FHWA TIM SA-1 User Guide and Questions

Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment Tool
User Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................1
HOW TO USE THE ONLINE TOOL .....................................................................................2
STEP 1. REGISTRATION ...................................................................................................2
STEP 2. SIGN IN  ..................................................................................................................3
Step 2.1 Account Approval................................................................................................3
Step 2.2 How to Login .......................................................................................................3
Step 2.3 How to Change Password....................................................................................3
STEP 3. SITE NAVIGATION ..............................................................................................4
Overview ............................................................................................................................4
Announcements .................................................................................................................4
New TIM CM Self-Assessment  ........................................................................................5
Edit TIM CM Self-Assessment .........................................................................................6
Documents & Files.............................................................................................................6
Messages ............................................................................................................................6
Web Links ..........................................................................................................................6
Events .................................................................................................................................6
Photos.................................................................................................................................7
STEP 4. ENTERING SELF-ASSESSMENT DATA  ...........................................................7
Step 4.1. New TIM Self-Assessment  ............................................................................... 10
Step 4.2. Edit TIM CM Self-Assessment......................................................................... 11
WHERE TO GET TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE .................................................................. 12
APPENDIX A. TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY MATURITY
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ...................................................................................... 13

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Photo. Overview Page of the Online Tool.....................................................................3
Figure 2. Photo. Overview Page ..................................................................................................4
Figure 3. Photo. Survey Step 1 ....................................................................................................5
Figure 4. Photo. Editing a Survey ................................................................................................6
Figure 5. Photo. Additional Comments........................................................................................7
Figure 6. Photo. Non-metro or Emerging TIM Questions ............................................................8

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INTRODUCTION
The National Annual Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Capability Maturity Self-Assessment
(CM SA) is a benchmarking tool, provided by the FHWA, for evaluating local TIM program
components and overall National TIM program success. It is intended to provide local TIM
program managers with a way to assess progress. In addition, the analysis of the aggregated TIM
Self-Assessment results allows FHWA to identify program gaps and better target TIM program
resources.
The 2022 online process to collect TIM SA data takes place between September 8, 2022, and
November 30, 2022. A newly developed online data collection tool is available for entering selfassessment data, based on the 2021 TIM CM SA worksheet. With this new online tool that
mirrors the worksheet, the respondents will be able to transition from a worksheet/paper-based
response process to a web-based form. Responses will be directly entered into a user-friendly
online worksheet and data entered will be immediately available for review and analysis.
Only one SA response may exist for an organization per year. The online tool will allow the user
to enter the scores, save data, close the application, and continue entering data later. Once the
submitter completes the questionnaire, the online tool will provide confirmation that the
questionnaire answers were received. The submitted answers and calculated SA score will be
provided within 24 hours in an email.
A training webinar on the 2022 TIM CM SA was held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. If you
were unable to participate in the training webinar and would like to review the PowerPoint
presentation, use https://self-assessment.fhwa.trafficincidentmanagement.net and click on
Documents and Files. No need to log in; you can access training and other information at this
link.
If you have any questions relating to any aspect of this self-assessment process, please send them
to [email protected]
The TIM CM SA is intended to be conducted as a group exercise with the various TIM
stakeholders coming to a consensus on the scores for each question. Often, this is done at a TIM
team meeting or other event. 

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HOW TO USE THE ONLINE TOOL 
STEP 1. REGISTRATION
To register:
1. Go to: https://self-assessment.fhwa.trafficincidentmanagement.net
2. Click the ‘Register’ button at the top right of the page.
3. Fill in all the required fields and click ‘Submit.’ 
Note that as a convention, you should use your email address as your username. If this is
not done, it will be modified on your behalf.
4. Confirmation. After submitting your registration info, and once it’s approved by the
administrators, you will receive an email confirming your registration. All account
requests will be immediately, automatically confirmed by an email.  
Note, the TIM CM SA Contractor team will contact you if unable to confirm your
registration. 
If you are a first-time submitter for FHWA’s TIM Self-Assessment (i.e., you have not completed
a TIM Self-Assessment before) or if you are completing a TIM Self-Assessment for more than
one TIM Program, you need to register.
If you have completed the TIM Self-Assessment in 2021 and received an email asking you to
change your password, then you may be pre-registered.
Your username is your email address where you received the registration confirmation earlier. If
you are pre-registered, then no registration action is necessary, and you can skip to Step 2.

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STEP 2. SIGN IN 
After receiving your registration confirmation, you can sign in. Figure 1 shows the
Overview/landing page where registered users can sign in for the online tool.

Figure 1. Photo. Overview Page of the Online Tool
Source: FHWA

Step 2.1 Account Approval
After your account is approved, return to:
https://self-assessment.fhwa.trafficincidentmanagement.net
Step 2.2 How to Login
Either click the ‘Sign in’ button in the upper right corner of the page (where you will be directed
to the Sign-in page) or enter your Sign in Username and Password on the ‘Sign in” panel on the
Overview/landing page, then click ‘Sign in”.
Step 2.3 How to Change Password
Once signed into the 2022 TIM CM SA site, you can reset your password by clicking on ‘My
Profile’ at the top right of the page, then select ‘Change Password.’

