Each day on Michigan roadways, first responders work relentlessly to keep motorists safe and traffic operating after traffic incidents. As incidents occur-no matter the size or severity- first responders collaborate to address them through coordinated traffic incident management (TIM) practices.
TIM responders include firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, towing and recovery, and freeway courtesy patrols who provide emergency traffic control on scene. November 13-19 marks the second annual Traffic Incident Responders Week, designated by the Federal Highway Administration. As many will travel over the holidays, this week provides an important opportunity to raise the awareness of drivers and transportation professionals to practice caution around traffic incidents – so that responders and motorists alike stay safe.
Unfortunately, many first responders are killed during traffic incidents each year. In fact, traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for EMS/EMT responders, and 13 percent of all police and firefighter deaths are vehicle-related, according to the Traffic Incident Management Network. There have also been a number of tow operator deaths on Michigan roadways recently.
Everyone has a role in to ensure maximum safety following an incident. First responders are responsible for staging incident areas properly and wearing high-visibility safety gear. Motorists should remain alert and follow traffic laws. The State of Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution Law, commonly known as the “Move Over Law,” requires motorists to move over with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it’s not possible to safely change lanes. Drivers are required to move over for police, fire, and ambulances, as well as for road-service vehicles including tow trucks and courtesy patrol.
Drivers involved in crashes can help decrease the likelihood of a secondary collision by moving their vehicle to places of refuge such as the shoulder, emergency lane, or crash investigation site. Michigan’s “Steer It, Clear It” law requires drivers to move their vehicles from the main traveled portion of the roadway, if operable, so as not to further impede traffic. Secondary collisions are especially dangerous for first responders. To aid driver awareness of what to do after an accident, MDOT has produced this informative video:
Another thing motorists can do is to stay informed about current congestion and bottlenecks. Mi-Drive is available to use on web browsers and as an app for smartphones and tablets. It offers real-time traffic information data, including where incidents are located so motorists can make informed route choices and be better aware of potential hazards for their own safety, as well as the safety of other motorists and first responders. Additionally, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties offer travel data from road weather conditions to travel alerts through websites or text message alert services. You can find links to these services on SEMCOG’s website.
Throughout the year, SEMCOG participates in regional traffic incident management coordination committees and helps organize the annual Traffic Incident Management Partnering Workshop. This workshop brings together first responders, road agencies, dispatch, and towing professionals from across the state to discuss best practices, innovative technologies, and emerging trends aimed at keeping roadways safe and operating. This year’s workshop was held on March 3, 2017, at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace and included presentations on roadway clearance, investigations following traffic incidents, and a roundtable discussion about connected and autonomous vehicles.
Finally, to mark TIM Responders Week, Move Over Michigan and AAA of Michigan are hosting an event for police, fire, ambulance, and tow professionals to highlight the importance of the Move Over Law. The event will take place November 14th 2007 at 10 a.m. at AAA-Auto Club Group Administrative Office Building – 1 Auto Club Drive, Dearborn, MI.
When traveling locally, regionally, and nationally, please remember to be aware of all the hard workers trying to keep us safe and our roadways clear after traffic incidents. We can all do our part. More information about Traffic Incident Response Week is available here.
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