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 • Struck-by Incident Reporting • Public Outreach • Responding To/From Incidents
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.
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.
Sample Standard Operating Procedure
The NVFC has developed a sample SOP for responses to incidents involving lithium-ion batteries and/or energy storage systems, including electric vehicles.
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. In 2023, the awareness week will take place November 13-17. Both the National Operations Center of Excellence and the Federal Highway Administration have a CRSW webpage for more information and resources.
Struck-by Incident Reporting
The Emergency Responder Safety Institute works to improve the safety of those who respond to incidents on America’s roadways. As part of this effort, they have developed an online reporting system that will help them document and analyze how and where first responders are being struck, injured, and killed. The form takes about 3-4 minutes to complete. Learn more and submit a struck-by incident report.
Public Outreach
In addition to training responders, your department can also educate the public on their role in keeping responders safe at roadway incidents. Encourage the public to stay alert and slow down, move over when passing responders on the road. Resources to help are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Emergency Responder Safety Institute. The NVFC also has a series of videos that you can use to raise awareness in your community.
Responding To/From Incidents
Responders need to be safe when driving on the roadways so they can get where they are going. The NVFC offers the following resources for responding to and from incidents:
