Field Operations Guide for 

Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration
Notice

The U.S. Department of Transportation provides high-quality information to serve 

government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. 

Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, 

and integrity of its information. U.S. DOT periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts 

its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.

The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade and 

manufacturers’ names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to 

the object of the document. 

FHWA-HOP-10-014

Technical Report Documentation Page

1. Report No.

FHWA-HOP-10-014

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle

Field Operations Guide and Visor Cards for Safety/

Service Patrols

5. Report Date

December 31, 2009

6. Performing Organization Code

HOTO-1

7. Author(s)

John Sparks, Jessica Schuh, Arland T. Smith

8. Performing Organization Report No.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

Delcan Corporation

4411 Suwanee Dam Rd.

Suite 560

Suwanee, Georgia 30024

SAIC

8301 Greensboro Drive 

MS E-12-3

McLean, VA 22102

10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS)

11. Contract or Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Operations

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

Field Operations Guide

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

ETO, HOTO-1, FHWA

15. Supplementary Notes

Kimberly C. Vásconez, FHWA Office of Operations, Office of Transportation Operations, 

Emergency Transportation Operations Team Leader and Contracting Officer’s Technical 

Monitor (COTM)

16. Abstract

FHWA produced this guide for use by Safety/Service Patrol operators and supervisors. It is 

expected that Safety/Service Patrol personnel will carry the guide in their vehicle to use as a 

quick reference while performing patrol tasks. 

They should refer to this guide on a regular basis as a refresher on steps and tasks associated 

with managing incidents—particularly for those situations not encountered every day.

This guide is not designed to stand alone, but in conjunction with training and exercises that 

will indoctrinate the Safety/Service patrol operators into these good practices as well as 

Agency formal Standard Operating Guidelines or Procedures.

17. Key Words

Emergency Transportation Operations, Traffic 

Incident Management (TIM), Full-Function Safety/

Service Patrols (FFSPs), Safety/Service Patrols, 

Freeway Operations, Traffic Control

18. Distribution Statement

No restrictions

19. Security Classif. (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classif. (of this page)

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages

94

22. Price

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
December 2009 iii

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

The Basics .................................................................. 1

Introduction ...........................................................................1

Basic FFS/SP Program Functions ...............................................3

FFS/SP Operator Overview and Functions..................................5

How to Use this Guide............................................................8

Intended Audience and Use.........................................................8

Using the FOG in the Field ..........................................................9

Why use the FOG ......................................................................10

Operator Information .........................................11

Pretrip Inspection ................................................................11

Personal Safety...................................................................12

High-Visibility Apparel / Safety Vest...........................................12

Personal Safety Items................................................................13

General Operator Safety ...........................................................14

Priorities at an Incident........................................................16

Operating in the Interest of Safety......................................17

Traffic Laws.........................................................................18

Proper Patrol Procedures ..................................................19

Leaving and Entering the Travel Lanes .................................20

Operator Safety Guidelines for Motorist Assists................21

Transporting Stranded Motorists........................................24

Transporting/Assisting Pedestrians (No Vehicle Present)..........25

Motorist-Aid Provider Protocol..........................................27

Push Bumper ........................................................................28

Emergency Temporary Traffic Control .... 30

Temporary Traffic Control at a Traffic Incident Management

Area .....................................................................................30

Safe Vehicle Placement........................................................32

Emergency Light Use............................................................33

Arrow Panel Use .................................................................35

Traffic Cone Placement .......................................................37

Traffic Cone Placement for Lane-Blocking Incidents .................37

Positive Traffic Control ......................................................40

Advance Warning and Queue Protection ..............................42

Dismantling the Incident Scene .............................................43
iv December 2009

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 1 The Basics

Incident Actions .................................................... 44

Abandoned Vehicles..............................................................44

Disabled Vehicles .................................................................45

Relocating Vehicles from Hazardous Locations ........................46

Basic Assistance........................................................................47

Traffic Crashes ...................................................................49

Working with Other Responders ................................................52

Relocating Crash Vehicles.........................................................54

Vehicle Fires ..............................................................................55

Truck Crashes .....................................................................57

Vehicle Fluid Spill Mitigation ..............................................59

Incidents Involving Hazardous Materials ..............................60

Removing Debris...................................................................62

Road Closures and Detours.................................................64

Communication .....................................................................65

Radio Communication................................................................65

Incident Documentation.........................................................66

Reference ................................................................ 67

Incident Management Structure ..........................................67

National Incident Management System (NIMS).........................67

Incident Command System (ICS) ..............................................68

Traffic Incident Classification..............................................70

Vehicle Identification Guide ..................................................72

Multilingual Assistance ........................................................73

Coverage Map ......................................................................83

Important Contacts .............................................................84

Terms and Acronyms.............................................................85

Index.....................................................................................86

The Basics 

Introduction

Traffic Incident Management (TIM) is the detection, 

response, and clearance of traffic incidents to restore the 

capacity of the roadway quickly and safely.1 The National 

Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC) has 

defined a three-part National Unified Goal (NUG) for TIM: 

•	 Responder safety.

•	 Safe, quick clearance.

•	 Prompt, reliable, interoperable communications.2

TIM programs require coordination among various 

stakeholders, including, but not limited to, departments of 

transportation, law enforcement, fire- rescue, emergency 

management services, towing and recovery, and safety/

service patrols. Each of these disciplines has provided 

guidance to the NTIMC on the elements of a successful TIM 

program through their respective organizations. The NTIMC 

has consolidated these principles and is putting them to 

action through various programs throughout the country. 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes 

Safety/Service Patrol (S/SP) programs as one of the 

most effective TIM strategies available. Successful S/SP 

programs help meet the NUG and improve TIM in cities 

across America. 

1 United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway 

Administration, Traffic Incident Management Program. http://ops.fhwa.

dot.gov/incidentmgmt/about/about.htm (Accessed December 10, 2008)

2 National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, National Unified 

Goal for Traffic Incident Management: Working Together for Improved 

Safety, Clearance, and Communications. http://www.transportation.

org/sites/ntimc/docs/NUG%20Unified%20Goal-Nov07.pdf
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

2 December 2009 The Basics

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 3 The Basics

Many states have fully accepted the concept of S/SP 

and realize that these programs are far more than just 

a convenience for motorists who run out of gas or have 

a flat tire. Some agencies believe the program is so 

important that they have obtained private sponsorship to 

help fund their S/SP operations.

As part of the effort to encourage major metropolitan 

safety/service patrols to transition to Full Function 

Safety/Service Patrols (FFS/SP) and to establish 

consistency among these programs, the FHWA has 

published the Full Function Safety/Service Patrol 

Handbook, developed training standards, and prepared 

this Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols.

This Field Operations Guide (FOG) is designed to help 

S/SP operators and supervisors perform the many 

functions and activities of an S/SP program. 

The FOG is designed to augment, not replace, the 

necessary initial training required for S/SP operators. 

The intent of the FOG is to reinforce procedures and 

provide reminders for various incident scenarios. 

Working as incident management and incident prevention 

responders, S/SP operators encounter a wide variety of 

situations that require diverse response activities and 

guidelines. This guide can help operators and supervisors 

perform efficiently and effectively by providing tools and 

guidance for successful S/SP operations. 

Basic FFS/SP Program Functions

Traditionally, Safety/Service Patrol programs have 

offered only motorist assistance, which is in itself an 

important service to the public that frees police and 

other emergency response personnel to perform the 

activities associated with their primary missions. 

Over time, safety/service patrol programs have matured 

from basic motorist assistance into more fully functional 

programs, taking on a new and equally important role in 

incident management. As a result, Full Function Service 

Patrols (FFS/SPs) have become a new generation of 

first responders, providing valuable public safety and 

protection services. In this new role, safety/service 

patrol programs help keep incident scenes safe, clear 

incidents more quickly, and assist other emergency 

responders at incident scenes. 

Each responder to an incident scene has unique duties. 

The FFS/SP’s primary contributions to the incident 

response team are scene safety and traffic control. The 

FFS/SP operator also clears minor incidents without 

assistance where possible, eliminating the hazard and 

reducing the need for response by other agencies.

An FFS/SP’s mission is an extension of the transportation 

agency’s mission to maintain the safe and efficient 

flow of traffic on the roadways. Agencies devote large 

budgets and resources, including the operation of FFS/

SP programs, to accomplish this mission. FFS/SPs 

maintain traffic flow and safety by promptly detecting 

incidents or disruptions to traffic, minimizing incident 

duration, clearing obstructions, improving scene safety, 

and preventing secondary incidents. 
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

4 December 2009 The Basics

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 5 The Basics

The basic functions of an FFS/SP include a multitude of 

responsibilities. It is recognized that while each program 

is unique, a true FFS/SP includes the functions covered in 

this guide. The following is a list of the essential objectives 

of an FFS/SP program, defined in priority order: 

1. Scene Safety

2. Traffic incident clearance

3. Traffic control and scene management

4. Incident detection and verification

5. Motorist assistance and debris removal

6. Traveler information

The Safety/Service Patrol Handbook further describes 

the FFS/SP basic functions: 

	Provide typical services, including: 

o Minor repairs and motorist assistance.

o Debris removal.

o Fuel.

o First aid.

o Vehicle relocation out of travel lanes.

	Reduce traffic congestion, improve travel time 

reliability, and improve safety on freeway and 

arterial systems.

	Provide emergency temporary traffic control

(TTC) at incident scenes.