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STEP 3. SITE NAVIGATION
Figure 2 shows the Overview Page of the online tool once signed into the tool.

Figure 2. Photo. Overview Page
Source: FHWA

The following is a description of the main components, or modules, of the TIM CM SA site
which can be accessed using the menu bar on the left side of the Home Page as shown in Figure
2.
Overview
This is the Home Page for the self-assessment tool, which lists a set of panels as an overview of
the other modules. Panels include Announcements, Events, Photos, and Documents as shown in
Figure 2.
Announcements
Users of the site can find both general and important announcements relating to the TIM CM SA
when clicking on this module. Announcements also appear as a panel on the Overview/landing
page as shown in Figure 2.

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New TIM CM Self-Assessment 
Clicking on the New TIM CM Self-Assessment module takes the user to a survey not yet started.
Figure 3 shows a survey which was recently started by a user. Page 1 was completed and marked
green. The online tool took the user to Page 2, which is the next section to answer. The numbers
for Pages 3-9 are marked gray since they have not been completed. After clicking on the
answer(s), the user then clicks ‘Next’ and the next question will show. The online tool will
automatically save the answers for the current Page after ‘Next’ is selected.

Figure 3. Photo. Survey Step 1
Source: FHWA

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Edit TIM CM Self-Assessment
As shown in Figure 4 users can complete a TIM CM SA at a later time and if the survey has not
yet been submitted the user can revise previously marked answers. After changing an answer, the
user must select ‘Update’ to save the modification. There is no limit to the number of times an
answer may be updated.

Figure 4. Photo. Editing a Survey
Source: FHWA

Documents & Files
This link contains this User Guide, the training slides, plus other related documents, including a
printable version of the questionnaire worksheet. Although the worksheet maybe downloaded
and used outside of the online tool, submitting answers to the online tool is requested to support
efficient processing of survey answers.
Messages
Users of the site can message each other or the administrator.
Web Links
Associated websites and interesting links will be posted here.
Events
All events related to the TIM CM SA will be posted on the site under Events.

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Photos
Participants in the annual TIM Capability Maturity Self-Assessment can add extra value to the
national TIM program by sharing TIM-related photos for FHWA to use in future publications.
The photos can be emailed to the site administrator or uploaded directly under the Photos
module. 
STEP 4. ENTERING SELF-ASSESSMENT DATA 
The self-assessment includes 41 scored questions, grouped into three sections: Strategic,
Tactical, and Support. The Strategic section addresses formal TIM programs; TIM training and
after-action reports; and TIM performance measures. The Tactical section is focused on TIM
laws; policies and procedures for incident response and clearance; and responder and motorist
safety. The Support section addresses the use of TIM videos; signal timing changes to support
traffic management; and pre-planned or alternate routes for moving traffic away from an
incident. 
After each of the 41 questions as well as at the end of each section, the user is given an
opportunity to provide additionally details. In this comment field, please provide any further
clarification, justification, or general feedback for the question or section. See Figure 5.

Figure 5. Photo. Additional Comments
Source: FHWA

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Nine of the forty-one questions may apply to non-metro or emerging TIM areas and are
explicitly flagged in the survey through the use of question bar color (i.e., questions with a
yellow question bar shown in the online tool indicate that they are these nine questions). Nonmetro and emerging users may leave them unanswered, and it will not impact your region’s
overall score. See Figure 6.

Figure 6. Photo. Non-metro or Emerging TIM Questions
Source: FHWA

Six of the nine optional for non-metro and emerging questions relate to TIM performance
measures:







Question 12: Has the TIM program established performance targets for RCT?
Question 13: How does your agency use RCT performance data to influence your TIM
operations?
Question 16: Has the TIM program established performance targets for ICT?
Question 17: How does your agency use ICT performance data to influence your TIM
operations?
Question 20: Has the TIM program established performance targets for a reduction in the
number of Secondary Crashes?
Question 21: How does your agency use Secondary Crash performance data to influence
your TIM operations?

Three of the nine optional for non-metro and emerging questions relate to policies & procedures
for incident response & clearance:




Question 25: Is there a Safety Service Patrol Program in place for incident and
emergency response?
Question 26: What level of coverage does the Safety Service Patrol Program provide?
Question 30: Do towing and recovery procedures/rotation list policies include penalties
for non-compliance with response criteria?

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Lastly, there are several non-scored, supplemental questions throughout the TIM CM SA that ask
for additional information about each TIM program. For example, asking respondents to provide
details on their Safety Service Patrol program’s features. These non-scored supplemental
questions are numbered as a subset of the scored question (e.g., 1a, 3a). While answers to these
questions are not included in the overall score, the responses are extremely helpful in quantifying
the current state of TIM practice. Please make every effort to respond to the supplemental
questions as thoroughly as possible.

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Step 4.1. New TIM Self-Assessment 
This menu option to create a new TIM capability maturity self-assessment survey response.
To open a question, please click on the question bar.

Please click on the one answer choice that best describes your program.

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Please click ‘Next’ when all questions are complete, and you are ready to move on to the
next page.

