1. Traffic Incident Management
Wyoming DOT Supervisors Meeting
Cheyenne, WY
Ray Murphy, US DOT – FHWA March 26, 2013
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2. Presentation Topics
I. National TIM Program… FHWA’s vision
II. Business Case for TIM… why it’s important
III. National Unified Goal… working together
IV. TIM Process… it’s a team effort
V. SHRP2 TIM Training
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3. Traffic Incident Management (TIM)
TIM consists of a planned and
coordinated multi-disciplinary process to
detect, respond to, and clear traffic
incidents so that traffic flow may be
restored as safely and quickly as possible
Effective TIM reduces the duration and
impacts of traffic incidents and improves
the safety of motorists, crash victims and
emergency responders
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4. National TIM Program Vision…
Reduce or eliminate responder & motorist injuries & fatalities
Promote rapid incident clearance
TIM Programs that benefit corridors, regions and states
Emphasize TIM as a system operations “core mission”
Measure performance / improved TIM responses and programs
Standardize Training
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5. II. Business Case for TIM
Quantifying the Problem - Motorist Safety
Every hour, car crashes kill an average of
four people on America's roads.
“Traffic crashes really need to be moved to the
forefront of the American discussion as the public
safety (and) health threat that they are,"
observes AAA .
5 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
6. Quantifying the Problem -
Responder Safety
Average annual number of
responders struck and killed
nationally while working in or near
moving traffic:
Highway: 100 /year + 20,000 injured
Fire/Rescue & EMS: 6 to 8 /year As of March 2013 Killed in
the Line of Duty
Law Enforcement: 10 to 12 /year
Law Enforcement 14
Tow/Recovery: 50 /year Fire Fighters 6
EMS 7
Source: Emergency Responder Safety Institute Tow/Recovery 5
6 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
7. Quantifying the Problem -
Secondary Incidents
Estimated 20-25% of all incidents are
secondary
They generate ~18 percent of accident
fatalities
The likelihood of a secondary incident
increases ~3% for every minute
An incident lasting 35 minutes or more has almost
a 100% likelihood of a secondary incident
occurring
7 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
8. Quantifying the Problem -
Societal Costs
“The emotional toll for Americans
who lose a friend or loved one in a
motor vehicle crash has a steep
financial counterpart - an average
$6 million per fatal accident”
Annual cost of traffic crashes:
$299.5 B
Cost per person ≈ $1,522
8 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
10. Quantifying the Problem -
Freight Issues
High volume long haul
trucking
Lack of alternate route
options
Motor Carrier Regulations –
11 hours behind wheel
Parking and rest areas
10 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
11. Average Daily Long-Haul Freight Truck Traffic on the
National Highway System: 2009
2009
~14,000
per day
~25,000
per day
Our highway system
handled the movement of
44 million tons of freight (on
average), worth $40 billion,
each day in 2009.
