STOC, Programs - Traffic incident management enhancement (TIME)

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Programs - Traffic incident management enhancement (TIME)

Crashes, spilled loads and stalled vehicles are all examples of traffic incidents.
Here in Wisconsin and throughout the nation, these situations and the traffic congestion caused by them account for approximately one-third of all delays on our highway system.
Traffic incidents also significantly impact the safety of both motorists and emergency responders.

Traffic Incident Management (TIM) is a process by which public safety and transportation agencies collaborate to apply human, technological and other resources to reduce the duration and impacts of traffic incidents.

TIM promotes institutional relationships through formal and informal processes that integrate multi-partner, on-scene operations and communications.

Wisconsin recognizes the importance of TIM in maintaining the operational safety and efficiency of the state’s roadways.

The TIME program is a comprehensive multi-agency, multi-discipline program, led by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), dedicated to coordinating and enhancing traffic incident management in Wisconsin.

Originally initiated in 1995 in the SE Region of the state, the TIME program was expanded statewide in 2006 in an effort to coordinate traffic incident management activities that were occurring at various levels across the state.

Recent TIME program activities and initiatives

WisDOT Emergency Traffic Control and Scene Management Guidelines

These guidelines were established to provide incident responders within the state of Wisconsin a uniform approach to emergency traffic control and scene management. Having a uniform approach will help provide the safest possible work environment for all Wisconsin incident responders, while minimizing the risk for secondary crashes.

The guidelines are intended to be dynamic and the application of methods presented may vary slightly based on the type of incident being responded to.

WisDOT Emergency Traffic Control and Scene Management Guidelines (7.1 MB) (Feb. 12, 2012)

Key points to remember when reviewing the guidelines:

The document serves as a guideline for incident responders and is not a procedure.
The guidelines were developed with input from a multi-discipline group and are intended for use by all incident responders.
Majority of the info. contained in the guidelines is applicable to any traffic incident that occurs on any highway.
The guidelines are flexible and can be adapted based on the type of incident being responded to. As no two traffic incidents are the same, experience and judgment should be applied in each emergency situation.
The guidelines use the Incident Command System (ICS) as a foundation and support that the use of ICS at every incident scene is absolutely necessary.

Move Over Law public outreach campaign

One of the most dangerous places for emergency responders and maintenance personnel is along the side of the road. Each year hundreds of these hard working men and women are injured or killed by passing motorists while working along the nation’s highways.

In 2001, Wisconsin passed a law (Move Over Law) designed to protect law enforcement officers, emergency responders, tow operators and highway maintenance personnel who are conducting business on Wisconsin’s roadways.

Move Over Law

If a motorist sees a vehicle on the side of the road with its emergency lights flashing, the motorist is required to move out of the lane closest to the vehicle if possible.
If a safe lane change is not possible, or the motorist is traveling on a two-lane roadway, they are required to slow their vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and drive at a reduced speed until completely past the vehicle.

Motorists caught violating the Move Over Law will be assessed three demerit points on their license and receive a $249 fine.

In addition, if a motorist fails to obey the Move Over Law and is involved in a crash, their driver’s license will be suspended, and they may face up to seven years in prison if someone is hurt or killed.

A priority of the TIME Program has been to increase the public’s awareness of the Move Over Law. Multiple outreach materials have been developed including an outreach brochure, a poster and Move Over Law bumper stickers.

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