Step 4.2. Edit TIM CM Self-Assessment
Use this menu option if you already started the TIM capability maturity self-assessment and wish
to revise or continue. See Figure 4.

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WHERE TO GET TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Please email us at [email protected] with any questions related to the TIM SelfAssessment Program in general, or specific to the site. Also, if you need further assistance,
please let us know. 
Additionally, as this is a new site, any feedback on user-friendliness or functionality is welcome. 
For previous TIM Self-Assessment Reports and more information on FHWA’s TIM SelfAssessment Program, please use this link: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/tim/preparedness/tim/self.htm
for additional information on FHWA’s TIM Program, please use this link:
https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/tim/

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APPENDIX A. TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY MATURITY
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
The TIM CM SA has 41 questions that are organized into the following sections and subsections:






Strategic
o Formal TIM Programs (5 questions)
o TIM Training and After-Action Reports (4 questions)
o TIM Performance Measures (12 questions)
Tactical
o TIM Laws (3 questions)
o Policies and Procedures for Incident Response and Clearance (9 questions)
o Responder and Motorist Safety (5 questions)
Support
o Data Collection/Integration/Sharing (3 questions)

Each question provides specific scoring guidance ranging from 1-4. While the scoring guidance
may not exactly describe your TIM program, please score the question using the guidance that
most closely mirrors your program.
There are four non-scored supplemental questions. These supplemental questions are numbered
as a subset of the scored question (e.g., 1a, 3a). While answers to these questions are not
included in the overall score, the responses are extremely helpful in quantifying the current state
of TIM practice. Please make every effort to respond to the supplemental questions as
thoroughly as possible.
Nine of the forty-one questions may apply to non-metro or emerging TIM areas and are
explicitly flagged in the survey below through the use of square brackets around the question
(i.e., [question]). Non-metro users may leave these questions unanswered, and it will not impact
your region’s overall score.

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SECTION 1: STRATEGIC
Formal TIM Programs

1. Is there a formal TIM program that is supported by a multidiscipline, multi-agency team or task force, which meets regularly to discuss and plan for TIM
activities?

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
A TIM program has been established
by a single agency, typically a DOT,
and is limited to one or two key
initiatives (i.e., Safety Service Patrol).
TIM activities are occurring on an ad- Meetings and improvement
hoc basis and no formal TIM program discussions are not regularly
exists.
conducted and when they do, not all
disciplines are represented. Program
leadership (agency/individual) is
inconsistent, and thus unclear, to most
agencies.

A multidisciplinary TIM program has
been established. The program is
supported by a committee, task force,
team, or other group that meets on a
semi-regular basis. TIM Program
leadership (agency/individual) is
clear. Work on TIM initiatives is
typically completed by committee
members on a volunteer basis, which
does not always produce timely
results. Most agencies and disciplines
are represented and regularly
participate.

A multidisciplinary TIM program has
been established and formalized
through a documented vision, mission
statement, and goals and objectives.
The program is supported by dedicated
staff, as well as a committee, task force,
team, or other group that meets at least
quarterly to discuss TIM issues,
challenges, and progress. All agencies
and disciplines routinely participate in
program activities and the formal TIM
program may be branded to promote
widespread identity.

1a. How frequently does the team or task force meet?
Please provide any additional information:

2. Are all disciplines represented and key agencies participating in ongoing TIM enhancement activities/efforts?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
TIM agencies and disciplines
typically interact while at the scene of
an incident only. Agencies and
individuals do not participate
collectively in separate TIM
enhancement activities and
discussions. Some relationships exist
among individual responders but have
largely been established externally to
TIM efforts. On-scene problems
stemming from lack of collaboration
are frequent but not addressed.

There is strong, routine involvement
from all disciplines and agencies, which
in turn lead to good working
There is consistent, routine
relationships. Collaboration and
Not all responding disciplines or key
participation from some key
teamwork at incident scenes is
agencies are represented during
agencies/disciplines (e.g., DOT, metro consistently evident. The importance of
ongoing TIM enhancements activities,
fire departments, state police/patrol), collaboration and relationships is widely
efforts, or discussions.
but some disciplines are still missing. understood and promoted through
training, planning, and program
activities. All disciplines understand that
they are an equal partner in TIM.

Please provide any additional information:

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3. Is there a full-time position within at least one of the participating agencies with responsibility for coordinating the TIM program as their primary job
function?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Responsibility for coordinating the
TIM program has been assigned to a
No agency has assigned
position within a participating agency.
responsibility for coordinating the
However, TIM is just one of their
TIM program to a person or position. many job responsibilities and they
have limited time to dedicate to the
program.

Responsibility for coordinating the TIM
program has been assigned to a position
within a participating agency and 50% or
more of their time is dedicated to TIM.

There is a full-time position within
one participating agency that is
dedicated to coordinating the TIM
program.

Please provide any additional information:
4.

