UDOT’s Incident Management Team participates in Emergency Vehicle Training

UDOT’s Incident Management Team (IMT) vehicles exist to help motorists when they have car trouble and to support the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) during any roadway incident. UDOT is focused on quick clearance of traffic incidents to minimize the risk to the first responders and to have travel lanes reopened as soon as possible.

UDOT’s IMT program has 14 trucks operating in all four of UDOT’s regions. The trucks carry a variety of equipment, including jacks, gasoline, air compressors, battery packs, oil dry, first aid kits and various tools for minor roadside repairs. UDOT chose to operate larger vehicles than some other states for the IMT program. The benefits are better visibility to passing motorists and the ability to carry more equipment.

A thank you received by UDOT Traffic on Twitter

IMT drivers are required to attend several trainings per year including training on hazardous material spills, emergency traffic control, medical and FEMA classes. Recently, the IMT drivers completed their certifications in emergency vehicle operations at the UHP training track near Camp Williams. The drivers learned about proper backing techniques, defensive driving, their vehicle dynamics and proper emergency traffic scene safety.

Thank you recived by UDOT Traffic on Twitter.

The IMT program has helped hundreds of motorists over the last several years. Some people refer to the IMT drivers as “professional good samaritans.” Disabled vehicles on a freeway create a safety hazard, especially when the disabled vehicle is blocking a travel lane. The likelihood of a secondary crash resulting from congestion increases by almost 3% for every minute that the lane is blocked. Approximately 20% of all crashes are called secondary crashes, or a crash that can be traced to an original incident.

This guest post was written by Jeff Reynolds, Roadway Safety Manager.