding of peak hours and traffic patterns
- Lack of safety awareness in field work
Related Terms
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