Traffic Incident Management

A systematic, planned
and coordinated use
of resources to
reduce the impact of
incidents, and
improve the safety of
motorists, crash
victims and incident
responders
 What is an Incident?
A traffic incident is an
emergency road user
occurrence, a natural disaster,
or other unplanned event
that affects or impedes the
normal flow of traffic.
(MUTCD Chapter 6I)
 #1 Issue-Responder Safety
15,000 Responder Vehicles Struck
Nationwide Every Year*

More Than 10,000

Responder Injuries
Annually*

*Source: No. Central TX Council of Govts

 Incidents the problem
An event that causes a reduction of
roadway capacity.
Examples: Traffic crashes, vehicle fires,
disabled vehicles, construction zones, traffic
stops and special events (NASCAR races,
concerts, sporting events)
Do we become part of the problem or the
solution to the problem?
Limited Exposure is the key to
success.
 Traffic Related Fatalities: Police
Officers Down Memorial Page
Total Auto Motor- Struck Vehicle Vehicle
Year Fatalities Crashes cycle by Pursuit Assault
Vehicle
2006 142 35 7 11 3 16/7
2005 156 33 4 11 5 15/3
2004 161 34 8/2 8 6 18/7
2003 146 40/2 8/1 7 13 9/1
2002 159 37/1 6 7 5 12/7
2001 240 34/2 7/1 12 5 17/6
2000 163 37/4 10 9 5 14/4
 Traffic Related Fatalities: Fire
NIOSH: Firefighter Fatality Case Studies

Vehicle Struck by Responding

Year Total Collisions Vehicles and Returning
2005 115 25 4 23
2004 117 20 5 22
2003 111 34 5 36
2002 100 24 5 13
2001 443 21 3 23
2000 102 21 5 19
Effects of Congestion Capacity
(US DOT study November 2000)

Number Shoulder One Two Three

of Blocked Lane Lanes Lanes
Lanes

2 19% 65% 100% N/A

3 17% 51% 83% 100%

4 15% 42% 75% 87%

 Secondary Incidents

~20% of all incidents

Likelihood increases 2.8% each minute

In Pennsylvania: TIM decreased secondary

incidents on highways 40% between 1993
and 1997
 Reduce Congestion Delay

1 minute of lane blockage equals 4

minutes of delay per driver 10 minutes
of a road closure equals 40 minutes of
congestion

Reducing Congestion Mitigation is a US

DOT and FWHA Priority
 Why are we concerned?
Freight Mobility Economic Impact

Texas Transportation $1 Trillion per year cost

Institute (TTI) for delays

In 2004 Idled Trucks $200 Billion loss due to

(cost to industry) accidents and fatalities
243 million hours
7.8 billion dollars (passed

$8 Billion to Trucking
on to consumers)
Industry
 What is the solution?
Limit our Exposure Proper position of
Address the safety of vehicles
responders, victims Discipline the use of
and other motorists emergency lights
Alleviate congestion Use traffic control
Clear the roadway by devices
applying quick Follow the MUTCD
clearance techniques Utilize traffic
Traffic stops shall be advisories
better planned Utilize a observer
 Players in the game
Fire/EMS Departments

Police Departments

Tow and Recovery agencies

Department of Transportation

Media
 Fire/EMS Departments
Address fire and other
potential hazards
Render medical aid to
injured victims
Reduce exposure by
staging equipment
Keep lanes open if
safe
Communicate
expectations to other
responders
Set-up Initial Zones
 Fire/EMS Departments cont
Limiting our exposure:
Know the weather conditions

Initiate tow/recovery units at the scene

Remove vehicles from roadway

Take persons to a safe waiting location

Communicate/Coordinate/Cooperate with other

emergency responders
 Police Departments
Traffic control: set up
initial traffic zones
Crash Investigation
Initiate tow/recovery
operations
Relocate vehicles off
the roadway
Implement quick
clearance practices
Use technology to
increase efficiency
 Police Departments cont
Choose good locations for traffic stops