	Provide incident response services, clearance 

resources, and free motorist assistance services 

24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week.

	Provide operators that are highly skilled and 

specially trained in the following: 

o NIMS/ICS. 

o Traffic control. 

o First aid and CPR.

o Hazardous materials awareness and 

recognition.

o Light duty towing and recovery. 

	Utilize FFS/SP vehicles designed and equipped 

to fully relocate a stalled or abandoned 

automobile or light truck from a highway to a safe 

location.

	Provide situation status updates to Traffic 

Management Centers (TMC) / Traffic Operations 

Centers (TOC) or dispatch and traffic news 

personnel.

	Participate in incident debriefs or after-action 

reviews.

FFS/SP Operator Overview and Functions

FFS/SP supervisors and operators are the traffic control

specialist members of the response team at a traffic 

incident. Emergency responders who work closely with 

FFS/SP personnel recognize them as a vital resource to 

be relied upon during incidents of every type and scale. 
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

6 December 2009 The Basics

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 7 The Basics

As incident responders—often the first on the scene—

FFS/SP operators play an important role not only as 

responders but also as representatives of their agencies 

to the public and other responders. FFS/SP personnel 

must always show professionalism, using their skills and 

training to best serve those they are assisting. Motorists 

using the roadway system want to know they have an 

advocate who is focused on their safety and on reducing 

their frustration with congestion caused by incidents. 

FFS/SP professionals must serve as that advocate. It is 

vital that FFS/SP personnel be courteous and maintain 

the highest standards of integrity—even when working 

with uncooperative motorists or other responders who 

may not fully realize the expertise and resources that 

FFS/SP provides—while representing the agency. 

Some other responders may not yet understand the FFS/

SP role; they may assume that the FFS/SP operator 

is trying to override their authority or is only concerned 

with quick clearance rather than safe quick clearance. 

While maintaining professionalism, FFS/SP personnel 

should explain their role to such responders, but never 

undermine the authority of the scene commander.

Because safety of the motorist and the responder 

is paramount, FFS/SP professionals should always 

serve as safety officers and consider safety first in all 

decisions made while assisting motorists or responding 

to an incident. In any instance in which the FFS/SP 

operator believes a motorist or other responder is taking 

an unsafe course of action and is unable to resolve the 

problem, the operator should advise the on-site incident 

supervisor or incident commander. If the problem 

persists, the onsite FFS/SP official should report the 

concern to their supervisor of record and dispatcher. 

The true performance measure of an individual FFS/

SP operator is how effective and efficient they are in 

locating and safely clearing disruptions to restore traffic 

flow. An effective FFS/SP operator: 

	Detects incidents by continuously scanning both 

directions of travel while patrolling.

	Assists motorists with relocating their vehicles out 

of hazardous locations.

	Sets up temporary traffic controls and improves 

scene safety.

	Communicates incident details and traffic 

conditions to dispatch, the TMC, or the TOC.

	Establishes and maintains a close working 

relationship with the onsite incident commander 

or safety officer, law enforcement, fire and rescue 

personnel, and other TIM responders in a multiagency response.

	Establishes and maintains close communication 

with dispatch and/or the TMC or TOC staff.

	Works with fire-rescue and other responders to 

maintain as many open lanes as practicable.

	Clears and reopens travel lanes as the situation 

permits.

	Shortens the duration of incidents and prevents 

secondary crashes.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

8 December 2009 The Basics

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 9 The Basics

How to Use this Guide

Intended Audience and Use

Although the Federal Highway Administration 

encourages all Safety/Service Patrols to attain FullFunction status, as described in the Full-Function 

Safety/Service Patrol Handbook, we expect that S/SPs 

at all level of development should be able to use this 

Field Operations guide. 

This guide was developed for use by S/SP operators 

and supervisors. S/SP personnel should carry the guide 

in their safety/service patrol vehicle to use as a quick 

reference while performing patrol tasks. 

They should refer to this guide on a regular basis 

as a refresher on steps and tasks associated with 

managing incidents—particularly for those situations not 

encountered every day.

This guide is not designed to stand alone; programs 

should use it in conjunction with training to help 

condense the learning process. The Field Operations 

Guide should accompany agency formal Standard 

Operating Guidelines or Procedures incorporated with a 

solid training program. 

Using the FOG in the Field

This guide is organized into five logical sections:

 Section 1 – The Basics

 Section 2 – Operator Information 

 Section 3 – Emergency Temporary Traffic Control

 Section 4 – Incident Actions

 Section 5 – Reference

Users should review the guide thoroughly to become 

familiar with the contents and layout. Also, individual 

program information such as department-specific 

procedures, contact lists, and policies may be added to 

these basic guidelines and best practices. It may also be 

useful to tag or mark information used frequently in the field.

This guide will help S/SP professionals take the 

necessary steps and follow safety guidelines to manage 

an incident. Knowledge of the contents may increase 

confidence during high-stress situations. By having 

this guide available, S/SP professionals may be better 

prepared to take the appropriate action to quickly and 

safely manage any incident encountered.

As an example of how this guide may be used, a firston-the-scene S/SP operator at a truck crash may use 

the step-by-step bulleted guidance in the Incident 

Actions section to bring order to the scene and to make 

sure all important factors are considered. Additional 

guidance may assist the S/SP operator in determining 

the next steps to take in clearing the travel lanes 

and maintaining safety for victims, responders, and 

approaching motorists. As the reader becomes more 

familiar with the guidance in this document, they may 

perform in a more consistent and effective manner.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

10 December 2009 The Basics

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 11 Operator Information

Why use the FOG

The primary benefit of the Field Operations Guide is that 

it provides easily accessible on-the-job guidance to S/

SP operators. However, it has other benefits as well. 

The guide can be help both to improve safety for 

responders and motorists and to reduce liability for 

operators and agencies. Having the guide readily at 

hand gives operators a quick reference to annotated 

safety protocols and procedures. This, in turn, increases 

safety for operators, other responders, and roadway 

users, while avoiding unnecessary equipment damage. 

In addition to aiding operators in the field, this guide 

helps promote professionalism for the S/SP program. 

Personnel maintain a consistent level of service through 

standardized guidelines and procedures. The guide may 

help S/SP professionals avoid undesired performance 

by helping eliminate vital mistakes or ineffective 

actions. The step-by-step procedures outlined in the 

guide lend themselves easily to employee performance 

management and peer review of the program.

Finally, this guide helps operators and program 

administrators gauge their policies and procedures 

against benchmarks that are consistent with state-of-theindustry best practices. Providing consistent and practical 

service based on national best practices ultimately raises 

the bar for S/SP programs around the country. 

Operator Information

Pretrip Inspection

Inspect your vehicle and complete the Pretrip Vehicle 

Inspection Form before beginning your shift. This form 

includes a checklist of all vehicle safety items and 

devices, including, but not limited to, brakes, horn, 

headlights, taillights, turn signals, backup warning 

device, emergency lights, arrow panel, and traffic cones. 

 Check that all safety items are operational. Do not 

drive a vehicle that is in an unsafe condition.

 Verify that all tools and equipment are secure. Notify 

the supervisor of any missing items before beginning 

your shift.

 Check all expendable supplies and materials that 

may have been used during the previous shift. 

Restock as needed.

 Inventory the first-aid kit. Make sure the kit includes 

appropriate disposable exam gloves. 

 Recheck the vehicle at the end of your shift to ensure 

that all tools and equipment are in place. Refill or 

restock supplies or materials used. Report any 

heavily worn or broken equipment to the supervisor 

for repair or replacement.

 You are responsible for the proper care of the vehicle 

and its tools and equipment. Your responsibilities 

include, for example, checking oil and hydraulic fluid 

levels, bleeding air tanks, and scheduling maintenance. 
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

12 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 13 Operator Information

Personal Safety

Your job environment exposes you to many potential 

hazards. For your safety, you must be familiar with your 

vehicle and S/SP safety policies. 

Working on a highway or near moving traffic is 

hazardous. As an operator, you must be extremely 

alert and use sound judgment to protect yourself, other 

responders, and motorists. 

High-Visibility Apparel / Safety Vest

Wear approved high-visibility apparel at all times when 

working outside of the vehicle.

 Keep your high-visibility apparel clean to maintain 

reflectivity and visibility.

 Replace your high-visibility apparel when it is worn, 

heavily soiled, or faded. 

 Wear your high-visibility apparel on top of all other 

clothing, including jackets.

Personal Safety Items

 Use your seat belt.

 Wear gloves when changing tires or removing debris.

 Wear disposable exam gloves if there is a possibility 

of contact with bloodborne pathogens. Do not use 

leather work gloves as a substitute. 

 Wear safety shoes—such as steel toe boots—to 

protect your feet from falling objects or crushing 

injuries.

 Avoid loose or hanging clothing or personal items 

that may become snagged when working on disabled 

vehicles.

Figure 1. Current Truck and Equipment Used by 

Chicago’s Minutemen.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

14 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 15 Operator Information

General Operator Safety 

Safety is paramount and should always be a part of 

your daily routine. Following are some specific safety 

guidelines:

 Position your vehicle considering the safety of those 

at the scene.

 Park your vehicle to provide maximum protection 

while you are out of your vehicle, creating a buffer 

zone away from the disabled vehicle. Turn your front 

wheels away from traffic.

 Call dispatch with your “Windshield Size-up” 

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR VEHICLE.