Is planning to support TIM activities, including regular needs assessments, done across and among participating agencies?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

TIM is noted or mentioned in regional
transportation plans but only in the
Some local TIM planning may take
context of ongoing operations. Regional
place but is predominantly
plans may integrate ongoing TIM
specific/unique to individual partner
No planning specific to TIM takes
components such as Safety Service
agency(ies) only. Some regional TIM
place regionally. TIM needs are only
Patrols and program support but little
planning is conducted, but typically
considered on a reactive basis when
regular planning/programming for other
on an ad-hoc basis and in reaction to
problems occur.
enhancement strategies takes place. TIM
an urgent need or problem. TIM needs
needs are discussed on a more regular
are assessed on an infrequent (e.g.,
basis with input from most TIM
annual) basis with minimal follow-up.
stakeholders, but some needs may go
unaddressed.
Please provide any additional information:

15

Regionally planning for TIM is
routine and conducted by MPOs,
COGs, Transportation Commissions,
DOTs and public safety agencies.
TIM needs are routinely and
proactively discussed in a
multidisciplinary setting and are
directly linked with the regional
planning process. There is a TIM line
item in funding allocations to pay for
TIM strategies to address identified
needs.

5. Are funds available for TIM activities?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

No funds are specifically allocated
for TIM on a regional basis. TIM is
supported exclusively and
independently from the operating
budgets of partner agencies. The
region is routinely challenged to
acquire funds for TIM enhancement
initiatives.

Through funding sources such as TIPs,
STIPs, SHSPs and Federal Programs,
regular annual (fiscal year) budget
Some TIM elements/activities such as
allocations are made for the majority of
program or training support are funded
The Safety Service Patrol Program
TIM activities such as: Safety Service
annually. Little programming and
may have a dedicated funding source,
Patrols; training; TIM equipment and
budgeting take place for other TIM
but minimal funding is available for
supplies; program management/support;
enhancement activities, though a
any other TIM enhancement
and outreach/promotion. Funds are often
nominal amount of funding is
activities. Partner agencies have little
allocated according to need and program
sometimes available. There is a
or no understanding of funds that are,
priorities. Stakeholders have a good
moderate understanding of available
or may be, available for TIM.
understanding of both available or
funding and the process for accessing
potential funding sources for TIM
it.
activities (e.g., grants, Federal funds,
etc.) and the process and requirements
for requesting/accessing it.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the Formal TIM Programs subsection?

TIM Training and After-Action Reviews

6. Have stakeholders in the region participated in a SHRP2 National TIM Responder Training Program, or equivalent, Train-the-Trainer (TtT) session and are
they actively training others?

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Yes, but less than 20% of the TtT
No TtT session has been conducted in
participants have conducted any
the region.
subsequent training sessions.

Yes, and between 20%-40% of the
TtT participants have provided TIM
training to others. There are a handful
of very active trainers, but many
trainers have only assisted with 1 or 2
training sessions.

6a. Is there any other TIM-related supplemental or topic-specific training being provided?
Please provide any additional information:

16

Yes, and over 40% of the TtT
participants have provided TIM training
to others. The trainers remain active and
are assisting with at least one training
session quarterly.

7. Is the SHRP2 TIM Responder Training being conducted in a multidiscipline setting?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Most training is being provided to
individual agencies in a single
discipline setting.

Some efforts have been made to
A multidiscipline setting has been
support multidiscipline training. Many
used in over half of the training
agencies are still focused on training
sessions provided.
just their own employees.

The majority of training activities are
taking place in a multidiscipline setting.
Large agencies that are using in-service
to train their employees have invited
other disciplines to participate in the
training.

Please provide any additional information:
8.

Has the SHRP2 TIM Responder Training, or equivalent, been incorporated into the state or local academy and/or technical college curriculums?

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
The SHRP2 TIM Responder Training,
or equivalent, has not been
incorporated into the state or local
academy and/or technical college
curriculums.

Over half of the state or local
A limited number of academies and/or
academies and/or technical colleges
technical colleges have incorporated
have incorporated the SHRP2 TIM
the SHRP2 TIM Responder Training,
Responder Training, or equivalent,
or equivalent, into their curriculums.
into their curriculums.

The SHRP2 TIM Responder Training,
or equivalent has been incorporated into
the majority of state or local academy
and/or technical college curriculums for
all disciplines.

Please provide any additional information:

9. Does the TIM program conduct multidiscipline, multi-agency after-action reviews (AARs)?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

No AARs are conducted.

Some AARs are conducted internally
by individual agencies. Multidiscipline
AARs may be conducted occasionally,
but only for very serious incidents
where significant problems were
encountered.

Routine AARs are conducted, but not
all involved responders participate.
AARs may only occur in the context
of an established TIM committee or
task force meeting, which may lead to
delayed or ineffective discussion.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the TIM Training and After-Action Reviews subsection?

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AARs are institutionalized and a formal
AAR process exists that includes
thresholds for conducting timely AARs
and participation requirements. Results
are documented, acted upon, and shared
with all TIM stakeholders.

TIM Performance Measures
10. Is Roadway Clearance Time (RCT) measured and used by your agency? FHWA defines RCT as the “time between first recordable awareness of an
incident by a responsible agency and first confirmation that all lanes are available for traffic flow.”
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

RCT is not typically measured.

RCT is routinely measured.

RCT is routinely measured and
reported.