Relocate traffic stops when secured

Relocate property damage traffic crashes

Communicate needs to dispatch and other

responding units

Communicate/Coordinate/Cooperate with other

emergency responders
 Towing/Recovery agencies
Provide services for
removal of vehicles
and debris
Keep lanes of traffic
unobstructed
Participate as
responders at
incidents
Utilize resources to
impact duration of
incident
 Towing/Recovery agencies cont
Provide training to other emergency responders

Provide equipment and capability list to other

agencies

Set-up traffic control measures at all incidents

Communicate/Coordinate/Cooperate with other

emergency responders
 Transportation Departments
Provide traffic control for major incidents
or events
Develop alternate routes for major
incidents or events
Maintain communication links with media
Provide for roadway repairs and
maintenance
Communicate/Coordinate/Cooperate with
other emergency responders
 Media

Provide information to other travelers

Update information for motorists

approaching scene

Broadcast alternate routes to minimize

impact in immediate area of incident
 Pre-planning and coordinating

Interdisciplinary cross training brings a

better understanding of how we work
together
Unified Command brings fire, police,
towing and DOT together to make
informed decisions
Debriefing sessions help to identify
strengths and weaknesses leading to the
creation of best practices
 Best practices: Pre-incident
Test detection devices and determine how
verification will be made
Anticipate significant events and meet with all
agencies to define roles
Rehearse response
Stage equipment
Pre-plan diversion route
Best practices at the scene
Linear response
leaves lanes open
Use traffic control
devices/Reflective
Vests
Share responsibilities
Communication is the
key
Provide the public
with information
 Best practices
Discipline the use of
emergency lighting
Attend joint training
sessions
Recognize and
incorporate
technological
assistance
Keep the scene safe
for all involved
Review and improve
6I General Guidance: 4. Estimation

Responders should within 15 minutes of arrival:

Estimate the magnitude of the incident,

Estimate the expected time duration of the incident,

Estimate the expected vehicle queue length,

Establish Unified Command if applicable

Set-up appropriate TTC for the estimates

Temporary Traffic Control Zones
Minor Incident expected duration under thirty
minutes: Stalled cars, traffic stops, medical emergency, minor crash, car
fire

Intermediate Incident expected duration

30 minutes to two hours: Crash w/ Entrapment, minor hazardous
materials spill, criminal investigation

Major Incident expected duration more than

two hours: Major hazardous materials spills, vehicle recovery operation,
fatals, criminal investigation (reckless homicides)
 Minor Incidents:
(Less than 30 minutes)
Safe Positioning Advanced Warning
Establish initial block with Establish advanced
1st arriving emergency warning utilizing arrow
vehicle sticks, vehicle lighting,
Establish a Temporary positioning and/or signs
Traffic Control Zone Set up transition zones
Use additional resources utilizing channeling
to redirect the flow of devices
moving traffic Responders should be
Move incident to shoulder trained in Traffic Incident
as quickly as possible Management (TIM)
 Intermediate Incidents:
(30 minutes to 2 hours)
Safe Positioning Advanced Warning
Establish an initial block Follow Minor Incident
with first arriving requirements
emergency vehicle Establish greater buffer
Establish a Temporary and transition zones
Traffic Control Zone Position advanced
Use additional resources warning signs and/or
to redirect the flow of cones further upstream
moving traffic Qualified flaggers or
uniformed police officers
for manual traffic control
 Major Incidents:
(Greater than2 hours)
Safe Positioning Advanced Warning
Establish an initial block Follow Other Incident
with first arriving requirements
emergency vehicle Establish more
Establish a Temporary permanent traffic control
Traffic Control Zone devices
Use additional resources Position advanced
to redirect the flow of warning signs upstream
moving traffic DOT should become
involved for signs and
channeling devices
 Activity Area

Tapers

Work/Buffer Zones

Early Warning

Termination Area
 6C.06 Activity Area

The activity area is the section of the

highway where the work activity takes
place. It is comprised of the
Work space.

