Crashes on Nebraska’s roads can be truly life-altering for those involved and communities at large. It’s crucial that responders arrive to the scene as quickly as possible, help victims and quickly clear the roads to prevent further crashes. This not only ensures the safety of those involved but also those who rely on the roads for daily travel.
Responding to these situations requires a coordinated effort from a variety of agencies and
organizations to include firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), tow operators, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and law enforcement. Collaboration between these agencies is essential to ensure the safety of those involved in a crash as well as all responders at the crash site. The job of crash responders is not an easy one. Between January and September 2023, 27 responders lost their lives nationwide while they were responding to or working a crash scene. This is a stark reminder of the dangers they face every day while trying to keep our roads safe.
These first responders are not the only ones at risk. Secondary crashes to an initial crash are often more serious in nature. A recent study discovered that over 9% of all crashes in Virginia were secondary crashes, emphasizing the need to clear initial crashes quickly and restore mobility.
Since 2020, NDOT and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have collaborated with local first responders across the state, in the greater Omaha metro area and along the I-80 corridor to develop multi-disciplinary Traffic Incident Management (TIM) response groups. These groups meet regularly to discuss crashes, best practices in response and develop methods to improve safety for responders, methods to improve quick clearance, and incorporate proven and effective methods to reduce secondary crashes.
NDOT, together NSP and other TIM partners, will be hosting three events in November to highlight crash responder safety.
• Nov. 1, Announcement of the new Motorist Assist Program in the Omaha Metro Area –
this program will significantly improve safety in this fast-growing region by providing resources for motorists, NDOT and NSP to help manage the traffic on the roadways.
o 9:30 a.m.
o NDOT State Operations Center, 4425 S 108th St, Omaha
• Nov. 3, Traffic Incident Response Exercise (TIMEX) – A joint operation between NDOT and
NSP, this training exercise will allow TIM groups the opportunity to practice crash response in real time, on a closed course. Participants will be from EMS, fire, law enforcement, NDOT, tow operators, dispatchers and other parties who routinely respond to crashes. The focus will be on responder safe practices to render aid, protect and manage a complex scene, and motorist safety. While this event is not open to the public, there will be a press event to which the media are welcome.
o 10 a.m.
o Nebraska State Patrol Academy, Grand Island
• Nov. 15, Crash Responder Safety Week & Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing
– Crash Responder Safety Week is November 13-17. To help highlight the importance of crash responders, Nebraska recognizes this week with a press conference to recognize responders. Additionally, we will be celebrating an MOU for the Tri-City area crash responding agencies, memorializing the commitment to work together in the name of safety.
o 11 a.m.
o NDOT Kearney Maintenance Yard