•	 Provide your exact location if possible using as 

many of the following as possible:

	 Route #

	 Landmark

	 Direction

	 Before/After Exit #

	 Mile Marker

	 Town

	 Lane(s) blocked

•	 Describe the nature of the incident— “What do you 

see?”

	 Number and type of vehicles

	 Extent of damage to vehicles

	 Possible injuries?

 Evaluate each situation, determine what needs to be 

done to manage the situation, and take appropriate 

action. 

 Maintain situational awareness. Being aware of what 

is happening around you helps you understand how 

your actions may impact your safety and the safety 

of other responders and motorists. Balance the risks 

and benefits of the action you are about to take.

 Consider weather conditions when positioning your 

vehicle and setting up traffic controls.

 Always think about your safety and the safety of 

others.

Figure 2. Tennessee Department of Transportation HELP 

Incident Response Truck.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

16 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 17 Operator Information

Priorities at an Incident

It is important to prioritize your actions when you arrive at 

an incident scene, especially if you are the first to arrive. 

The scene may seem chaotic and it may appear that 

several tasks and responsibilities need to be completed 

at the same time. Using the priorities listed below can 

help you determine which tasks should be done first.

1. Save lives: 

a. Make safety your first priority. 

b. Preserve the lives of responders, injured 

persons, and passing motorists.

2. Stabilize the incident

a. Set up emergency temporary traffic controls.

b. Prevent secondary crashes by warning 

approaching traffic. 

c. Practice safe, quick clearance; move crash 

vehicles as soon as permitted.

d. Follow agency policy for scene preservation to 

protect evidence when necessary. 

3. Protect property and the environment: 

a. Contain spilled vehicle fluids to limit 

environmental damage.

b. Upgrade traffic controls and advance warning.

Operating in the Interest of Safety

Taking action “in the interest of safety” should be the 

motivation behind all your incident management activities. 

Apply your experience and common sense to taking that 

extra step and making the right decision in the interest of 

safety. Instead of doing nothing, look for that something 

extra you could be doing to improve scene safety:

 Set out traffic cones even if you only expect to be 

there a short time.

 Encourage a motorist who has already called for a 

tow to move from a hazardous location while waiting.

 Report abandoned vehicles to prevent a more 

serious incident.

 Relocate vehicles to a safer location before 

performing repairs.

 Do not take safety shortcuts.

 Do something!
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

18 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 19 Operator Information

Traffic Laws

S/SP operators may have some special driving 

privileges and exemptions that are not extended to the 

general public. S/SP operators must be fully aware of 

laws and agency policy regarding these exemptions. S/

SP vehicles are generally considered Official Vehicles 

and may be permitted to utilize median crossovers 

and paved shoulders or grassy areas to respond to an 

emergency or lane blocking incident when safe to do so. 

Local regulations and policies may vary.

However, S/SPs, in general, do not have the same 

exemptions to traffic laws given to police, fire, or EMS 

response units. You should always follow the guidance 

outlined below to ensure you are in compliance with all 

traffic laws in your jurisdiction.

 Adhere to all traffic and motor vehicle laws and policies. 

Even when responding to an emergency, do not exceed 

the posted speed or disobey other traffic regulations.

 Follow safe driving principles and practices. 

 Make sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts in 

compliance with State and Federal laws. Infants and 

small children must be in properly installed safety seats. 

Proper Patrol Procedures

 Maintain a safe, steady speed consistent with traffic 

around you when on patrol. Do not exceed the posted 

speed limit, even when responding to an emergency.

 Use extreme caution and travel at a slow, safe speed 

when driving on shoulders or grassy areas. Watch for 

other vehicles entering the shoulder from the travel 

lane. You may use the S/SP vehicle’s emergency 

warning lights. Do not use shoulders to respond to 

non-emergency incidents, such as a disabled vehicle 

out of traffic or an unconfirmed incident.

 Reduce speed during wet weather or poor visibility.

 Maintain a proper interval; avoid following a truck or 

high-cube vehicle that restricts your view.

 Check mirrors frequently and watch for vehicles in 

the blind spots.

 Drive in the right travel lane whenever possible; most 

stops will be on the right.

 Use emergency lighting and arrow panels in 

accordance with operating policies. 

 Set the parking brake before exiting the vehicle.

 Use caution when exiting the vehicle. When stopped 

adjacent to a travel lane, look before opening the 

door into traffic.

 Check your surroundings to ensure clearance before 

backing up. Use a spotter to guide you when one is 

available. LOOK BEFORE YOU BACK UP.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

20 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 21 Operator Information

Leaving and Entering the Travel Lanes

 Signal your intentions and give plenty of notice before 

pulling onto or off of a shoulder.

 Activate emergency lights as needed. Do not use the 

arrow panel as a turn signal.

 Use the shoulder to gain speed to safely re-enter the 

traffic stream.

 Do not risk creating a hazardous situation by making 

an erratic maneuver if you see a stalled vehicle at the 

last minute. Stop in front of the vehicle if necessary 

or proceed to the next exit and circle around to get 

into a safe position.

 Use caution when reentering the flow of traffic.

Operator Safety Guidelines for 

Motorist Assists

When working alone on or along active roadways:

 Be aware of oncoming traffic. 

 Minimize the time spent standing or walking between 

your vehicle and other vehicles.

 Plan an escape path.

 Check traffic before exiting the vehicle. 

 Approach the vehicle you are assisting on the side 

away from traffic. In most cases, this is the passenger’s 

side of the vehicle. If the vehicle is on the left shoulder 

or median, approach the vehicle on the driver’s side. 

 Turn your head and use your peripheral vision to 

monitor oncoming traffic for potential errant vehicles.

 Scan the interior of the vehicle as you approach it. 

 Avoid confrontations by practicing diplomacy. 

 Render assistance only when it is accepted. 

 Report unusual behavior to dispatch.

 Park well off the travel lane where possible. 

 Practice space safety, parking close enough to read 

the license plate, but no closer than two to four car 

lengths. Exceptions, such as for jump starts, should 

be limited.

 Avoid stopping in the glide path on the outside of a 

curve. Vehicles operated by inattentive drivers or at 

an unsafe speed may drift onto the shoulder.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

22 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 23 Operator Information

 Use traffic cones and flares for your safety as well as 

for traffic control. 

 Use flares only when necessary, making sure that 

there is no fuel spill. Do not use flares for illumination. 

Never kick a flare.

 Use extreme caution when jump starting. Follow 

proper cable placement.

 Do not remove a radiator cap from a hot or 

overheated engine.

 Remove all flares and other materials when the 

incident is clear.

	Always communicate with dispatch for your safety.

Figure 3. Caltrans Freeway Patrol Unit.

Figure 4. Motorist Assist.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

24 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 25 Operator Information

Transporting Stranded Motorists

Motorists on access controlled highways are at extreme 

risk, especially when they leave their vehicle to try 

to seek assistance. As an S/SP operator, it is your 

responsibility to assist these motorists and minimize this 

risk. When you encounter a stranded motorist on the 

highway, adhere to the following guidelines: 

 Stop and ask if you can be of assistance. 

 Use extreme caution when you encounter or transport 

individuals at night or if the individual appears to 

be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you 

feel uncomfortable or in danger, contact dispatch to 

request law enforcement assistance.

 Follow the special guidance in the following section, 

Transporting/Assisting Pedestrians, if there is no 

vehicle in sight.

 Offer the motorist the use of your cell phone to call 

for help if you are unable to repair a vehicle that 

will not start or can not be driven. If towing service 

or other help is not available within a reasonable 

time, offer to transport the motorist to a designated 

location within your patrol sector.

 Caution motorists who refuse transport to remain 

in their vehicle or away from the travel lanes. Notify 

dispatch of their refusal and tell the motorist that 

you will check on them on your next pass on patrol. 

If you believe that the individuals are at risk or in 

danger—for instance, because they are elderly, 

have young children, or are in poor health—ask 

dispatch to contact law enforcement for assistance.

 Contact dispatch when transporting a motorist to 

report the destination, number of people, gender, and 

current odometer reading. Immediately upon arrival 

at the drop-off point, contact dispatch and report your 

ending mileage.

 Contact dispatch for assistance if there are more 

passengers than seat belts in the S/SP vehicle.

 Do not: 

•	 Take motorists to have flat tires repaired.

•	 Drive motorists to repair shops or parts stores.

•	 Transport motorists to non-designated locations.

•	 Drive motorists back to the disabled vehicle after 

you transport them to a designated location.

Transporting/Assisting Pedestrians

(No Vehicle Present)

Pedestrians on access-controlled highways are at 

extreme risk. People walking along the highway not 

only put themselves in danger but may cause danger 

for passing motorists who may swerve to avoid hitting 

them. Most States have laws that make it illegal for 

pedestrians to walk along limited access highways. 

 Follow guidelines for your S/SP program. In some 

jurisdictions, law enforcement must be called to 

manage pedestrians on the highway. 

 Use extreme caution when approaching a pedestrian. 

If you feel uncomfortable or in danger when you 

encounter a pedestrian, contact dispatch to request 

law enforcement assistance.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

26 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 27 Operator Information

 Use the guidelines in the section above to assist the 

pedestrian but DO NOT provide transportation to a 

destination of their choice.

Figure 5. Florida Road Ranger Truck in Tampa Bay.

Motorist-Aid Provider Protocol

Your job as an S/SP Operator is to help keep the roadway 

operating as efficiently and as safely as possible. 

