Incident Management Challenges and Solutions Welcome and Introductions Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Chuck Knowles Presented by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Transportation Center Kentucky Transportation Center Joe Crabtree Jennifer Walton Monica Barrett February 28 / March 1, 2005 Today s Agenda Our Goal I. Welcome and Introductions What is an Incident Management Strategic Plan? The Objective of Today s Meeting II. Breakout Session #1: Problems and Issues III. Lunch Break IV. Breakout Session #2: Strategies to Address our Problems V. Presentation and Prioritization of Potential Solutions VI. Closing To develop a strategic plan for roadway incident management in Kentucky What is an Incident? An incident is any non-recurring event that impacts the transportation system. An incident includes: crashes disabled or abandoned vehicles debris in the roadway work zones adverse weather other events and emergencies What is Incident Management? Incident management is a planned effort to use all resources available to reduce the impact of incidents and improve the safety of all involved. The incident management process includes: Detection Verification Motorist Information Response Site Management Traffic Management Clearance 1
What is an IM Strategic Plan? The Objective for Today A plan that establishes the framework for a systematic, statewide, multi-agency effort to improve the management of roadway incidents. Identify the challenges / problems that arise during incident management The plan should identify the current status, as well as the future objectives and strategies Where are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there? Identify solutions to address those challenges / problems Break-out Groups Colored name badge Potential Solutions / Strategies Blue name badge - room C407 with Joe Green name badge - room C409 with Jennifer Red name badge - room C410 with Monica Prioritization of Solutions / Strategies Potential solutions will be reviewed and ranked based on their value and feasibility. Innovative Strategies First Vote... 1 2 Not Very Valuable 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Very Valuable Second Vote... 1 2 Not Very Feasible 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Very Feasible 2
Towing Incentive Programs Freeway Service Patrols City/State has an agreement or signed contract with wrecker services with specific requirements regarding the availability of certain types of equipment and quick response to incidents. Vehicles patrol roadways to assist stranded motorists, clear the roadway following crashes, and promote highway safety. Public Roads Nov/Dec 2004 ARTIMIS Equipment Storage Sites Key locations in high incident areas where incident response equipment and materials are stored. Incident Response Teams Interdisciplinary teams that are specially trained to handle a range of roadway emergencies, including large or severe incidents. FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 Quick Clearance / Vehicle Removal Laws Laws or policies promoting the fast removal of disabled, abandoned, or damaged vehicles that may constitute a hazard to other motorists. Barrier Gates / Openings Openings in freeway sections intended for emergency vehicle access. Gates are only opened when needed by emergency response personnel. www.tdot.state.tn.us FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 3
Police Escorts for Wrong-Way Entrance Contra Flow Diversion The escort of DOT and towing vehicles by Allowing traffic to Normal Flow police in order to help them reach an incident scene more easily and quickly. flow on the wrong side of the freeway for a limited amount of time in order to get traffic around an incident scene. Shou ld er Shoulde r Sho ulder Should er Median Contra Flow Median Shou ld er Should er Sho ulder Should er Crash Investigation Sites Special designated and signed areas off the roadway (and typically out of view from the roadway) where drivers of damaged vehicles can exchange information, and police can complete crash report forms. Incident Command / Command Posts A formalized system that lends consistency to the way agencies and service providers function in an emergency; the command post should serve as the center of communications and a reporting point for incoming response personnel at an incident scene. FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 Traffic Incident Management Handbook Traffic Incident Management Handbook FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 Staging Areas An area away from the incident for personnel and equipment. Post-Incident Debriefings Meetings (specifically for the responding agencies) after a major incident that are used to constructively critique the decisions made and actions taken; the intent is to determine if future responses need to be improved or if additional resources or procedures are needed. 4
Compensation of Incident Removal Costs Exemption from Liability Statutes requiring that towing companies be compensated for the removal of vehicles or cargo as directed by the incident commander. Any person, if acting at the request of the incident commander, is exempt from liability for any damage done to vehicles, equipment, or cargo as a result of enforcing the quick clearance law. Traffic Incident Management Handbook 24-Hour Incident Response Consistent response by DOT personnel around the clock and on weekends and holidays. Hazardous Material Ordinance Gives a county the authority to call in a hazardous material contractor without being obligated to pay for their services Clean-up of Fuel Spills Incident Management Task Force Clean-up of small amounts of diesel or motor oil by responding agencies to clear the roadway more quickly. A statewide interagency team that promotes effective incident management techniques to responders around the state. 5
Access to Fire Hydrants A plan to locate fire hydrants on freeways that enable firefighters to access them more easily; this also addresses the problem of having to run water hoses across lanes of freeway and unnecessarily closing additional lanes of traffic. Local Incident Management Teams Private and public stakeholders that meet regularly to discuss program, policy, and procedural issues. FHWA/TX-00/1848-1 Incident Reporting Hotline Peak Period Motorcycle Patrols Motorists can use their cell phone to dial a specific number to report roadway incidents. Police officers on motorcycles patrol freeway segments. Citizen Band Radio Monitoring A special frequency is established on CB radio for incident reporting. Aircraft Patrols Aircraft patrols during peak commute periods usually provide traffic reports to the public. Aerial surveillance can be a very valuable tool in detecting and verifying incidents. ITS World 6