11 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
12. Projected Average Daily Long-Haul Freight Truck
Traffic on the National Highway System: 2040
2040
~20,000
per day
~40,000
per day
projections indicate that
these numbers will climb
to approximately 74
million tons and $108
billion per day by the year
2040
12 Evolving Business Case: Why TIM?
14. III. NUG Strategies 12 Core
Strategies
Objective 1: Responder Safety
1. Recommended Practices for
Responder Safety
2. Move Over/Slow Down Laws
3. Driver Training and Awareness
Objective 2: Safe, Quick Clearance
4. Multidisciplinary TIM Procedures
5. Response and Clearance Time
Goals
6. 24/7 Availability
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15. 12 Core
III. NUG Strategies Strategies
Objective 3: Prompt, Reliable, Interoperable
Communications
7. Multidisciplinary Communications Practices and
Procedures
8. Prompt, Reliable Responder Notification
9. Interoperable Voice and Data Networks
10. Broadband Emergency Communications Systems
11. Prompt, Reliable Traveler Information Systems
12. Partnerships with News Media and Information
Providers
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16. 6 Cross-Cutting Strategies
III. NUG Strategies
6 Cross-Cutting Foundational Strategies:
13. TIM Partnerships and Programs
14. Multidisciplinary NIMS and TIM
Training
15. Goals for Performance and Progress
16. TIM Technology
17. Effective TIM Policies
18. Awareness and Education Partnerships
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17. IV. The TIM Process
Detection
Verification
Detection &
Verification
Response
Response
Traffic
Site Management
Traveler
Site Management Management
Information Clearance/Removal
Clearance / Removal Traffic Management
Traveler Information
After-Action Review
/ Debrief After-Action
Review/Debrief
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18. Detection and Verification
The process that brings the incident to the
attention of responders
Incident victims most vulnerable
Traffic flow most disrupted and unpredictable
Quick, accurate detection / verification is
critical
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19. Strategies and/or Enhancements
Detection and Verification
Mayday and Automated Crash
Notification(ACN) systems Data Trauma
Response
CCTV surveillance Accident Site Fire/Rescue
in high-crash locations I 80/US 189 Interchange – MM 18
Enhanced reference markers
911 and 511 systems
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20. Strategies and/or Enhancements
Response
Deployment of: Requires
appropriate understanding of the
personnel, incident’s nature,
equipment,
scope and what it will
take to clear and
communications,
restore to normal
traffic management, operating conditions.
traveler information “Ready Response” Trailers
Emergency Response Call-Out
Pre-positioned TIM Equipment
Staging Policies
Enhanced Public Safety Dispatch/CAD
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Linkages
21. Strategies and/or Enhancements
Site Management
The process of accurately
assessing the incident,
establishing priorities,
coordinating and
communicating with
responders
Incident Command System
Vehicle Markings
… provides structure
Lighting Policies
High Visibility Apparel
ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Performance Class 2 or 3
ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 Public Safety Vests
21 http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
22. Incident Command System (ICS)
ICS is a subset of the Department of Homeland Security’s
National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Unified Command
Utilized when incidents require
multijurisdictional or multiagency
response
Allows all agencies to:
Work together respecting authority, responsibility
or accountability
Manage an incident together by establishing a
common set of incident objectives and strategies
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23. Clearance / Removal
Restoration of capacity
May require specialized
equipment
Often most critical step
due to length of time
Quick clearance and
removal
Wyoming “Move-Over Law” Statute: § 31-5-224
23 common clearance goals
24. Measuring Success
What Gets Measured Gets Performed...
Quantifying TIM benefits will advance program
continuity:
Builds program support from managers & elected
officials:
• Supporting what works
Ensures buy-in from diverse stakeholders:
• Multiple agencies, coordinated response
Newly Released
Supports allocationCost technical and budget resources
“Traffic Incident Management of Management and Cost Recovery Primer”
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12044/fhwahop12044.pdf
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25. TIM Performance Measures
“Roadway” Clearance Time
The time between first recordable awareness of an
incident (detection/ notification/verification) and
confirmation that all lanes are available for traffic flow.
“Incident” Clearance Time
The time between the first recordable awareness and the
time at which the last responder has left the scene.
Secondary Crashes
The number of secondary crashes beginning with the time of
detection of the primary incident where a collision occurs
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26. Performance Measure Reporting
Example Performance
Measures Report Example Performance
TMC Verification Time Targets…
Roadway Clearance Incidents involving a
Time
fatality - 90 minutes
Incident Clearance Time
Incidents involving an
Road Ranger
Responses injury - 60 minutes
Benefit Cost Analysis Incidents involving
Travel Reliability property damage only -
Travel Time Index
30 minutes
Secondary Crashes
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27. Towing and Recovery
towing industry is a key
component
accepting and
acknowledging them as a
roadway partner
encourage that you include
them in your trainings
The Wyoming Highway
Patrol does not have a 90
minute policy
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28. Strategies and/or Enhancements
Traffic Management
Traffic Control Standard Operating
Guidelines and Training
Emergency Alternate Route/Detour
Planning
Pre-Identified Decision Points
Pre-positioned TIM Equipment
Ramp Closure Gates/Barricades
avoid unnecessary delay and
secondary incidents
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29. Strategies and/or Enhancements
Traveler Information
Real-time, accurate traveler information is key
to managing an incident
Road Weather Information System
511
Media Partnerships
Technology at Rest Areas
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30. After-Action Review (AAR) / Debrief
A function of an on-going TIM
Program (not at the incident
scene)
Helps ensure success
Facilitates inter-agency
relationships
Evaluation
What went well?