Be courteous and professional to tow companies, 

auto clubs, and other motorist-aid service providers; 

offer them your assistance and follow the operating 

guidelines for scene safety. 

If you suspect or witness any improper activity or 

conduct, notify dispatch and your supervisor. 

Figure 6. Safety/Service Patrol Truck Operated 

by the Dane County Sheriff on the Beltway in 

Madison, Wisconsin.
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28 December 2009 Operator Information

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 29 Operator Information

Push Bumper

Using the S/SP vehicle push bumper to relocate 

a disabled vehicle can be done safely and without 

damage by following some basic guidelines. Consider 

the location, weather, and traffic conditions. Contact 

dispatch to request assistance if you are concerned 

about highway traffic speeds, your safety, or the 

competence of the motorist. Do not relocate a vehicle if 

you suspect the driver is substance impaired.

A push bumper is designed to push a vehicle only 

for limited distances to reduce a safety hazard. Be 

prepared to explain to the motorist that you cannot 

push them down the highway to an exit or into a service 

station. Motorists may even ask you to push them to 

their home. Be polite but stay in control, and remember 

that your role is to reduce the potential of a secondary 

incident. Usually, a suitable relocation site is nearby—

just make sure you and the motorist agree on the 

location to which you will push the vehicle. 

 Do not push a vehicle that has bumper misalignment, 

previous damage, or an obstruction such as a trailer 

hitch, tire carrier or a ladder. If possible, photograph 

the vehicle’s bumper before and after pushing it. 

 Do not push a vehicle if you cannot see ahead of it. 

 Before you start to push: 

•	 Tell the driver what you want them to do.

•	 Confirm that the driver understands you.

•	 Advise exactly where you want the driver to go.

•	 Remind the driver that steering and braking will be 

hard but will work.

•	 Advise the driver not to hit the brakes hard or 

abruptly.

•	 Make sure the driver can hear your instructions. 

The driver side window should be open.

 Make sure the vehicle’s: 

•	 Ignition key is in the “on” position.

•	 Transmission is in “neutral.”

•	 Parking brake is “off.”

 Approach the disabled vehicle to be pushed slowly. 

Make gentle contact.

 Check traffic.

 Advise the driver that you will start pushing.

 Push slowly, maintaining a shallow angle.

 Back off before the driver brakes.

 Advise the driver when to stop.

 Instruct the driver to set the parking brake and secure 

the vehicle.
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30 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 31

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Emergency Temporary

Traffic Control

Temporary Traffic Control at a Traffic 

Incident Management Area

Utilizing Temporary Traffic Controls (TTC) at a Traffic 

Incident Management Area (TIMA) helps move road 

users safely and expeditiously past or around an incident, 

reduces the likelihood of secondary traffic crashes, and 

keeps motorists off the surrounding road system. 

TTCs include devices such as traffic cones, arrow 

panels, and warning signs as well as the use of manual 

traffic control (flagging).

You should always:

 Use safe practices for accomplishing your tasks in 

and near traffic. 

 Be aware of your visibility to oncoming traffic.

 Take measures either to move the traffic incident as 

far off the traveled roadway as possible or to provide 

appropriate warning of blocked lanes.

 Set up appropriate temporary traffic controls. 

Request additional traffic controls if the incident will 

not be cleared rapidly. 

 Update dispatch within 15 minutes of arrival at an 

incident, of:

•	 Your upgraded assessment of the magnitude of 

the traffic incident, including the number and types 

of vehicles, injuries, and lane closures.

•	 The expected duration of the traffic incident.

•	 The expected vehicle queue length.

 Reassess TTC devices regularly—every 15 minutes 

is recommended. Take some step, however small, 

to improve traffic at the incident scene, such as 

straightening or extending cone lines, relocating a 

responder vehicle, or reducing emergency lighting.

Figure 7. Maryland State Highway Administration 

Coordinated Highways Action Response Team 

(CHART) Emergency Response Unit.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

32 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 33

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Safe Vehicle Placement

Vehicle placement at the time of initial response is 

important to establish safe and effective traffic control. 

At a lane-blocking incident:

 Place your vehicle in a visible location between the 

incident and approaching traffic. Activate your arrow 

panel to warn motorists and direct traffic around the 

scene as you set up your lane closure taper with 

traffic cones.

 Relocate your vehicle as needed to best utilize the 

arrow panel once the traffic cones are in place.

 Consider repositioning your vehicle to allow more room 

for emergency vehicles as additional resources arrive.

 Confer with other on-scene agencies, when 

appropriate, through the incident command structure 

to ensure that emergency vehicle placement is 

optimized for scene safety, on-scene operations, 

and traffic flow past the scene. Consider staging 

additional response vehicles off-site until needed.

 Continue to look for opportunities to improve traffic 

flow and scene safety.

Emergency Light Use

The appropriate use of emergency lights—high-intensity 

rotating, flashing, or strobe lights—is essential. 

Emergency lighting is most effective when a traffic 

incident blocks travel lanes and traffic control devices are 

not yet deployed. Once responders deploy emergency 

temporary traffic control, the emergency lighting should 

be reduced. Emergency lighting does not provide traffic 

control and is not considered a traffic control device. 

Excessive or misdirected lighting can create confusion 

for approaching road users and increase the chances 

for secondary crashes. Motorists approaching a traffic 

incident from the opposite direction on a divided facility 

are often distracted by emergency vehicle lighting and 

slow down, sometimes abruptly, to look at the traffic 

incident as they pass, posing a hazard to themselves 

and other travelers. The lingering effect of this distraction 

contributes to increased congestion and resulting delay.

 Minimize the use of emergency lights by multiple 

response vehicles as channelization and advance 

warning are established.

 Monitor and adjust emergency lighting during the 

incident to improve the visibility of traffic control

devices and reduce onlooker delay. 

 Use arrow panels instead of flashing lights to provide 

traffic control.

 Use emergency lights—in accordance with 

applicable laws and operating procedures—when:
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

34 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 35

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

•	 En route to a confirmed incident with injuries or 

blocking a travel lane.

•	 Using facilities, such as emergency crossovers or 

the shoulder—if authorized to do so—on which the 

general public is not authorized to drive.

•	 Assisting stranded motorists, law enforcement, or 

other responders in a hazardous location. 

•	 Occupying a travel lane or any portion of a lane for 

an incident when the arrow panel is not effective.

•	 Reentering the travel lanes from a parked position 

on the shoulder. Use rear-facing emergency lights 

until you reach travel speed.

 Do NOT use emergency lights when:

•	 En route to a non-emergency incident, such as a 

stalled vehicle on the shoulder.

•	 En route to an unconfirmed incident.

Arrow Panel Use

An S/SP vehicle with an arrow panel is probably the most 

effective temporary traffic control device available. Proper 

use of the vehicle-mounted arrow panel or dynamic 

message sign (DMS), if so equipped, is essential for 

emergency temporary traffic control at an incident scene.

The arrow panel, used in conjunction with traffic cones 

and other traffic control devices, provides positive 

guidance to direct approaching traffic away from a 

blocked travel lane at an incident scene.

 Use the arrow panel in Arrow mode only to indicate a 

blocked travel lane.

Figure 8. Arrow Panel Indicating a Blocked Lane.

 Use the arrow panel in Caution mode when on or 

near the shoulder of the roadway.

Figure 9. Arrow Panel Indicating Caution.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

36 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 37

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

 Do not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested speed, 

which is typically 40 mi/h, with the arrow panel in the 

upright position. Wind damage to the panel, mounts 

and/or vehicle may result.

 Be aware of your vehicle’s overall height with the 

arrow panel in both the lowered and upright position.

Traffic Cone Placement

S/SP operators must be experts in setting up short-term 

traffic control to make incident scenes safer. Traffic 

cones serve as safety devices as well as effective traffic 

control devices. 

Traffic Cone Placement for Lane-Blocking 

Incidents

 Carry at least 16 cones on your vehicle.

 Set out traffic cones in a taper to guide approaching 

traffic into available lanes to safely pass the incident. 

 Start deploying cones at the rear of your vehicle and 

work your way upstream. 

 Reinforce and straighten traffic cone lines and tapers 

after their initial placement to increase effectiveness 

and maximize visibility of the cones. 

 Remember to always face traffic while placing or 

removing cones.

 Space cones equally at least 20 feet apart.

 Use 12 cones for the lane closure taper, which should 

be approximately 250 feet, and four cones along the 

activity area to quickly make the scene safer.

 Place cones around response vehicles and place at 

least one cone downstream past the incident to allow 

a parking spot for the ambulance or EMS vehicle.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

38 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 39

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

 Use striping marks as a distance reference to help 

with cone placement. Roadway striping on freeways 

typically has a 10 foot painted stripe and a 30 foot gap. 

 Increase the number of cones and the distance 

between cones as the speed of approaching traffic 

increases. This gives motorists more time to react, 

slow down, and merge. 

 Delineate traffic tapers with clean, reflectorized 

cones.

 Use only reflectorized cones when working at night.

 Borrow additional cones from other responding units 

or request some from another S/SP unit through 

dispatch if needed.

 Improve traffic flow by moving the transition taper 

further upstream from the activity area as additional 

traffic controls are put in place. 

Figure 10. Emergency Temporary Traffic Control Example.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

40 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 41

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Positive Traffic Control

Providing manual positive traffic control, also called 

flagging, at an incident scene reduces rubbernecking 

and helps keep traffic moving smoothly past the scene.

