KTC-06-33
SPR 317-06-1F

"Traffic Control Procedures for Emergency Responders", J.R. Walton, K.R. Agent, J.G. Pigman

Traffic control is an essential component of incident response in order to move road users safely and expeditiously past or around a traffic incident, and to reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes. Emergency responders, with the exception of law enforcement, are provided limited or no training in traffic control but yet by nature of their job often have to perform such duties. There is a need to provide basic knowledge and requirements to on-scene responders in order to reduce traffic delays, secondary crashes, and injuries to those involved in response activities.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) contains guidelines for control of traffic through incident management areas that should be followed for the safety of responders and motorists. Chapter 6I of the MUTCD addresses emergency road occurrences, natural disasters, or other unplanned events that disrupts traffic flow. A specific color (black legend on fluorescent pink background) has also been identified for warning and guide signs used for temporary traffic control. Traffic incidents are divided into three general classes of duration, each with unique traffic control characteristics and needs. Some levels of incidents require significantly more traffic control, dependent upon the duration and severity of the event. Unfortunately, many responders are unaware of these guidelines.
By developing and implementing traffic control training for emergency responders, the safety of those working on-scene, as well as the traveling motorists near the scene, will be improved. Past experience has shown that interagency planning and coordination is critical to the proper response for incidents. Understanding and implementing standardized traffic control should result in improved traffic flow and decreased delay resulting from highway crashes and other incidents. The objective of this study was to develop a training course and handbook to guide on-scene emergency responders responsible for controlling traffic during a roadway crash and subsequent clearance.
Deliverables from the study efforts include workshop materials and a presentation suitable for use in training a wide range of incident responders. In addition, information from the presentation materials and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices has been excerpted and condensed into a handbook titled “Guidelines for Emergency Traffic Control”.

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