What went not so well?
How can we do better?
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31. AAR / Debriefings
Typical Incident AAR/Debrief
Incident Debrief Info
Review basic details of incident Incident location
Utilize pictures and/or video to illustrate Incident duration
incident scene
Brief description
Roundtable discussion/agency Timeline of events
perspectives Road closures/alternate
Discuss issues and/or areas of concern routes used
Identify solutions/enhancements List of responding
agencies
No finger pointing! Best practices
Opportunities for
Identify
at least one action item per improvement
AAR/Debrief
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32. Developing a TIM Program
The goal of a TIM program
Identify, involve, encourage
is not to create a response, participation from all responding
but rather to allow for a agencies and stakeholders
more effective, efficient (i.e. TIM Committee)
response for all responding Establish & maintain
relationships
agencies
Collectively assess the “climate”
TIM programs and - Where are we now?
associated committees Collectively establish goals for
and/or task forces are performance and progress -
Where do we want/need to go?
sustained and on-going
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33. TIM Program…
Committees Meet regularly to:
Establish, confirm, reinforce goals/objectives
Consider a vision or mission development activity and
subsequent “charter” or “MOU” signed by all participants
Identify, discuss problem areas, needs
Collaborate in developing solutions, strategies
Conduct after-action reviews, debriefs
Promote awareness of on-going TIM-related activities and
initiatives
Monitor training requirements
Establish, reinforce and renew relationships
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34. National Traffic Incident
Management
Responder Training
The emphasis of Tier 1 training is response activities and
thus targets incident responders.
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35. National Traffic Incident Management
Responder Course
Audience:
Objectives of Program: • Law Enforcement officers
Quick Clearance • Fire and Rescue personnel
Improved responder safety • Transportation Professionals
Improved reliability • Public works
Improved motorist safety • Emergency medical services
• Towing and recovery
• Hazmat responders
Approach:
• Coroners/medical examiner
Core competencies
All disciplines participated every step
Development of multi-disciplinary training
program for all responder stakeholders
Cross-training in TIM core competencies 35
36. In-Person Delivery
Train the Trainer:
Multi-discipline full curriculum
developed in SHRP2 L12 project.
Classroom Training:
Multi-discipline trainers trained
through the TtT courses will conduct
classroom-based training.
Bringing the
Paul Jodoin, TIM Program Manager
Training to
Wyoming FHWA Office of Operations
please (202) 366-5465
contact: Paul.Jodoin@dot.gov 36
37. Thank you!
Any questions?
FHWA Technical Assistance Program
that provides public sector
transportation stakeholders to tap into
the growing TIM knowledge base.
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/eto_tim_pse/p2p/index.htm
Ray Murphy, FHWA
Office of Technical Services
ray.murphy@dot.gov
http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/
fhwahop10050x/fhwahop10050x.pdf
This 37
presentation:
Editor's Notes
Good afternoon and thank you.Our nation’s highway network is vulnerable to disruption from a number of events including trafficincidents, planned special events, construction and weather events. These events often cause a loss in mobility and can significantly affect both public and responder safety. To mitigate the effects of these planned and unplanned events, and to ensure the safety of thetraveler and efficiency of the highway network, transportation and public safety professionals mustbe prepared to deal with these situations whenever they occur. Departments of transportation(DOTs), law enforcement, emergency management, fire and rescue, towing and recovery, and otheremergency responders, must recognize the importance of planning andpreparedness prior to an event as well as cooperation and communication during their response;have the resources and training necessary to manage any situation effectively; and commit toregular dialogue regarding their respective roles and best practices.
I will briefly talk about FHWA’s vision of the National Traffic Incident Program;Then provide the business case on why it’s extremely important to have a TIM program, followedBy the operational strategies presented by the NUG, an overview of the TIM process and end with some information on the Strategic Highway Research Program’s national TIM training.