 Have qualified flaggers provide manual traffic 

control if possible, but any response personnel can 

provide it if necessary.

 Do not use bystanders, good Samaritans or other 

untrained personnel for traffic control duties.

 Give commands or directions to traffic in a clear, 

courteous but firm tone.

 Accompany verbal commands to “stop,” “slow down,” 

and “proceed” with appropriate hand movements or 

the use of a “Stop/Slow” paddle or flag.

 Note that whistles can also be an effective tool.

 Position yourself at a safe location adjacent to the 

wrecked vehicles when providing positive traffic 

control in the activity area.

 Position yourself at a safe location near the 

beginning of the taper when providing positive 

traffic control in the transition taper area. 

 Make eye contact with the drivers of approaching 

vehicles to encourage them to pay attention to their 

driving and not the incident. This will increase the 

flow of traffic past the incident scene, reducing delay. 

 Avoid providing individualized directions to 

motorists as this can create more congestion by 

slowing traffic. Remember, your job is to keep 

traffic moving. 

TO STOP TRAFFIC TO LET 

TRAFFIC PROCEED

TO ALERT AND

SLOW TRAFFIC

Figure 11. Flagger Commands for Emergency Positive 

Traffic Control.
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42 December 2009

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 43

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control

Advance Warning and Queue 

Protection

When an incident occurs, there is a significant probability 

of a secondary incident, which is often more serious than 

the initial event. S/SP operators play an important role in 

reducing these secondary incidents. 

Vehicles approaching at high speeds will often 

encounter the stopped queue of traffic long before the 

arrow panels and scene emergency lighting are visible. 

This high-speed traffic does not expect stopped traffic 

and needs appropriate warning. 

Special incident management advance warning signs 

placed by you or other responders provide the warning 

to approaching motorists. These signs may be a special 

fluorescent pink color with legends such as “INCIDENT 

AHEAD” and “BE PREPARED TO STOP.”

Coordinate with responding units who are either already 

on the scene or are arriving on the scene to place the 

advance warning signs. 

 Double back and place the advance warning signs 

once the immediate scene is secure if you are the 

initial responding unit and additional units are not 

available to assist. 

 Place the signs well in advance of the queue. 

Relocate them if needed.

 Act as the “eyes and the ears” of the TMC if one is 

operating in the area. Maintain continual communication 

with the TMC while on an incident scene so that traffic 

warning devices such as DMS can be updated with 

accurate information for approaching motorists.

 Obtain additional signs, if needed, from other 

response units and place them on both sides of the 

roadway well in advance of the scene.

Figure 12. Incident Advance Warning Signs.

Dismantling the Incident Scene

At the conclusion of an incident, help facilitate the 

safe removal of all components of the incident scene. 

Work with other responders to develop a plan for 

breaking down the scene to safely remove all remaining 

responders, responder vehicles, and TTC devices.

 Remove all debris from the travel lanes and shoulder.

 Remove traffic control devices in the upstream 

direction. Start at the termination area and work your 

way up to the advance warning area.

 Make notification to dispatch when the lanes are 

reopened.

 Be alert for impatient motorists. With the incident 

victims and vehicles removed, delayed drivers will not 

be as cautious and may not see you.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

44 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 45

Incident 

Actions

Incident Actions

Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles on high-speed, access-controlled 

roadways are a safety hazard and can restrict the 

response of emergency vehicles. 

 Check for the following scenarios without entering 

the vehicle: 

•	 Injured, sick, or incapacitated individuals

•	 Anything suspicious in nature, such as a punched 

ignition, damaged door lock, or a broken window 

with glass debris still in the vehicle.

 Notify dispatch if you find anything unusual.

 Advise dispatch if the vehicle is in a hazardous location. 

Dispatch can contact law enforcement (where this is the 

procedure) for expedited removal of the vehicle.

 Tag or mark the rear window to notify other units and 

law enforcement that the vehicle has been checked. 

Tagging may also expedite the removal of the 

abandoned vehicle. Tag the vehicle only if it is not an 

immediate hazard. 

 Follow procedures for logging or notifying dispatch 

when you tag a vehicle. 

 Do not stop for an abandoned vehicle that has 

recently been tagged by law enforcement or another 

S/SP operator.

 Notify dispatch of previously tagged vehicles that 

have not been moved after the time limit has expired.

Disabled Vehicles

Occupants of a motor vehicle that breaks down on a 

high-speed roadway face substantial risks. Make every 

attempt to respond promptly to this type of incident. 

Quick response will help safeguard vehicle occupants 

who may be tempted to accept a ride from a stranger or 

walk alongside the roadway to seek assistance.

Once you observe or are aware of a motorist who needs 

assistance, you have a special obligation to help that 

motorist. Within reason, you must adjust your direction 

of travel and respond to the incident with due caution 

but without delay. 

 Stop to offer assistance when a motorist with a 

disabled vehicle is encountered unless en route to 

a higher priority call. 

 Call dispatch and indicate your intention to turn 

around and offer assistance if the disabled vehicle is 

in the opposite direction of travel.

 Notify dispatch of the location and basic description 

of the vehicle for follow up if you must bypass a 

motorist for a higher priority incident.

If you are dispatched to a disabled vehicle and encounter 

another along the way, you may stop for a short time and 

check the problem. Advise dispatch and request guidance 

for prioritizing response for the two disabled vehicles or 

request assistance from another S/SP operator or law 

enforcement. If you cannot make immediate repairs, advise 

the motorist that you will return after the other call is cleared. 

NOTE: This is an agency policy decision that is usually 

determined by the impact on traffic flow, nature of the 

location, and occupants of the vehicle.
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46 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 47

Incident 

Actions

Relocating Vehicles from Hazardous Locations

Safety is your primary responsibility. If a vehicle is 

located in a hazardous location or is blocking a travel 

lane, make every effort to relocate the vehicle prior to 

making the assist. 

 Determine if the vehicle should be relocated to 

a safer location prior to rendering assistance in 

locations such as:

•	 Curves—motorists tend to hug the inside of a curve 

or drift off the road on the outside. Make sure there 

is sufficient sight distance for traffic to see you.

•	 Narrow left shoulders. 

•	 Locations where barrier walls or guard rails limit 

shoulder width and restrict your escape path. 

 Take special care when changing tires alongside high 

speed roadways. Consider relocating a vehicle if you 

must change a tire on the traffic side of the vehicle 

unless it is more than 6 feet off of the travel lane.

Basic Assistance

Basic assistance includes changing tires, giving jump 

starts, providing a small quantity of fuel to reach the 

next fuel station, and providing some minor emergency 

repairs. 

 Follow the Operator Safety Guidelines in the 

Operator Information section for vehicle placement 

and motorist assists. 

 Contact dispatch prior to leaving the vehicle and 

provide the following information:

•	 Exact location, including direction and milepost or 

cross street. 

•	 Color of the vehicle.

•	 Make of the vehicle.

•	 License plate number.

•	 Description of problem, such as disabled or 

abandoned.

 Walk past the passenger door, and turn to face 

traffic. Clearly identify yourself and ask, “Are you 

okay?” and, “How may I help you?” Do not open the 

door; ask the driver to lower the window. 

 Inform the motorist that you will provide services free 

of charge. Explain that assistance is limited to 15 

minutes if immediate repairs are not possible.

 Return to the vehicle if you plan to attempt repairs 

and place a minimum of four traffic cones behind 

the vehicle along the edge line approximately 35 

feet apart. 
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

48 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 49

Incident 

Actions

 Move vehicles blocking a travel lane or in a hazardous 

location such as on a narrow shoulder or at the end of 

a gore area before providing assistance or repairs.

 Relocate the vehicle under its own power or by 

pushing it to a safe location when possible. Follow 

the guidelines in the Operator Information section for 

proper use of push bumpers. 

 Contact dispatch and request assistance if the safe 

relocation of a vehicle on a narrow shoulder is not 

possible. Use the arrow panel and appropriate traffic 

controls.

 Get as much information as you can from the 

driver when attempting to determine what is wrong 

mechanically with a stalled vehicle by asking 

questions including the following: 

•	 Has this ever happened before? 

•	 How did the vehicle act prior to stalling?

•	 Do you know of any specific problems with the 

vehicle?

 Avoid any disassembly or removal of parts. Instead, 

confine repairs to readily apparent problems that can 

get the motorist underway.

 Direct the driver to have permanent repairs made 

promptly. Do not to refer motorists to specific tow 

companies or repair shops.

 Offer the motorist the opportunity to make local cell 

phone calls if attempted repairs are unsuccessful. If 

the motorist requests a tow truck or motor club, notify 

dispatch in accordance with agency practices. 

Traffic Crashes

You will frequently be the first to arrive at a vehicle 

incident. Your ability to quickly analyze the situation 

and take appropriate action to get the incident cleared 

is an important part of your job.

 Park your vehicle in the blocked lane, or on the 

shoulder if no lanes are blocked. Notify dispatch of:

•	 Your exact location.

•	 Which lanes are blocked.

•	 The number of vehicles and general vehicle 

description.

•	 The license tag number(s) of at least one of the 

involved vehicles.

 Approach each driver to determine if they can drive 

the vehicle to the shoulder.

 Call dispatch to request law enforcement and Emergency 

Medical Services (EMS) if you see any apparent injuries 

or if a driver or passenger indicates that they are injured. 

Provide dispatch with as much information as possible 

on the number and types of injuries.