RCT is routinely measured, reported,
reviewed, used routinely to improve on
the measure, and tied to system or
region-wide outcomes such as travel
time reliability or congestion/delay.

Please provide any additional information:
11. Which of the following data collection and analysis practices best align with your region for RCT?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Data are collected by a single agency Data are collected among TIM partner
(typically MPO or DOT), some data
agencies for a significant proportion of
Data (crash reports, TMC, CAD) are
are linked or integrated, but only for a incidents in the region. Data collection
present but not necessarily accessible
small subset of the broader set of
reflects the intent for use in
or useful because they are not
incidents (for example, only for one
performance measurement. Efforts
collected with a focus on performance
urban interstate) because data
may be underway to broaden data
measures.
collected by partner agencies are
collection and explore opportunities
limited.
for data integration.

Data are purposefully collected and
integrated to support performancebased operations and are collected and
shared among partner agencies. Strong
analysis and reporting capabilities are
in place, with regular reporting of TIM
performance, both internally and
externally.

Please provide any additional information:
12. [ Has the TIM program established performance targets for RCT? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
No RCT performance targets have
been established.

Subjective or qualitative targets for
RCT are established.

Quantitative, data-driven performance
targets for RCT have been established
Quantitative, data-driven performance
and progress is regularly reported and
targets for RCT have been established.
reviewed. Targets are modified as
appropriate.

Please provide any additional information:

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13. [ How does your agency use RCT performance data to influence your TIM operations? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Regional or local operations are
rarely, if ever, modified or improved
upon based on prior TIM
performance. Status quo is generally
acceptable to all agencies and
disciplines.

Regional or local operations are
inconsistently modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure.

Regional or local operations are
occasionally modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure by a single agency or
discipline.

Regional or local operations are
regularly modified or improved upon
based on this TIM performance
measure by TIM program members
across disciplines.

Please provide any additional information:
14. Is Incident Clearance Time (ICT) measured and used by your agency? FHWA defines ICT as the “time between the first recordable awareness of the
incident and the time at which the last responder has left the scene.”
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
ICT is not typically measured.

ICT is routinely measured.

ICT is routinely measured and
reported.

ICT is routinely measured, reported,
and tied to system or region-wide
outcomes such as travel time reliability
or congestion/delay.

Please provide any additional information:
15. Which of the following data collection and analysis practices best align with your region for ICT?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Data are collected by a single agency Data are collected among TIM partner
(typically MPO or DOT), some data
agencies for a significant proportion of
Data (crash reports, TMC, CAD) are
are linked or integrated, but only for a incidents in the region. Data collection
present but not necessarily accessible
small subset of the broader set of
reflects the intent for use in
or useful because they are not
incidents (for example, only for one
performance measurement. Efforts
collected with a focus on performance
urban interstate) because data
may be underway to broaden data
measures.
collected by partner agencies are
collection and explore opportunities
limited.
for data integration.
Please provide any additional information:

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Data are purposefully collected and
integrated to support performancebased operations and are collected and
shared among partner agencies. Strong
analysis and reporting capabilities are
in place, with regular reporting of TIM
performance, both internally and
externally.

16. [ Has the TIM program established performance targets for ICT? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
No ICT performance targets have been Subjective or qualitative targets for
established.
ICT are established.

Quantitative, data-driven performance
targets for ICT have been established
Quantitative, data-driven performance
and progress is regularly reported and
targets for ICT have been established.
reviewed. Targets are modified as
appropriate.

Please provide any additional information:
17. [ How does your agency use ICT performance data to influence your TIM operations? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Regional or local operations are
rarely, if ever, modified or improved
upon based on prior TIM
performance. Status quo is generally
acceptable to all agencies and
disciplines.

Regional or local operations are
inconsistently modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure.

Regional or local operations are
occasionally modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure by a single agency or
discipline.

Regional or local operations are
regularly modified or improved upon
based on this TIM performance
measure by TIM program members
across disciplines.

Please provide any additional information:

18. Is the number of Secondary Crashes being measured and used? FHWA defines Secondary Crashes as the “number of unplanned crashes beginning with the
time of detection of the primary crash where a collision occurs either a) within the incident scene or b) within the queue, including the opposite direction,
resulting from the original incident?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Secondary Crashes are not typically
measured.

Secondary Crashes are routinely
measured.

Secondary Crashes are routinely
measured and reported.

Please provide any additional information:

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Secondary Crashes are routinely
measured, reported, and tied to system
or region-wide outcomes such as travel
time reliability or congestion/delay.

19. How is data for the number of Secondary Crashes collected?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Data collection is limited, with TIM
data available only as a biproduct of
existing/separate data collection
efforts (i.e., fields taken from crash
reports) and manual review is
required.

Data collection is occurring by a single
agency and data are only being
captured for a small percentage of the
total number of crashes that occur in
the area/region. May require some
manual review, tallying or
calculations.

Strong data collection systems are in
place, but they are typically agency
specific. Data are being captured for a
significant percentage of all crashes
that occur in the area/region.