Let’s start with a common definition of TIM –It’s a multi-discipline approach to detect, respond and clear traffic incidents in a safe and quick manner. The over-arching theme for TIM improving the safety of motorists, crash victims and all responders.
Through continuous and enhanced planning and training our vision is to:Help Reduce or eliminate injuries and fatalitiesPromote efficient and quick incident clearanceHelp Develop local TIM Programs that benefit states, corridors and regions and statesRaise local TIM programs as a core mission” for transportation and responder agenciesMeasure performance that demonstrates improved TIM responses and programsStandardize Training throughout the country
As transportation agencies, we share a common mission – to provide a safe and reliable Surface Transportation System Traffic crashes & incidents present a tremendous hazard for motorist – we lose an average of 4 people die every hour on our roads.
Responder Safety – a collaborative, multi-discipline TIM program will help lower the annual number of responders struck and killed nationally while working in or near moving trafficWe lose about 100 Transportation/Highway professionals every year and about 20,000 are injured- it’s our business mission in Reducing incident clearance times and helping improve first responder safety.
Crashes due to previous traffic incidents — orsecondary crashes—not only impact highway safety, they also have the potential to create an avalanche of further incidents and additional crashes. It is Estimated that 20-25% of all Incidents are secondary The odds of an incident lasting 35 minutes or more has almost a 100% likelihood of a secondary incident occurringOften secondary incidents are more severe than the primary incident a comprehensive TIM plan involving all stakeholders, including transportation, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and towing first responders can limit the impact of secondary incidents
The societal impact can be upwards of $6 million per fatality. And Traffic crashes cost nearly 300 billion annually –
So how much does an incident like this cost?Towing – about $10 grandAmbulance - $4-5 thousandClean-up bout 6-7 grandState police – little bit over 4 grandTransportation – approx 13 thousandVehicle damage – upwards of 30 grandLoss by the trucking company – near 80 thousandLocal police – under a grandPossibly an emergency airlift would run about 5 thousandAll-in-all you’re looking at a bit over $150 thousand
Another aspect to consider is the impact on freight movement - Research has demonstrated that traffic crashes are closely related to increased traffic volumes which can limit freight movement and significantly decrease highway safety. The overall economic impact and public expense incurred responding to, processing, and investigating traffic crashes could significantly slow economic recovery and growth.
This graphic shows daily truck volumes back in 2009.The I-80 corridor in this area was running about 14,000 trucks back then. According to FHWA’s Freight Analysis Framework, the U.S. transportation system handled the movement of 44 million tons of freight (on average), worth $40 billion, each day back in 2009.
Surface freight movement and volume undoubtedly will increase in the future; projections indicate that daily truck volumes in another 30 years will nearly double
To help address all of these challenges, the NUG or National Unified Goal --- a national policy to help agencies get more involved with incidents and to adopt unified, multi-disciplinary policies, procedures and practices that will help improve the way traffic incidents are managed on our highways was developedThe NUG addresses three major themes or objectives: safety for all responders; safe, quick clearance; and prompt, reliable incident communications.Along with 18 strategies ---- 12 Core Strategies And 6 Cross-Cutting Foundational Strategies
the Core strategiesFor Responder Safety the core strategies include:Recommended Practices Move Over / Slow Down Laws;And Driver Training and Awareness. For Safe, Quick Clearance – strategies include:Promoting Multidisciplinary TIM Procedures;Response and Clearance TimeGoals; and24 / 7 Availability
Effective communications, information management and information sharing are critical aspects of traffic incident management. Whenever a number of people are gathered as the result of a traffic incident, the need to disseminate clear information and instructions to both the responders and the general public as quickly as possible is essential. Wyoming’s (ITS) Intelligent Transportation Systems infrastructure offer an excellent opportunity for state and local transportation agencies to provide real-time traveler information to their counterparts located at the emergency operations centers.