 Ask each driver, “Do you want me to call EMS to 

transport you for treatment?” if the incident appears to be 

minor. If no ambulance is needed, advise the driver that 

you will safely help move their vehicle out of the road. 

 Offer to drive the car off the road if the motorist is 

cooperative but doesn’t feel comfortable driving the car. 

 Relocate the vehicle with your vehicle if the vehicle is 

not drivable. 
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50 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 51

Incident 

Actions

 Start setting up emergency TTC and facilitate the 

flow of traffic past the crash scene if the vehicles 

cannot be relocated. 

 Do not leave a lane-blocking incident unprotected.

 Clean up all debris and mitigate fluid spills before 

opening a lane. Do not move any debris until directed 

to do so by the investigating officer.

	

Figure 14. Single Car Rollover off Road.

Figure 13. Crew Cab Tow-Type Patrol Truck in 

Miami, FL.
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52 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 53

Incident 

Actions

Working with Other Responders

Responders at a traffic incident make up a team and 

depend on each other for assistance. You are the 

professional with skills in scene traffic control. Your 

purpose is to assist in scene safety, clear the crash, and 

provide manual traffic control. 

Because you will be working with other responders 

assigned to your patrol area, you will have the 

opportunity to form a close professional partnership. 

This partnership will assure the effective and safe 

management of traffic incidents on your roadway.

 Check in with the Incident Commander and begin to 

set up your TTC. Position your vehicle to help move 

traffic safely past the scene. 

 Ask other responders to position their vehicles within 

the coned off activity area. 

 Adjust the cones to protect all of the emergency 

vehicles. Fire and EMS may want to keep one 

additional lane closed as a buffer between moving 

traffic and their personnel. 

 Discuss with the Incident Commander the possibility 

of moving or repositioning some of the response 

vehicles to improve traffic flow once the injured are 

treated. Be persuasive but not confrontational. In 

some cases, after a few minutes you may again 

suggest that response vehicles be repositioned to 

facilitate traffic flow.

 Be sensitive to law enforcement’s job to investigate 

serious crashes, especially if there is potential for a 

fatality. Protect and preserve the scene as best you 

can to allow them to do a complete investigation. Pay 

close attention to who the drivers are and any other 

details if you are first on scene. Try not to park on 

skid marks or other potential evidence.

 Give law enforcement time to document the scene 

and begin the crash report. Offer your assistance 

and begin to sweep up debris and absorb spilled 

vehicle fluids as permitted.

 Ask for authorization to reduce the number of 

blocked lanes and begin clearing the vehicles off 

the travel lanes. (Vehicles from serious crashes 

with multiple injured or incidents with possible 

fatalities will need to remain in place until the crash 

investigation is sufficiently complete.)

 Tow operators are part of the response team. Work 

with them to expedite the clearance of the vehicles, 

fluids, and crash debris. If a wrecker is not yet on 

scene, suggest to law enforcement that you will move 

the wreckage off of the travel lanes. 

 Always look for opportunities to expedite the 

clearance of the wrecked vehicles from the travel 

lanes. 

 Resume patrol once the scene is stabilized with 

full TTC. Confirm your intentions with the incident 

commander and notify dispatch that you are 

resuming patrol. Turn around at your first safe 

opportunity and look for any stalled vehicles or 

secondary crashes upstream of the crash site.
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54 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 55

Incident 

Actions

Relocating Crash Vehicles

In many cases, the towing company may not arrive onscene immediately. You can assist by relocating the 

vehicle(s) out of the travel lanes for towing later. 

Be aggressive in relocating wrecked vehicles from travel 

lanes to the extent permitted by your agency guidelines. 

Confer with the Incident Commander and begin to move 

the wrecked vehicles once injured persons are extricated.

 Relocate wrecked vehicles well off the travel lanes—

to the right side in most cases. Place the vehicle in a 

position that will allow the wrecker easy access.

 Consider relocating the vehicle to an exit ramp or a 

safe area out of sight of traffic.

 Drive the wrecked car off the road if it can be started.

 Relocate crash vehicles with your push bumper. Get 

assistance with traffic and push the wreckage out of 

the road unless it is not safe to do so.

 Consider using a tow strap as an alternate method to 

relocate wrecked cars from travel lanes. This method 

works well if there is front end damage where locked 

wheels may prevent pushing.

 Look for and document any prior damage before 

relocating the vehicle. 

Vehicle Fires

Smoke from vehicle fires can cause visibility issues that 

affect responders and passing motorists. It is generally 

better to maintain some traffic flow at the scene to 

facilitate the arrival of fire apparatus. In some cases, 

smoke may require closing both directions of traffic for a 

short period of time. 

 Notify dispatch upon arrival at a vehicle fire.

 Assist the vehicle occupants and escort them to a 

safe area away from the fire.

 Secure the scene and provide traffic control to 

expedite the arrival and parking of fire crews.

 Attempt to extinguish a small fire if safe to do so. 

 Do not approach a completely involved vehicle. 

There is risk of a tire or the fuel tank exploding.

 Set up TTCs.
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56 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

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December 2009 57

Incident 

Actions

Figure 15. Two Car Crash in Two Lanes.

Truck Crashes

Major truck crashes can have serious impacts on 

highway traffic. You can assist in many ways to manage 

the scene and remove the wreckage and spilled loads 

from the roadway.

Your initial role is to set up emergency TTCs just as in 

other incidents. Your devices are short term and will 

need to be upgraded to full TTC configuration if the 

incident is prolonged.

Your goal during a truck crash should be to safely 

reduce the size of the scene and the number of lanes 

closed on a continuing basis:

 Take quick action to contain or absorb spilled vehicle 

fluids. 

 Relocate spilled non-hazardous cargo to open an 

additional lane. 

 Assist other responders to expedite reopening travel 

lanes. This assistance may include working with 

heavy-duty tow operators.

 Modify and upgrade the TTC devices. 

 Remain productive and maintain a sense of urgency 

at the scene: 

•	 Communicate frequently with dispatch with status 

reports from the scene. 

•	 Do not sit in your vehicle. Sweep debris, manually 

direct traffic, or assist with lane clearance. 
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58 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 59

Incident 

Actions

 Discuss and coordinate the transfer of the traffic 

controls—once the TTCs are updated—with the 

Incident Commander, other responding personnel, 

and dispatch. 

 Resume patrol when the incident scene is stabilized 

and if your services are no longer needed. 

Concentrate on the upstream traffic.

Vehicle Fluid Spill Mitigation 

Incidents occur in which vehicle fluids such as engine 

oil, radiator fluid, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and diesel 

or gas from a ruptured fuel tank spill into the roadway.

 Identify the spill as a vehicle fluid, not cargo.

 Begin containing the vehicle fluid spill to keep it from 

spreading. 

 Request assistance for large diesel fuel spills like 

saddle tank ruptures.

 Contain and limit the spill from spreading. Build a 

dike. Apply any available absorbents—even dirt from 

the roadside.

 Use available materials to try to reduce leaking 

vehicle fluids at the source.

 Advise fire officials or cleanup personnel upon their 

arrival of the extent and location of spills and any 

dikes that have been built.

 Continue to assist with containment as needed. 

 Advise dispatch of the estimated number of gallons 

spilled. Dispatch will make proper notifications.

Figure 16. Incident Response Truck Operated by 

Washington State Department of Transportation.
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60 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

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December 2009 61

Incident 

Actions

Incidents Involving Hazardous Materials

Commercial vehicle incidents are one of the most 

challenging and dangerous tasks responders must 

manage. An incident involving hazardous material 

cargo is even more perilous.

While you should mitigate spills 

of vehicle fluids such as diesel 

fuel, you must address actual 

hazardous material cargo spills 

differently and with extreme 

caution.

Familiarize yourself with the 

material identification placards 

in the US DOT Emergency 

Response Guidebook.

At the scene of a truck crash 

where there is a spill or leak of an unidentified 

cargo, especially a placarded load, use the following 

guidance:

 Notify dispatch immediately.

 Remain upwind until the potential HazMat is identified.

 Stay clear of hazardous cargo and the spill, as well 

as any vapors, fumes, or smoke.

 Identify the cargo indicated on the placards from a 

safe distance and update dispatch with the placard 

information so that dispatch can assist with materials 

identification and notification of the appropriate agencies.

 Check the driver’s condition but only approach and 

assist if it is safe.

	

Figure 18. Example of Placard and Panel with ID Number.

Figure 17. 2008 

Emergency Response 

Guidebook.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

62 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

December 2009 63

Incident 

Actions

Removing Debris

Debris of any kind on a highway is a major concern and 

presents a real threat to motorists. Accidents frequently 

occur when drivers either stop suddenly or make abrupt 

lane changes to avoid striking debris in the travel lanes. 

Debris is often kicked up by other vehicles, mowers, or 

wind and can become a deadly projectile. 

Removing debris from the travel lanes is a potentially 

dangerous activity, and you should take appropriate 

caution. While there is no single safe way to remove 

debris from the travel lanes, consider traffic volume and 

time of day when determining how to remove the debris.

Debris on the shoulder has the potential to become a 

safety concern for a driver who pulls off the roadway. 

Such debris can damage their vehicle and may be 

thrown back into moving traffic.

 Notify dispatch of any objects/debris you encounter. 

Provide the exact location, which lane(s) are affected, 

general description, and whether you can remove the 

debris unassisted or if backup will be required.

 Pull well off the roadway and correctly position your 

vehicle for optimum protection and safety.