Robust, integrated data collection
systems (e.g., TMC/TOC ATMS
integrated with Law Enforcement CAD,
Crash Reports, and/or Safety Service
Patrol Logs, etc.) with automated
reporting capabilities are in place.

Please provide any additional information:
20. [ Has the TIM program established performance targets for a reduction in the number of Secondary Crashes? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
No Secondary Crash reduction
performance targets have been
established.

Subjective or qualitative targets for
Secondary Crash reduction are
established.

Quantitative, data-driven performance
Quantitative, data-driven performance targets for Secondary Crash reduction
targets for Secondary Crash reduction have been established and progress is
have been established.
regularly reported and reviewed.
Targets are modified as appropriate.

Please provide any additional information:
21. [ How does your agency use Secondary Crash performance data to influence your TIM operations? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Regional or local operations are
rarely, if ever, modified or improved
upon based on prior TIM
performance. Status quo is generally
acceptable to all agencies and
disciplines.

Regional or local operations are
inconsistently modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure.

Regional or local operations are
occasionally modified or improved
upon based on this TIM performance
measure by a single agency or
discipline.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the TIM Performance Measures subsection?

21

Regional or local operations are
regularly modified or improved upon
based on this TIM performance
measure by TIM program members
across disciplines.

SECTION 2: TACTICAL
TIM Laws
22. Is an Authority Removal Law in place?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
There is an Authority Removal Law
in-place, but understanding and use of
An Authority Removal Law is in
the law is not universal (e.g., some
There is no Authority Removal Law in
place, but it may not be complete or
agencies are still concerned about
place.
utilize ideal language.
causing additional damage by
dragging an overturned tractor trailer
out of travel lanes).

There is an Authority Removal Law in
place that has been integrated into
agency policies/protocols and is
utilized on a regular basis.

Please provide any additional information:
23. Is a Driver Removal Law in place?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
There is no Driver Removal Law in
place.

A Driver Removal Law is in place, but There is a Driver Removal Law init may not be complete or utilize ideal place, but use and enforcement of the
language.
law is not universal.

There is a Driver Removal Law in
place that has been integrated into
agency policies/protocols and is
utilized on a regular basis.

Please provide any additional information:
24. What activities are in place to outreach to and educate responders and the public about the value of TIM laws in place as well as the overall goals and
benefits of TIM?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

Minimal outreach/education
occurring.

A comprehensive, consistent TIM
outreach and education program is in
Outreach/education for the TIMplace for both responders and the
Outreach/education is occurring with
related safe, quick clearance laws is
public. The program provides education
the public, but less attention is paid to
ongoing to ensure that both responders on specific laws as well as the overall
ensuring that responders understand
and the public understand and comply goals and benefits of TIM. Outreach
the TIM laws in place.
with the laws.
efforts cover all age ranges, starting
with driver's education programs and
including experienced drivers.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the TIM Laws subsection?

22

Policies and Procedures for Incident Response and Clearance

25. [ Is there a Safety Service Patrol Program in place for incident and emergency response? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

There is no Safety Service Patrol
Program.

A baseline Safety Service Patrol
Program is in place that focuses on
providing motorist assistance only
(i.e., provides gasoline, changes flat
tires, assists with minor repairs, etc.).

A mid-level Safety Service Patrol
Program is in place that, in addition to
motorist assistance, provides incident
response services and clearance
resources. The patrol vehicles used
typically have the ability to relocate
vehicles out of travel lanes through use
of push bumpers or tow straps, or
through use of wrecker or flatbed
vehicles.

There is sustained full-function Safety
Service Patrol Program in place that
provides motorist assistance, performs
clearance and recovery services, and
assists with emergency traffic control
and scene management. There is a
comprehensive training program which
includes classroom and hands-on
training that all Safety Service Patrol
operators must complete.

Please provide any additional information:
26. [ What level of coverage does the Safety Service Patrol Program provide? ]

There is no Safety Service Patrol
Program.

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
The Safety Service Patrol Program
operates a small fleet that only covers The Safety Service Patrol Program
a portion of major roadways (i.e.,
operates a medium fleet that provides
interstates, limited access highways) coverage on most major roadways
identified as needing service based on (i.e., interstates, limited access
traffic volumes and/or incident
highways) identified as needing
frequency. The frequency of coverage service based on traffic volumes
is over an hour (meaning it takes a
and/or incident frequency. The
patrolling vehicle over an hour to
frequency of coverage is about 30
make a loop around their coverage
minutes.
area).

The Safety Service Patrol Program
operates a large enough fleet to provide
ample coverage on all major roadways
(i.e., interstates, limited access
highways) identified as needing service
based on traffic volumes and/or
incident frequency.

26a. If there is a Safety Service Patrol Program, please provide details on miles covered, hours of operation, days of operation, services provided, number of
vehicles, equipment on vehicles, and any operator training.
Please provide any additional information:

23

27. Are temporary traffic control (TTC) devices (e.g., cones, advanced warning signs, etc.) pre-staged in the region to facilitate timely response?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
The need to pre-stage TTC devices has
been identified. Some limited TTC
devices have been pre-staged but may
There are no pre-staged TTC devices.
not be available to all TIM
stakeholders and are not consistently
deployed.

