Traffic Incident Management for Responders
Traffic Incident Management for Responders
The Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Course was developed through the Strategic Highway Research Program and administered through the Federal Highway Administration. This four-hour program is provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Department of Public Safety and uses a multiple-discipline perspective to train first responders within states, regions and localities how to operate more efficiently and collectively. This unique course for first responders promotes a shared understanding of the requirements for safe, quick clearance at traffic incident scenes; prompt, reliable and open communications; and motorist and responder safeguards. The TIM training program focuses on a response effort that protects motorists and responders while minimizing the impact on traffic flow, including detecting, verifying and responding to incidents; clearing the incident scene; and restoring traffic flow.
Target Audience
To be effective, this course requires a mix of disciplines, including law enforcement, fire, transportation, emergency medical services, public safety, towing and recovery, public works, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) disciplines.
Registration
Browse upcoming course dates and locations, and register for a course on the Traffic Incident Management website.
Quick Clearance
What should I do if I am involved in a crash or other situation on the road that requires emergency assistance?
Dial 911 and move your vehicle out of travel lanes into a safe area, such as a highway shoulder or off the highway entirely. Attend to all medical needs in a safe place, and call for roadside assistance. If your vehicle becomes nonoperable, raise the front hood and activate flashing “hazard lights” can signal to other drivers and emergency responders that it is disabled. Stay alert and watch for approaching traffic. Do not leave the scene of a crash.
Why is it important to move vehicles out of travel lanes?
Safety. Across Arizona highways and roads, first responders put their lives on the line every time they respond to vehicle crashes to help motorists. They help those involved in collisions and drivers passing by in other cars, by ensuring their safety after an incident. If it’s possible, move your vehicles out of traffic and onto the highway shoulder. Professionals responding to the incident, such as law enforcement and tow truck operators, can do their jobs from the safety of the shoulder, instead of travel lanes. With travel lanes open, the chance for a secondary collision involving other motorists is reduced.
If I come across the scene of a car crash, what should I do?
Drivers should stay alert and slow down when driving past first responders at all incidents. First responders need space to work so they can keep themselves and the traveling public safe. If you see flashing lights, move over one lane — it’s the law.