The 6 Cross-Cutting “Foundation” Strategies include establishing State & Regional partnerships & programs; TIM is a Team EffortIncident response involves response from multiple responders from a variety of organizations each with a specific role and responsibility at an incident scene. For traffic incident management to be effective it is important that all of these agencies work collaboratively, have common goalsGoals for Performance Measures & ProgressTIM ProgramsShare ITS resources and TIM TechnologiesEstablish Effective TIM PoliciesAnd have a continued training program promoting Awareness & Education
What the Traffic Incident Management process? The TIM process involves coordinating the resources of a number of different partner agencies and private sector companies to detect, respond to, and clear traffic incidents as quickly as possible to reduce the impacts of incidents on safety and congestion, while protecting the safety of on-scene responders and the traveling public.
Detection & Verification is the process that brings the incident to the attention of all responders.Incident victims are obviously the most vulnerableTraffic flow most disrupted and unpredictable Quick & accurate detection and verification is critical
Detection and verification:Automatic crash notification systems use on-board sensors to detect evidence of a collision. When the vehicle’s sensors detect a crash, the vehicle automatically communicates with a call center and transmits information on the vehicle’s location.Field verification by on-site responders and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to support confirmation of incident occurrence and enhance the assessment of incident needs and the subsequent dispatch of appropriate personnel and resources to the scene.Frequent or enhanced roadway reference markers and enhanced 9-1-1/automated positioning systems to support accurate identification of incident location by motorists or response personnel.5-1-1 systems, traveler information websites, and media partnerships to enhance the provision of traveler information to motorists who are primarily off-site in an effort to reduce traffic demand at the incident scene.
Response:Personnel, equipment resource lists and Vehicle Identification Guide to support the dispatch of appropriate resources to the incident scene.Instant tow dispatch procedures and towing and recovery zone-based contracts to speed response to the incident scene by towing and recovery personnel through expedited dispatch and reduced travel distances.Equipment staging areas and pre-positioned equipment to enhance availability of and reduce wait time for specialty equipment that may be slow to mobilize and to improve access to and speed deployment of supporting equipment, such as traffic control devices.Enhanced computer-aided dispatch (E-CAD), dual or optimized dispatch procedures, and motorcycle patrols to speed response to the incident scene by public safety personnel through reduced travel distances and increased maneuverability in congested conditions.
Site management and traffic control:The Incident Command System (ICS) is used for consistent on-scene authority and provide a unified command structure for decision making.Response vehicle parking plans are recommended to enhance on-scene maneuverability.High-visibility safety apparel and vehicle markings, on-scene emergency lighting procedures, and safe, quick clearance Move Over laws that require motorists approaching an incident to reduce speed and/or change lanes to enhance responder safety at the scene.High-visibility safety apparel worn by incident responders
The Incident Command System (ICS) is the systematic tool for the command, control, and coordination of an emergency response. ICS encourages agencies to work together using common terminology and operating procedures for controlling personnel, facilities, equipment, and communications at an incident scene.
Quick clearance and removal is a critical element of a successful TIM program which helps expedite the clearance of abandoned vehicles from the roadway right-of-way and minimize the risk for abandoned-vehicle-involved secondary incidents.Wyoming does have a “Move-over-law” which helps facilitate quick clearance and removal.Specialized equipment such as vehicle-mounted push bumpers, to speed the clearance of minor incidents also helpsMajor incident response teams to speed the clearance of major incidents through a high level of familiarity among the various team members and their authority to mobilize the necessary personnel and equipment to respond.Quick clearance techniques are designed to improve safety for drivers and responders alike; get traffic moving more rapidly; and reduce secondary accidents, which generate 18 percent of fatalities.
You’ve all heard the saying that what gets measured gets performed. Executive outreach helps ensure that the effectiveness of TIM programs is adequately demonstrated to decision makers and that TIM programs subsequently receive adequate attention in prioritization of projects for funding.