 Use appropriate emergency lighting.

 Keep personal safety a top priority—safety apparel 

and gloves are a must.

 Park upstream from the debris. This position will keep 

debris that is struck by passing vehicles from being 

propelled into you or your vehicle. 

 Point at the debris to help drivers avoid striking it if you 

are waiting on the shoulder for traffic to clear. 

 Contact dispatch and request assistance if it is not 

possible to remove the debris safely. You may need to 

coordinate with police to create a rolling road block to 

approach the debris in some cases.

 Remove debris completely from the roadway system if 

possible. If it cannot be removed, place it well off the 

travel lanes and shoulder to be picked up at a later 

time. Notify dispatch for follow-up.

 Do not report the debris and continue patrolling 

without taking action to remove it.

 Turn in any valuable items you find to your supervisor. 

Disposition of the items will be handled through 

established agency procedures.

 Use your PA system to notify the driver of a truck with 

the load spilling on the travel lanes. If the driver does 

not stop, contact dispatch and give the location, type of 

material being spilled, direction of travel, license number, 

and, if possible, the company name and any other 

pertinent information. You have no authority to make the 

truck pull over. Do not become involved in a pursuit.

 Stop and begin 

clean up procedures 

if a spilled load is 

a hazard to traffic. 

Request assistance 

through dispatch 

if the location 

is unsafe or the 

amount of debris 

too great. Figure 19. Debris Removal.
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

64 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

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December 2009 65

Incident 

Actions

Road Closures and Detours

Major incidents with all travel lanes blocked for an extended 

period will likely require the implementation of an emergency 

alternate route detour around the incident scene. 

Emergency alternate route detours are generally preplanned along the best available route. Large trucks are a 

concern on detours because of both their size and weight. 

If there is no pre-established detour, work with the 

incident commander and other responders to close the 

roadway at an exit near the incident that provides a viable 

alternate route.

Implementing emergency alternate routes requires 

substantial additional resources, including local law 

enforcement and public works personnel to direct 

traffic and / or optimize traffic signals on the detour

route. Agencies may use temporary detour signing and 

portable DMS to help motorists navigate back.

You may be directed to leave regular patrol to provide 

motorist guidance or to monitor the alternate route.

Communication 

Communication with dispatch is critical to motorist safety. 

Dispatchers need information regarding travel lanes 

blocked by disabled or crash-involved vehicles. Dispatch 

uses this information to disseminate advance warning 

messages through the media, on DMSs, and to other 

ITS devices. Advance warning provides additional scene 

protection for incident responders and helps reduce 

secondary incidents.

Radio Communication

	State your call sign, status, incident description, 

and location. This communication provides 

dispatch with the information needed to contact 

appropriate response agencies and helps dispatch 

look after your safety.

	Keep radio communication clear and concise. 

Unnecessary conversation can saturate the radio 

system and increase the communication queue for 

other operators and dispatchers. Limit dialogue to 

incident-related information. 

	Use plain language to communicate your 

message. The use of 10-Codes is not required. 

	Speak clearly using a moderate voice volume. 

	Use the phonetic alphabet to transmit information 

such as license tags.
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66 December 2009

Incident 

Actions

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December 2009 67 Reference

Table 1. Phonetic Alphabet.

Letter Phonetic Letter Phonetic

A Alpha N November

B Bravo O Oscar

C Charlie P Papa

D Delta Q Quebec

E Echo R Romeo

F Foxtrot S Sierra

G Golf T Tango

H Hotel U Uniform

I India V Victor

J Juliet W Whiskey

K Kilo X X-ray

L Lima Y Yankee

M Mike Z Zulu

Incident Documentation

Document all significant incident scene information at the 

time of your arrival, during the clearance period, and at 

your departure from incident scene. 

You must prioritize; your responsibility during the incident 

is to help clear the travel lanes quickly and safely. Initial 

activity documentation can be done once the scene is 

secured. Any additional information can be documented 

once the incident has been cleared.

Reference

Incident Management Structure 

Responders use the National Incident Management System 

(NIMS), a common framework for effective resolution of 

incidents large and small, including traffic incidents. 

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

NIMS was created by the Department of Homeland 

Security (DHS) under Homeland Security Presidential 

Directive (HSPD) 5. NIMS provides the framework for 

organizations to work together to prepare for, protect 

against, respond to, and recover from the entire 

spectrum of all-hazard events. 

NIMS incorporates best practices currently in use by 

incident managers at all levels. It is the national standard 

for incident management across the various jurisdictions 

nationwide. Responders using the same standardized 

operational structures share a common focus and are 

able to place full emphasis on incident management. 

In addition, national preparedness and readiness in 

responding to and recovering from an incident is enhanced 

because all of the Nation’s emergency teams and authorities 

are using a common language and set of processes.
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December 2009 69 Reference

Incident Command System (ICS)

The ICS is one component of the larger NIMS framework. 

ICS is the systematic tool for the command, control, and 

coordination of an emergency response. ICS allows 

agencies to work together using common terminology and 

operating procedures for controlling personnel, facilities, 

equipment, and communications at an incident scene.3

NIMS establishes ICS as a standard incident management 

organization with five functional areas: command, 

operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration. 

The principle of unified command has been universally 

incorporated into NIMS to ensure further coordination, 

especially during incidents involving multiple 

jurisdictions or agencies. 

This unified command not only coordinates the efforts of 

many jurisdictions, but also provides for and assures 

joint decisions on objectives, strategies, plans, priorities, 

and public communications.

In major incidents, S/SP operators will be assigned to 

the Operations Section Chief, who often times is also the 

Incident Commander. The Operations Section Chief is 

responsible for implementing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) 

and manages all tactical activities. These activities include 

S/SP functions such as recovery, traffic control, vehicle 

spill cleanup, and other related operational functions. 

3 Federal Highway Administration, Simplified Guide to the Incident 

Command System for Transportation Professionals, FHWAHOP-06-004 (Washington DC: February 2006).

Figure 20. ICS Organizational Chart.
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December 2009 71 Reference

Traffic Incident Classification

Traffic incidents are classified in one of the following 

three categories as defined in the Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): 

•	 Major – expected duration greater than 2 hours. 

•	 Intermediate – expected duration between 30 

minutes and 2 hours.

•	 Minor – expected duration of less than 30 minutes.

Major traffic incidents are typically traffic incidents involving 

hazardous materials, fatal traffic crashes involving 

numerous vehicles, and other natural or man-made 

disasters. These traffic incidents typically involve closing all 

or part of a roadway facility for a period exceeding 2 hours. 

Examples of major incidents include:

•	 Chain reaction crashes. 

•	 Crashes that require a significant medical 

response, a coroner response, and/or a crash 

reconstruction response (e.g., fatality crashes). 

•	 Incidents that involve advanced, prolonged 

environmental clean-up, such as hazardous 

materials incidents.

•	 Overturned tractor trailers. 

•	 Complex commercial vehicle incidents with large 

debris fields or cargo fires.

•	 Structural damage. 

•	 Wild fires near the roadway. 

•	 Malevolent acts. 

Intermediate traffic incidents typically affect travel 

lanes for 30 minutes to 2 hours and usually require 

traffic control at the scene to divert road users past the 

blockage. Full roadway closures may be necessary for 

short periods during traffic incident clearance to allow 

incident responders to accomplish their tasks. 

Examples of intermediate traffic incidents include: 

•	 Major roadway debris. 

•	 Overturned cars, RVs, or small trailers. 

•	 Multi-vehicle crashes. 

•	 Commercial carrier crashes. 

Minor traffic incidents are typically disabled vehicles 

and minor crashes that result in no lane closure or 

lane closures of less than 30 minutes. On-scene 

responders may include a combination of S/SP, law 

enforcement, fire, EMS, and towing companies. 

Examples of minor traffic incidents include:

•	 Disabled vehicles in a travel lane or on the 

shoulder.

•	 Minor crashes that can be moved or relocated to 

the shoulder.

•	 Minor roadway debris. 
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72 December 2009 Reference

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December 2009 73 Reference

Vehicle Identification Guide

Accurate communications between on-scene responders, 

dispatch, and towing and recovery operators describing 

an incident and the vehicles involved helps with the quick 

and efficient clearing of the incident scene. 

Use the guide below to describe to dispatch the type of 

vehicle that is disabled and the nature of the problem to 

enable the wrecker company to determine what type of 

tow/recovery vehicle that should respond.4

4 Guide content reproduced with permission of Towing and Recovery 

Association of America (Copyright 2009© TRAA). Graphics and 

artwork reproduced with permission of Tow Times magazine. 

(Alexandria, VA).
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

74 December 2009 Reference

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December 2009 75 Reference

Multilingual Assistance

Should you encounter a situation in which the person 

needing assistance speaks another language, you can use 

the following pages to help communicate with the motorist.

Each sheet’s questions and answers match those on 

the English sheet.

 Determine which language the motorist speaks.

 Show the motorist the correct language page and 

ask them to indicate the problem being experienced.

 Compare their response to the list in English.

Figure 21. Law Enforcement Vehicle 

Identification Guide.
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76 December 2009 Reference

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December 2009 77 Reference

FREE SERVICE

 ENGLISH

Dear Fellow Driver:

It appears that you are having difficulty with your 

automobile and although I do not speak (Spanish) 

(Italian) (French) (German) (Portuguese) or (Creole) 

I would like to offer my assistance. Please check the 

appropriate sentence below, so I will know how I may 

assist you.

