Traffic Incident Management and Vehicle Response Training

Over 12,000 roadway incidents occur in the U.S. every day. These incidents put responders at risk of being killed or injured in a struck by incident or due to other hazards while on scene. In addition, responders need to understand the unique needs of responding to incidents involving electric vehicles as they become more prevalent on the roadways. This page is designed to offer training and resources to help firefighters and EMS providers be best prepared for roadway incident response to enhance the safety of responders, those they are trying to assist, and other motorists in the vicinity.

Skip to: Traffic Incident Management • Electric Vehicle Response • Crash Responder Safety Week

Traffic Incident Management (TIM)

Understanding and utilizing proper traffic incident management is critical in protecting responders and others on the roadways at traffic incidents. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA) to make sure responders have access to free TIM training to increase safety at roadway scenes and prevent tragedies.

TIM Online Training

Responder Safety Learning Network
The CVVFA’s Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN) offers a TIM certificate, which is earned by taking 10 online training modules and is equivalent to attending an instructor-led National Traffic Incident Management Training class. RSLN training modules are free to all users. Register now.

In addition, RSLN offers dozens of other free online courses in various topics related to traffic incident management and safe roadway response topics. Access the full catalog here.

National TIM Responder Training
The FHWA’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) offers a free web-based course to help improve incident response and increase safety for first responders and the public. Register now.

Additional Resources

NFPA 1091
NFPA 1091: Standard for Traffic Control Incident Management Professional Qualifications was adopted to reduce the risks to response personnel and the public through proper traffic control training. NFPA 1091 promotes safer operations by providing minimum job performance requirements for traffic control incident management personnel to ensure they are adequately prepared to carry out the duties of the assignment. Access the standard for free at www.nfpa.org/1091.

SHRP2
The FHWA’s SHRP2 program provides training and resources for a safer, faster, stronger, and more integrated incident response. Access web site.

FHWA – Traffic Incident Management
This website provides information, resources, and training for TIM. Access web site.

Electric Vehicle Response

With an ever-increasing number of electric vehicles on the roadways, responders need to understand the special considerations and hazards that may be present during incidents involving these vehicles so they can be ready to respond safely and effectively.

Online Training

Electric Vehicle Safety: An Awareness Level Training
This one-hour awareness course from the NVFC, sponsored by General Motors, introduces first responders to the unique considerations posed by hybrid and electric vehicles, shares data and resources, and equips first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. The course is available free for a limited time. Access the course.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles Training Program for Emergency Responders
Electric vehicles are the future, and the National Fire Protection Association created this online course to make sure responders are prepared for fires and other situations involving these vehicles. Register now.

Crash Responder Safety Week

Each November, a week is set aside to focus on the criticality of TIM practices and the safety of TIM responders and all road users. This year’s week takes place November 14-18 with the theme “Respect our Roadside Heroes.” Visit the CRSW web site for more information as well as to register for the CRSW planning webinars.