The traffic space.

The buffer space.

 6C.06 Activity Area
Work space: portion of highway closed to road
users and set aside for workers and equipment.

Traffic space: portion of the highway in which

road users are routed through activity area

Buffer space: lateral and/or longitudinal that

separates road users flow from the work space.

A Spotter should be used in this area to be

the eyes and ears of the workers.
 6C.08 Tapers
Tapers may be used in both
the transition (upstream) and
termination (downstream)
areas.
Tapers are created by using
a series of channelizing
devices and/or pavement
markings to move traffic out
of or into the normal path.
 6C.07 Termination Area

The termination area shall be used to

return road users to their normal path.
The termination area shall extend from the
downstream end of the work area to the
last TTC device such as END ROAD
WORK signs, if posted.
Utilization of Traffic Control Devices

Pre-warning sign
properly placed

Use of Traffic Cones

Apparatus used as a
block
 MUTCD Suggested Advanced Warning
Sign Spacing

Road Type A B C

Urban (low speed) 100 ft. 100 ft. 100 ft.

Urban (high speed) 350 ft. 350 ft. 350 ft.

Rural 500 ft. 500 ft. 500 ft.

Freeways and Expressways 1,000 ft. 1,500 ft. 2,640 ft.

Utilization of Traffic Control Devices
Using skip lines to determine distances

10 30 Skip for lane dividing lines:

10 ft. 30 ft. 10 ft.

40 ft.
Utilization of Traffic Control Devices
Utilization of Traffic Control Devices
Utilization of Traffic Control Devices
Utilize the Block and Shadow
Utilizing the Block and Shadow
A block is a piece of equipment that is used to
protect workers in the work area from flowing
traffic

A shadow area is the area immediately

downstream of the block where workers are
working that offers some protection for
emergency responders and victims from flowing
traffic
Utilizing the Block and Shadow
Utilizing the Block and Shadow
We need to establish the block early into the
incident

Once the block is established, responders should

operate in the shadow area

Ensure the block is not too far from the work

area

DO NOT give them a space to fit in your area!!

Do not let them get by you!!
Why we need to utilize
Block and Shadow
 Why we need to utilize
Block and Shadow
N.C. Paramedic struck, loses legs at Crash Scene
 If this is how you
position apparatus and
allow your personnel to
operate while working in
or near moving
traffic.. You could be
next on the LODD list!!!
Bunker Gear vs. Reflective Vests
 Easily
Seen

Torn
and Anytown
Frayed
FD

Burnt
Non-Reflective

Easily
Missing
Seen
Band
 Use of Reflective Vests
Utilized on all
roadway incidents
OSHA requires
visibility of 1000 feet
ANSI I, II, III Levels
NFPA 1500 8.4.25
requires vest be worn
Courtesy ofSafety
Highway Mifflin Valley
ANSI Standards: Safety Vests
Reflective
Garment Apparel
Classifications
Features of ANSI-compliant highway safety vests include the lime-green or orange main vest color with the contrasting color stripes and reflective trim.

Class I highway safety vests are appropriate when traffic speeds are less than 25 mph,
workers are separated from approaching traffic and workers can give their undivided
attention to oncoming traffic.
Class II vests are normally specified when traffic speeds exceed 25 mph, work takes
place in or near moving traffic, during inclement weather, and the workers tasks
occasionally divert their attention from traffic.
Class III garments offer the greatest visibility to workers in high-risk environments that
involve high task loads, a wide range of weather conditions and traffic exceeding 50
mph. The design of Class III garments allows workers to be conspicuous through a full
range of body motions at a minimum of 1,280 feet, and when the workers must focus all
their attention on their work and not traffic.
 FHWA/DOT: 23 CFR Part 634
Worker Visibility

All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-

aid highway who are exposed either to traffic
(vehicles using the highway for purposes of
travel) or to construction equipment within the
work area shall wear high-visibility safety
apparel.
23 CFR Part 634.3
Requires ANSI Class II (minimum)
November 24, 2008 all agencies must comply
 FHWA/DOT: 23 CFR Part 634
Worker Visibility
Worker means people on foot whose duties
place them within the right-of-way of a Federal
aid highway:
highway construction maintenance forces,
survey crews,
utility crews,
responders to incidents (fire/EMS/EMA), and
law enforcement
23 CFR Part 634.2
 Use of Reflective Vests and signs

The next several slides will show the

visibility of reflective vests during the day
time and night time.