_____ 1) I am out of gas

_____ 2) I have a flat tire and I do not have a spare

_____ 3) My engine stopped and I do not know the 

cause

_____ 4) I need a tow truck

_____ 5) I need police assistance

_____ 6) I need an ambulance

_____ 7) I am not having any difficulty

SERVICIO GRATIS

SPANISH (Español)

Estimado(a) conductor(a):

Me parece que tiene problema con su carro, pero yo 

no hablo español. Por favor señale lo que necesite 

para poder ayudarle.

_____ 1) Se me acabo el combustible

_____ 2) Se me poncho la llanta, y no tengo 

repuesto

_____ 3) Se paro el motor de mi carro y no se que 

tiene

_____ 4) Necesito un camion del remolque

_____ 5) Necesito ayuda de la policía

_____ 6) Necesito una ambulancia

_____ 7) No tengo ninguna dificultad
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December 2009 79 Reference

SERVICE LIBRE

FRENCH (Français)

Cher camarade de route,

Vous semblez avoir des d difficultés avec votre 

voiture. Bien que je ne parle pas français, j’aurais 

bien voulu vous aider. Veuillez-vous atterrer l’attention 

sur la liste ci-dessous et identifier l’article que vous 

convient.

_____ 1) Je n’ai plus d’essence.

_____ 2) J’ai un pneu plat et je n’ai pas des pièces 

de rechange.

_____ 3) Mon moteur est arrête et j’ignore pourquoi.

_____ 4) J’ai besoin d’un camion de remorquage

_____ 5) J’ai besoin de l’aide de police

_____ 6) J’ai besoin d’une ambulance

_____ 7) Je n’ai pas des difficulté

FREIER SERVICE

 GERMAN (Deutsch)

Hallo autofahrer

Es erscheint, dass Sie Schwierigkeit mit Ihrem 

Automobil haben, und, obwohl ich Deutsch nicht 

spreche, das ich meiner Hilfe anbieten möchte. Prüfen 

Sie bitte den passenden Satz unten, deshalb werde ich 

wissen, wie ich Ihnen helfen kann.

_____ 1) Ich bin aus Gas

_____ 2) Ich habe einen flachen Reifen und ich 

habe keinen Ersatzteil

_____ 3) Meine Maschine hat aufgehalten und ich 

weiss die Ursache nicht

_____ 4) Ich brauche einen Abschleppen 

Lastwagen

_____ 5) Ich muss Hilfe reglementieren

_____ 6) Ich brauche einen Krankenwagen

_____ 7) Ich bin ohne irgendeine Schwierigkeit 
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December 2009 81 Reference

SERVIZIO LIBERO

ITALIAN (Italiano)

Caro Autista:

Sembra che stiate avendo difficoltà con la vostra 

automobile. Non parlo italiano ma vorrei offrire la mia 

assistenza. Controlli prego la frase adatta qui sotto, in 

modo da saprò posso aiutarlo.

_____ 1) Sono da benzina

_____ 2) Ho una gomma piana e non ho parti di 

recambio

_____ 3) Il mio motore bloccato ed io non 

conoscono la causa

_____ 4) Ho bisogno di un camion di rimorchio

_____ 5) Ho bisogno dell’assistenza della polizia

_____ 6) Ho bisogno di un’ambulanza 

_____ 7) Sono senza alcuna difficoltà

SERVICE LIBRE

 Créole/Kreyol

Chè Chofè

Ou gen problem avek machine-la? Malgré mwen pa 

palé kréyol, mwen ta renmen édé-ou. Sou plé, gadé 

lis amba-a é chwazi ki problem ou genyen.

_____ 1) Mwen pa gen gaz

_____ 2) Karochou machin-n la plat é mwen pa gen 

déréchanj

_____ 3) Motè machin-n la kampé é mwen pa 

konnen pou ki sa

_____ 4) Mwen bezwen yon gwo kamyon pou alé-m

_____ 5) Mwen bezwen èd polis

_____ 6) Mwen bezwen yon anbilans

_____ 7) Mwen pa gen anken-n problem
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December 2009 83 Reference

SERVIÇO LIVRE

 PORTUGUESE (Portuguese)

 Caro Motorista:

Parece que você está tendo a dificuldade com seu 

automóvel. Eu não falo o português mas gostaria de 

ajudá-lo. Por favor, leia as sentenças abaixo e indique 

qual é a mais propria para o seu caso, para que eu 

possa saber como ajudá-lo.

_____ 1) Eu estou sem gasolina

_____ 2) Meu pneu está furado e eu não tenho 

sobressalentes

_____ 3) Meu motor parou e eu não sei porque

_____ 4) Eu preciso de um caminhão do reboque

_____ 5) Eu preciso de ajuda da policia

_____ 6) Eu preciso de uma ambulância

_____ 7) Eu não preciso de ajuda

Coverage Map

Figure 22. Sample Coverage Map
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December 2009 85 Reference

Terms and Acronyms

AED – Automated External Defibrillator

AIS – Accident Investigation Site

AVL – Automated Vehicle Location

CCTV – Closed Circuit Television

CMS – Changeable Message Sign

CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

DHS – Department of Homeland Security

DMS – Dynamic Message Sign

DOT – Department of Transportation

EMS – Emergency Medical Services

ERG – Emergency Response Guidebook

FFS/SP – Full Function Safety/Service Patrol

FHWA – Federal Highway Administration

FOG – Field Operations Guide

HSPD – Homeland Security Presidential Directive

ICS – Incident Command System

ITS – Intelligent Transportation Systems

LZ – Helicopter Landing Zone

MP – Mile post

MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet

MUTCD – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 

NIMS – National Incident Management System

PA – Public Address loudspeaker

PSAP – Public Safety Answering Point

S/SP – Safety/Service Patrol

TIM – Traffic Incident Management

TMC – Traffic (or Transportation) Management Center

TIMA – Traffic Incident Management Area

TOC – Traffic (or Transportation) Operations Center

TRAA – Towing and Recovery Association of America

TTC – Temporary Traffic Control

UC – Unified Command

Important Contacts 

Table 2. Important Contacts

Contact Type Name / Title Phone /Email/ Cell

Safety Patrol 

Supervisor

Safety Patrol 

Manager

Dispatch

TMC / TOC

Fire Rescue

State Police

Local Police / Sheriff

Maintenance

Public Works / DOT

Traffic 

Public Works / DOT

Towing and 

Recovery

HazMat Notification

Animal Control

Emergency 

Management 

Public Safety 

Answering Point 

Emergency call 

center
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

86 December 2009 Reference

Index

abandoned vehicles..............17, 45

Acronyms....................................87

Advance Warning ..................41-43

alternate routes...........................66

arrow panel.. 11, 20, 32, 34, 35, 36, 

49

bloodborne pathogens................13

Commercial vehicle ....................61

cones11, 17, 22, 30, 32, 35, 37, 39, 

48, 53

Contacts .....................................86

debris... ...4, 13, 44, 45, 51, 54, 58, 

63, 64, 65, 72, 73

detour .........................................66

disabled vehicles ........................46

emergency lighting ..19, 31, 33, 42, 

63

emergency lights ...... 11, 20, 33, 34

Emergency Temporary Traffic 

Control..............................8, 30, 38

Federal Highway AdministrationSee 

FHWA

FHWA...............................2, 70, 87

fire(s) ..............................56, 72, 73

First aid.....................................4, 5

flagging.................................30, 40

flat tires.......................................25

Fuel...............................................4

gloves .........................................13

hazardous materials ...............5, 72

High-Visibility Apparel.................12

ICS..............................................70

Incident Classification.................72

Intermediate................................72

Major...........................................72

Minor...........................................72

Incident Command System ........70

Incident Commander 53, 55, 59, 70

incident debriefs ...........................5

Incident detection .........................4

Incident Management Structure .69

Inspection ................................... 11

ITS devices.................................67

Laws ...........................................18

Map.............................................85

materials identification................62

Motorist assistance.......................4

Motorist-Aid ................................27

Multilingual Assistance ...............77

National Incident Management 

System..................................69, 87

National Traffic Incident 

Management Coalition See NTIMC

National Unified Goal.......See NUG

NIMS...........................5, 69, 70, 87

NTIMC ..........................................1

NUG..........................................1, 2

Pedestrians...........................24, 25

Personal Safety ....................12, 13

Priorities at an Incident

Incident Priorities........................16

Procedures .................................86

push bumper.........................28, 55

Queue Protection........................41

Relocating Vehicles ....................47

repairs...................4, 17, 47, 48, 49

Safe Vehicle Placement..............32

safety shoes ...............................13

Safety Vest ........ See High Visibility 

Apparel

Scene Safety ................................4

seat belts ..............................18, 25

speed limit ..................................19

spills..........................22, 60, 61, 71

Stranded Motorists .....................24

taper .........................32, 37, 39, 40

temporary traffic control...4, , 7, 16, 

30, 33, 35, 58

Terms..........................................87

towing ...............1, 5, 24, 55, 73, 74

traffic control 3, 4, 5, 22, 30, 32, 33, 

35, 37, 40, 44, 53, 56, 71, 73

Traffic Crashes ...........................50

Traveler information......................4

truck(s)..5, 9, 19, 49, 58, 61, 64, 78

unified command ........................70

Vehicle Identification Guide ........74
U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Office of Operations

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov

FHWA-HOP-10-014

December 2009