Fleet Operators for Incident Detection Drivers (taxi, transit, delivery, etc.) report incidents they encounter in their day-to-day activities. Traffic Management Centers Traffic management centers are the central point at which information about the transportation system is collected, processed, and collated. They can also serve as the focal point for communications and coordination among multiple agencies for incident management. TRW Cutting-Edge Technology or Equipment Automated Incident Detection Technologies Surveillance technologies monitor traffic and collect data, such as volumes, speeds, occupancy, and traffic density. An algorithm is used to determine if an incident has occurred. Total Station Surveying Equipment Inflatable Air Bag Systems Infrared surveying technology used to measure distances critical to a crash investigation. Used by towing companies to right overturned heavy vehicles. 7
Access Control The use of a gate to close a freeway ramp to prevent traffic from entering the freeway in the event of an incident. Variable Message Signs VMS (a.k.a DMS or CMS) are used to disseminate travel information on a near real-time basis. TRW ITS World Highway Advisory Radio Information is communicated to drivers via their vehicles AM radio receivers. Traffic Incident Management Handbook ITS World Photogrammetry The technique of making measurements from photographs or digital images; this method can significantly reduce the amount of time required on scene for crash reconstruction. Communications Interoperability Incident Video Coverage The ability to communicate and exchange information between agencies and responders. In many cases, communications between responding agencies that work together on a regular basis can be improved by purchasing a compatible radio systems. Equally important is a mutually agreed upon standard language or lingo. The use of video surveillance equipment at the scene of an incident. This video can be used by emergency responders that are not on scene to determine the type of response and management that is needed. Video equipment may be installed within a vehicle or in an aircraft or some other means. 8
Identification Armbands / Vests Used on the scene of an incident to differentiate responders from members of the public or media. Reference and Ramp Markers Closely spaced reference markers or ramp identification signs that help motorists better identify their location on the roadway. KTC Push Bumpers Automatic Cargo Identification Equipped on emergency response vehicles so they can push vehicles out of the lanes of traffic as quickly as possible. Technology used to identify the specific cargo contained within a commercial vehicle (particularly important with the presence of hazardous material). Automatic Vehicle Location Equipment Closed Circuit TV Allows dispatchers to instantly determine the location of any response vehicle and send the closest vehicle to the scene. CCTV allows TMC operators the ability to immediately verify incident warning measures. The operators can monitor incidents with the pan, tilt, and zoom controls. Traffic Incident Management Handbook ITS World 9
Roadway Weather Information Systems In-pavement detectors that monitor weather-related conditions (including air and pavement temperatures, relative humidity, precipitation, ice formation, and wind speed/direction); these systems can be used to warn motorists of dangerous roadway situations. KTC Plans, Agreements, or Training Incident Response and Hazmat Manuals Documentation detailing how to handle an incident situation including how to respond and who to contact. Emergency Response Vehicle Parking A plan for parking on the scene of an incident to ensure minimal lane closures and easy access for emergency responders. Multi-Agency Responder Training Interagency training for emergency response personnel on incident management. Training may include any combination of field drills; traffic operation center training; and classroom lectures, discussions, and exercises. Emergency Vehicle Lighting Plan A plan for using emergency lighting at the scene of an incident that minimizes the distraction to motorists while maximizing safety for responders. 10
Alternate Route Plan Some regions have chosen to formally establish alternate routes to direct traffic around major incidents onto routes that are best suited to handle the increased traffic demand. I-75 DETOUR ROUTES Between Exit 166 - Exit 171 GRANT COUNTY KENTON COUNTY BOONE COUNTY DETOUR ROUTE CLOSED ROUTE Public Information Campaign A campaign designed to educate the public on incident management initiatives, like quick clearance, incident reporting hotlines, detour plans, move over provision, etc. Open Roads Policy Coroner Agreements An agreement developed and signed by police, fire, and transportation agencies regarding how to handle roadway closures in an effort to get the roadway opened as quickly as possible. An agreement with the medical examiner or coroner to expedite the removal of bodies from an incident scene in an effort to get the roadway opened more quickly. Traffic Control Training (for Emergency Responders) Personnel Resource List Training emergency responders in proper traffic control techniques at the scene of an incident. Traffic Space Buffer Space (lateral) 30m (100 ft) Downstream Taper Work Space Buffer Space (longitudinal) MUTCD Part 6 Millennium Edition Termination Area Activity Area Transition Area A comprehensive list of available personnel that is compiled for each area or region; this list should include radio channels and/or cell phone numbers. Advanced Warning Area 11
Equipment and Materials Resource List Incident Management Strategic Plan A comprehensive list of available equipment or material that is compiled for each area or region; this list should include cell phone numbers. A plan that defines the goals and objectives for the future of incident management Where are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there? Closing Closing Information gathered today Brainstorming Issues / Problems Brainstorming Solutions Voting Results available on our website www.ktc.uky.edu next week. Thanks for Coming!! 12