Incident Management Vehicles Equipped for Every Situation

Item #: 20250067

CONTACTS

Implementing Organization: Incident Management Team, Traffic Management Division
Implementation Lead: Roger Frantz
Development Team:
- Roger Frantz
- Ben Kelly
- Robert Bratton
- Dexter Forbush
- Ron Wells
- Alan Peterson
- Jeremy Willden
Article Written By: Jeremy Willden
Innovation Team Coordinator: Winston Inoway

STATUS

Implementation Date: January 1, 2022
Adoption Status: Fully Implemented
Adoptability Note: Where could standardization and uniform inventory help your team?

APPLIES TO

Topic: Safety and Health
Organization(s): Central Admin / Senior Leaders, Equipment Operations, Risk Management, Traffic and Safety, Traffic Management Division
Job Role(s): Mechanics / Equipment, Program Manager, Roadway Operations / IMT, Transportation Technician
Tags: Highway transportation, labor productivity, supplies, employee empowerment, job satisfaction, occupational safety, personnel development, turnover, crashes, injuries, economic benefits, expenses, expenditures, rural development, urban development, value of life, value of time, ( process improvement ), reorganization, standardization, equipment, highway operations, ( traffic operations ), program management, pedestrian safety, traffic safety > highway safety, trucking safety, vehicle safety, aesthetics, public opinion, quality of life, user benefits

PROBLEM

Incident Management Teams (IMT) are constantly asked to do more under ever-changing roadway situations. Having the right equipment and training can make the difference in quickly resolving a roadside problem versus an extended incident that endangers more lives.

Before winter 2024, IMT trucks lacked a standardized inventory, leading to inconsistent equipment across the fleet. Each truck was configured to individual operator preferences rather than for organizational uniformity. Tools, supplies, and other items were stored in varying locations depending on the specific truck on-scene.

CHANGE

With the acquisition of new IMT trucks and the continued expansion of our program, it became imperative to determine the cost associated with outfitting each vehicle. IMT management decided to standardize both the inventory for all trucks and item placement. This provides multiple benefits, including on-scene uniformity, inventory control, and consistent capabilities across the fleet.

Incident Management vehicles have been updated with a number of important improvements that help ensure IMT Specialist can quickly and effectively do their jobs. Some of these vehicle changes include:

Rear stinger devices can be controlled and positioned remotely
Front-mounted and low frequency “rumble” sirens increase awareness and help clear intersections.
Flashing lights automatically synchronize with other IMT vehicles to reduce flashing chaos
Red and white flashing LED lights on the sides of trucks (in addition to front and rear lights) increases visibility
New message board with pre-programed messages and auto up/down activation
Dynamic tow rope improves towing safety
Mobile laptop system provides access to vehicle license plate information
Stripped lug bolt removal tools
Thermal gauges to detect temperatures
Metal hook to grab cones
Drones with high resolution camera to speed up the crash scene clearance times
Visible vehicle ID number matches IMT’s 9A # and radio call signa

RESULT

These changes result in many improvements that benefit vulnerable travelers and help manage incidents. Some changes allow IMT to resolve new challenges such as electric vehicle fires. Some changes are safety improvements for the IMT Specialist to keep them safe and make their jobs easier and more efficient. All of these improvements help IMT succeed in keeping Utah moving.

Next Steps: As older trucks are replaced, new IMT vehicles will be consistent and comparable.

Front-mounted sirens

(l) Thermal gauge, (r) Visible vehicle ID number matches IMT’s 9A # and radio call signal

(top left) Spare tire crank tools for various vehicles, (top right) Tools for removing stripped lug nuts, (bottom left) Standard placement of equipment in rear of truck, (bottom right) Trailer-Aid tool for changing tires on trailers