Some TTC devices have been prestaged at high-frequency incident
locations. Most TIM stakeholders are
aware that the TTC devices are
available but may not be able or aware
of how to access them.

A needs assessment has been
completed to identify where pre-staged
TTC devices are required and TTC
devices are available at those locations.
All TIM stakeholders are aware of
where the TTC devices are staged and
have the ability to, or know the process
to, access them.

Please provide any additional information:
28. Do towing and recovery procedures/rotation list policies deploy resources based on type/severity of incident?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
The tow procedures/rotation list
policies were created with little
consideration given to supporting a
timely response with proper
equipment.

Some consideration has been given to
the type/severity of incident and the
tow procedures/rotation list is
separated into heavy- and light-duty
tow providers.

The tow procedures/rotation list
deploys resources based on the
severity of the incident but does not
always take into consideration the
proximity of the towing provider.

The tow procedures/rotation list was
established to support safe, quick
clearance. The rotation policy deploys
resources based on the severity of the
incident and proximity to facilitate a
proper and quick response.

Please provide any additional information:
29. Do towing and recovery procedures/rotation list policies include company/operator qualifications, equipment requirements, and/or training requirements?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
The tow procedures/rotation list has an
application process that requires a
summary of equipment capabilities.
There are minimal equipment
The capabilities of the towing agency
There is an initial check of this
requirements but there is no follow-up
are not documented or considered as
information, but follow-up activities
or verification of the information
part of the tow procedures/rotation
are not consistently completed. New
provided. There are no training
list.
operators are required to complete
requirements.
training, but veteran towers are often
grandfathered in and do not need to
complete training.
Please provide any additional information:

24

The tow procedures/rotation list has a
comprehensive application process.
Detailed, specific equipment
requirements are verified and reviewed
annually at a minimum. All drivers are
required to complete application towing
certifications and participate in the
National TIM Responder Training
Program.

30. [ Do towing and recovery procedures/rotation list policies include penalties for non-compliance of response criteria? ]
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Requirements are in place but not
The tow procedures/rotation list policy routinely enforced. Penalties are
does not include any penalties.
identified but not clearly understood
by enforcement agencies.

Penalties are very clearly identified and
communicated to towing and recovery
Penalties are clearly identified but are
companies. Compliance is monitored
not uniformly enforced.
on a daily basis and penalties are
strictly enforced.

Please provide any additional information:
31. For incidents involving a fatality, is there a procedure in place for early notification and timely response of the Medical Examiner?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
There is not a procedure in place for A procedure is in place for response,
early notification and timely response but it does not take into consideration
of the Medical Examiner.
early notification.

A procedure is in place that is
A procedure is in place but not all
understood by both those requesting the
response agencies or Medical
Medical Examiner and the Medical
Examiners are aware of it so there are
Examiner’s office. It is regularly
still delays in the response.
reviewed and updated.

Please provide any additional information:
32. For incidents involving a fatality, is there a procedure for the removal of the deceased prior to Medical Examiner arrival?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

There is not a procedure in place for
removal of the deceased prior to the
arrival of the Medical Examiner.

Some Medical Examiners have
approved a procedure for the removal A standard procedure is in place but
of the deceased, but use is inconsistent not all response agencies or Medical
and many agencies are not aware this Examiners are aware of it.
may be an option.

Please provide any additional information:

25

A procedure is in place for removal of
the deceased prior to the arrival of the
Medical Examiner. The procedure is
understood by response agencies, the
Medical Examiner and the Medical
Examiner’s office. The procedure is
regularly reviewed and updated.

33. Are there procedures in place for expedited crash investigations?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Some individual agencies have
There is no procedure in place to
procedures for expedited crash
support expedited crash investigations. investigation, but there is no
consistency across agencies

A procedure is in place for expedited
A standard procedure for expedited
crash investigations. The procedure is
crash investigations has been created,
understood by the majority of TIM
but not all TIM stakeholders are aware
stakeholders. The procedure is
of it.
regularly reviewed and updated.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the Policies and Procedures for Incident Response and Clearance subsection?

Responder and Motorist Safety
Please provide any additional information:
34. Do TIM responders routinely utilize TTC devices to provide traffic control for the three incident classifications (minor, intermediate, major) in compliance
with the MUTCD?

Use of TTC devices is inconsistent
and varies greatly from agency to
agency.

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
TTC devices are regularly utilized at
major incidents where transportation
TIM stakeholders carry and regularly
agencies (i.e., DOT, county
deploy TTC devices at most incident
maintenance) are on-scene. Use of
scenes.
TTC devices at intermediate level
incidents remains inconsistent.

All TIM stakeholders carry and
regularly deploy TTC devices for all
types of incidents. TTC is compliant
with the MUTCD.

Please provide any additional information:
35. Do TIM responders routinely utilize traffic control procedures to provide back of traffic queue warning to approaching motorists?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Back of traffic queue warning is
Back of traffic queue warning may be
Back of traffic queue warning is rarely
considered and deployed at major and
provided depending on which agencies
provided.
intermediate incidents as resources
respond.
allow.
Please provide any additional information:

26

Providing back of traffic queue warning
is considered a priority. A
policy/procedure for providing back of
traffic queue warning has been
established and training is regularly
conducted.