The slides compare early warning signs,

reflective vests, station uniform and
bunker gear.
Use of Reflective Vests - Day 1000
Use of Reflective Vests - Day 500
Use of Reflective Vests Day 250
Use of Reflective Vests Night 1000
Use of Reflective Vest - Night 500
Use of Reflective Vests Night 250
 Vests and signs

Taken at distances of 1000, 500 and 250

feet

Which would you prefer to utilize?

Do we need to change our thinking?

What problems are present?
 Use of Emergency Lighting

Is primarily to get us to the scene safe.

Gives the motoring public warning an

incident is ahead.

Does not provide effective traffic control

just warning.
 Use of Emergency Lighting
Excessive emergency lighting confuses motorist
especially at night

Reduce lighting once proper and effective traffic

control measures are established

MUTCD supports reduced lighting when proper

TTC is established

NFPA requires all white lighting be reduced once

vehicle is placed in park
 Use of Emergency Lighting

The number one priority is our safety at an incident

while protecting other persons

Our lighting is causing blinding conditions for

oncoming and approaching motorist

Multiple units on the scene creates more confusion.

Rear most vehicle with emergency lighting other vehicles

should reduce lighting.
 Use of Emergency Lighting

What would other

motorist see?

Can you even see the

apparatus clearly?

What happens to you

when you look into
headlights?
 Use of Emergency Lighting

Objective Distances and Colors Subjective Comments About Color

Color positive negative ambiguous

White 5069 feet White 11 64 9

Amber 4153 feet Amber 67 0 3

Red 3710 feet Red 6 0 0

Blue 3136 feet Blue 5 1 2

Incorporate arrow sticks
Plano, Texas Fire Department
Apparatus Markings
Chevrons, Amber Lighting and Vehicle Striping
 Roadway Speeds
Stopping Distances
Mph = fps x P/R + Brake = Total
40 58 87 66 153
45 65 98 84 182
55 80 120 126 246
65 95 142 176 318
 How to set up a Zone:
1st Apparatus:
Stop 50 to 100 ft. short
Set out six cones 25-30 ft. apart upstream
Transition: 200 to 280 ft. back
2nd Apparatus:
Stop within the zone
Set out six cones 25-30 ft. apart upstream
Transition: 350 to 460 ft. back

*Might have to set up downstream taper

NIOSH Firefighter Case Studies
F2002-38 Firefighter fatality highway
incident in Minnesota
F2002-13 Firefighter fatality interstate
incident in Mississippi
F2001-07 Firefighter fatality rural
intersection incident in New York
F1999-27 Firefighter fatality interstate
incident in Oklahoma
 NIOSH Recommendations
Establish and implement SOPs regarding
emergency operations during highway incidents
Ensure that firefighters are properly trained in
dealing with potential traffic hazards
Wear proper protective clothing to include highly
visible reflective vests
Ensure that fire apparatus is properly positioned
to afford the greatest protection without
creating additional hazards
Limit the number of POVs to highway responses
 Conclusions
Incidents will occur and increase with the
growth of the areas population and with
industrial development
Managing the scene of an incident
reduces exposure time for all
responders, clears the roadway and
reduces congestion
All responding agencies and personnel
must be committed to this type of incident
response
References
 Thank You for your time
Brad Sprague Mark Karczewski
Trooper Illinois State M/Sgt. Illinois State Police
Police District 5 Joliet District 15
Captain Minooka Fire (630)241-6800 X 5035
Protection District
(815)726-6377 x206
ISP
(815)467-5637 - MFPD