Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols

Sparks, John; Shuh, Jessica; Smith, Arland T. · 2009 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Operations

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Summary

This document, published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in December 2009, serves as a Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols (S/SPs). It addresses the need for standardized operational procedures to support the transition of traditional motorist assistance programs into Full-Function Safety/Service Patrols (FFS/SPs). The guide is motivated by the FHWA’s recognition of S/SPs as a critical component of Traffic Incident Management (TIM), aiming to achieve the National Unified Goal of responder safety, safe and quick clearance, and reliable communications. It provides a practical reference for operators and supervisors to manage incidents efficiently, reduce congestion, and prevent secondary crashes. The guide is structured as a comprehensive manual rather than a research study, offering procedural guidelines, safety protocols, and best practices. It is organized into five sections: The Basics, Operator Information, Emergency Temporary Traffic Control, Incident Actions, and Reference materials. The content details specific operational tasks, including pretrip vehicle inspections, personal safety equipment requirements, and protocols for interacting with motorists and other emergency responders. It emphasizes the integration of S/SP operations with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). The guide is designed to be used in conjunction with formal training and agency-specific Standard Operating Procedures, serving as a quick-reference tool for field personnel. Key findings and directives within the guide establish a clear hierarchy of priorities for incident response: saving lives, stabilizing the incident through temporary traffic control, and protecting property and the environment. It outlines specific safety guidelines for operators, such as proper vehicle positioning to create buffer zones, the use of high-visibility apparel, and strict adherence to traffic laws despite certain official vehicle exemptions. The document provides detailed instructions for common scenarios, including relocating disabled vehicles using push bumpers, managing hazardous materials spills, and assisting stranded motorists or pedestrians. It stresses the importance of situational awareness, professional conduct, and effective communication with dispatch and Traffic Management Centers to ensure scene safety and efficient incident clearance. The significance of this guide lies in its role in standardizing and professionalizing S/SP operations across the United States. By providing consistent, evidence-based guidelines, it aims to improve the safety of responders and motorists, reduce liability for agencies, and enhance the overall effectiveness of traffic incident management. The guide supports the evolution of S/SPs from simple assistance providers to vital first responders who contribute significantly to roadway safety and traffic flow reliability. It serves as a benchmark for program administrators to evaluate their policies against national best practices, ultimately raising the standard of service and operational consistency for safety patrols nationwide.

Key finding

The document provides standardized operational guidelines and safety protocols for Safety/Service Patrol personnel to manage traffic incidents effectively.

Methodology

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Provenance

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• emergency work zone conspicuity