Freeway Operations and Roadway Safety

First responders and 911 personnel arriving at the scene of a vehicle crash/highway incident are challenged in working around many different types of road and traffic conditions. Responders have been injured and killed while assisting motorists or working at the scenes of motor vehicle crashes.

This information and guideline will help prevent this type of injury. Remember, a "Move Over Law" is just a law, and drivers and motorists can make mistakes. Always remember that some motorists are distracted drivers and even the safest scenes can become dangerous and even deadly for all responders on the freeway or roadway scene. At Lifesavers 2007 in Chicago it was reported that "65% of officer deaths are driving or traffic related." ©Dave Long

Generally Accepted Guidelines; BE SAFE ON THE ROADWAY!

Some Personal Scene Safety Tips

• Wear a reflectorized vest new ANSI Level II 207-2006 or greater coverage, no exceptions (Or approved apparel gear)
• Carry a second vest if responding in your personal vehicle to the scene
• Carry a "mayday whistle" to signal other responders and traffic
• Carry a flashlight on your person always, for signaling
• At night, turn flashlight ON & place in your pocket/ring - face up to be seen to light your vest
• "Listen to the road" traffic while you do a scene size-up
• Remember you are a pedestrian
• Never take a step on the road without looking at the traffic
• Never trust the other driver
• Watch all traffic because 40-50% of all drivers can be distracted drivers
• Carry "first-in bag" and "EMS clipboard" (Or other minimum equipment i.e., 02) to the patient; avoid walking back and forth to the vehicle/rig if possible--be ready for "no-loads/left's or AMA's/refusals", "walk less on the roadway"
• Approach on the Right shoulder area when possible, not in the traffic lane(s)
• Work on the shoulder if possible and face oncoming traffic
• Have all non-injured persons stay seatbelted or remove them to a safe shoulder bank
• Face oncoming traffic when patient interviewing
• Watch all cars and drivers coming by your scene
• Make eye contact with all drivers passing your working area
• Park at an angle and offset when possible-think about blocking work area
• Park with the front rig wheels pointing away from the working/standing area
• Park in the best location to minimize your exposure, use fire rigs and squads
• Complete your job as quickly as possible and clear the road - think "Quick Clearance"

Some Traffic Scene Safety Tips