The top 3 performance measures some states are gathering include:“Roadway” Clearance Time -- the time between 1st notification and all lanes are open to traffic.“Incident” Clearance Time -- the time between the1st awareness and when the last responder has left the scene.andSecondary Crashes --the number of secondary crashes after the primary incident occurs
Here are examples of some of the parameters noted in a performance report along with example performance targets used thru-out the country.Measurable objectives of incident management can include:Reducing the time for incident detection and verification Reducing response time (the time for response personnel and equipment to arrive at the scene) Exercising proper and safe on-scene management of personnel and equipment, while keeping as many lanes open to traffic as possibleReducing clearance time (the time required for the incident to be removed from the roadway) andProviding timely, accurate information to the public that enables them to make informed choices
The towing industry is a key component on the roadway when it comes to incidents. Over the past ten years there has been made great strides in accepting and acknowledging them as a roadway partner. There are many tow training organizations out there now across the country that includes Incident Management as part of their program. They are the only public/private sector that comes to an incident. I encourage Wyoming DOT each of you to include towers in your training and welcome them to be part of the Incident Command process, The Wyoming Highway Patrol does not have a policy that requires tow companies to respond within 90 minutes of an incident/crash. I touched base with your State Police and they indicated that with Wyoming being mostly rural,and given certain circumstances such as wreckers out of position, during snow storms when towing services are in high demand, etc.), there may be times that their response times exceed 90 minutes.Just a thought, but Wyoming might consider some form of Towing and recovery quick clearance incentives to speed the clearance of major incidents.
Application of traffic control measures at an incident site and other affected facilities including alternate & detour routes to effectively reduce excess delay.Effective traffic control through on-site traffic management and advance warning systems can reduce the occurrence of secondary incidents.Basically want to avoid unnecessary delay and secondary incidents
Real-time, accurate traveler information is key to managing an incidentSome of the Key Functions that your TMC is doingMonitoring and control of roadside ITS devices such as web cameras and road weather information systems; Serving as a law enforcement communications hub for state and federal agencies; and Managing communication with the traveling public via the 511 Travel Information Service and direct contact with media outlets, visitor centers, and truck stops.
I understand that After-action reports are done here in Wyoming formajor crashes. And they are on a case by case basis and usually only multi-car crashes. If they identify gaps such as in communications, those challenges should be noted and addressed.An obligation by all is needed in the implementation of a working TIM program.
Some of the common information to be included within a typical Incident After-action review/Debriefing shouldReview basic details of incident, using pictures and/or videoA Roundtable discussion with opportunity for the various agencies to share their perspectives Discuss issues and Identify potential solutionsIt goes without saying, but finger pointing is always counter-productive.And try to identify at least one action item to walk-away withFormalize the process for and regularly conduct After-Action Reviews (AARs)Consider assigning the responsibility of conducting AARs to a position (rather than a person) to ensure continuity
Some of the major goals in developing a TIM Program is to achieve a more efficient response and effective resource management.encourage participation from all responding agencies and stakeholders (i.e. TIM Committee) - “get folks to the table”Establish and maintain relationshipsCollectively assess Where are we now?Collectively establish goals for performance and progress
Establish, confirm, reinforce goals/objectivesConsider a vision or mission development activity and subsequent “charter” or “MOU” signed by all participantsIdentify, discuss problem areas, needs Collaborate in developing solutions, strategiesConduct after-action reviews, debriefsPromote awareness of on-going TIM-related activities and initiativesMonitor training requirementsEstablish, reinforce and renew relationships
the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Authorized by Congress to address some of the most pressing needs related to the nation’s highway systemAdministered by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) :Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)The emphasis of Tier 1 training is response activities and thus targets incident responders. Tier 1 reviews on-scene activities such as detection/verification, response, site management, clearance/removal, and traffic management with a focus on responder safety. Only a team effort through a comprehensive TIM program will allow major freeway systems to remain safe and effective.
Quick clearance techniques are designed to improve safety for drivers and responders alike; get traffic moving more rapidly; and reduce secondary accidents, which generate 18 percent of fatalities.The Training bringsall TIM players to the table to provide a tool to all stakeholders….everyone has a role and can benefit by working together
Train the Trainer: After completing the TtT course participants will be equipped to provide the training to a larger audience of incident responders in their discipline. Classroom Training: Allows trainers to reach a broader audience of incident responders locally across a region or state
I’d like to close my presentation with a pitch for our Peer to peer program and as a quick read the Best Practices in TIM summary.Here is my contact info – please contact me if I can be of any assistance. This presentation is available at the following link:Thank you