36. Is there a mutually understood procedure/guideline in place for safe vehicle positioning?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

There is no procedure/guideline in
place for safe vehicle positioning.

Individual agencies have
procedures/guidelines regarding the
positioning of vehicles, but these are
not consistent or shared with other
agencies.

A procedure/guideline is in place for the
safe positioning of vehicles, and it is
A standard procedure/guideline is in
consistent with the National TIM
place regarding the safe positioning of
Responder Training Program. The
vehicles. Many, but not all response
procedure/ guideline is understood by all
agencies are aware of the
TIM stakeholders. The
procedure/guideline.
procedure/guideline is regularly
reviewed and updated.

Please provide any additional information:
37. Are there mutually understood procedures/guidelines in place for use of emergency-vehicle lighting?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program

There is no procedure/guideline in
place for use of emergency-vehicle
lighting.

A procedure/guideline is in place for
the use of emergency-vehicle lighting,
Individual agencies have
A standard procedure/guideline is in
and it is consistent with the National
procedures/guidelines regarding the
place regarding the use of emergencyTIM Responder Training Program. The
use of emergency-vehicle lighting, but vehicle lighting. Many, but not all
procedure/guideline is understood by
these are not consistent or shared with response agencies are aware of the
all TIM stakeholders. The
other agencies.
procedure/guideline.
procedure/guideline is regularly
reviewed and updated.

Please provide any additional information:
38. Are TIM responders following high-visibility safety apparel requirements as outlined in the MUTCD?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
TIM responders are not following
high-visibility safety apparel
requirements.

Some TIM responders are following
high-visibility safety apparel
requirements, but use is inconsistent.

Most responders are following highvisibility safety apparel requirements.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the Responder and Motorists Safety subsection?

27

High-visibility safety apparel
requirements are followed by all TIM
responders. While on-scene, responders
will remind individuals without highvisibility safety apparel about
requirements.

SECTION 3: SUPPORT
Data Collection/Integration/Sharing
39. Is TIM video captured via TMCs and/or public safety CAD systems and is it shared with other disciplines for real-time operational purposes?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Some TIM response agencies can
access DOT video but only via
methods available to the public (e.g.,
No TIM video is collected and shared. 5-1-1, websites). No video originating
from public safety CAD systems is
shared with DOTs or there is strong
reluctance to do so.

TIM related video is collected by DOT
and public safety agencies and is
shared by some, but not all,
responding agencies. Some agencies
are not aware of video sharing
capabilities or don't routinely utilize
video for operations.

TIM related [data/video] is routinely
and automatically shared among all
responding agencies and is fully
integrated into public safety CAD and
DOT traffic management systems.
[Data/Video] is routinely used to tailor
response and for other operational
purposes.

Please provide any additional information:
39a. Describe the level of public safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) integration with TMC/TOC software and systems.
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Public safety agencies pass
Public safety agency CAD information
Public safety agency CAD information
information to the TMC/TOC via
is viewed by TMC/TOC personnel on
is viewed by TMC/TOC personnel on
telephone or email and there is little or
a dedicated computer system or
a public-facing web page or similar
no use of public safety agency CAD
monitor; requires retyping or cut-paste
mechanism; requires retyping to input
information, data, or screens by the
operations to input into TMC/TOC
into TMC/TOC software.
TMC/TOC.
software.

Public safety agency CAD
electronically transmits event data to
the TMC/TOC software and can
populate data fields (at a minimum
date, time, location, and type event)

Please provide any additional information:
40. Are there policies or procedures in place for signal timing changes to support traffic management during incident response?
Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
There is no policy in place for
adjusting signal timings to support
traffic management during incident
response.

Individual agencies have policies
regarding the adjustment of signal
timings to support incident
management during incident response,
but there is no consistency.

A policy is in place for the adjustment
of signal timings during incident
A standard policy is in place regarding
response. The policy is understood by
the adjustment of signal timings
all response partners and
during incident response but not all
responsibilities are widely known. The
agencies are aware of it.
policy is regularly reviewed and
updated.

Please provide any additional information:

28

41. Are there pre-planned detour and/or alternate routes identified and shared between TIM stakeholders?

There are no pre-planned detour
and/or alternate routes identified.
Detour planning typically occurs onscene and is based on responders’
knowledge of the area.

Select the response below that best describes your TIM Program
Pre-planned detour and/or alternate
Some pre-planned detour and/or
routes have been identified for major
alternate routes have been identified
corridors and this information has
for major corridors. Agencies have
been conveyed to some impacted TIM
developed guides that they utilize but
stakeholders. Basic guides have been
these are not readily distributed to all
developed but are not widely
impacted TIM stakeholders.
distributed or reviewed.

Please provide any additional information:
Do you have any additional comments on your scores in the Support section?

29

There are pre-planned detour and/or
alternate routes identified, and this
information is conveyed to all impacted
TIM stakeholders. Comprehensive,
interactive guides have been developed.
These guides are accessible via the web
and are reviewed and updated regularly.