Roadway safety hits close to home for our Merciful Towing family. Because former law enforcement officers founded our towing company, safety remains at the forefront of our minds. Our background in law enforcement has made us witnesses of horrific roadside tragedies and their aftermath. Motorists involved in accidents are experiencing some of their most challenging moments and greatly need compassionate, professional help. We founded our company with the desire to be a source of support and safety. In addition to the training we already have in law enforcement, we require all of our drivers to complete and maintain their TIM certification to prioritize safety for our customers.
What is TIM Certification?
Traffic Incident Management, otherwise known as TIM, is a nationally recognized certification program developed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN). TIM certification is a self-paced online course with ten required programs. After each program is completed, each participant must complete a Skills Challenge test to earn credit for the course. When all ten programs are completed, the participant will be eligible for their certification. Over time, additional training and courses may be added to keep each participant up to date with the best and latest practices.
What is Included in The Ten Required Programs?
Each of the ten programs play a vital role in equipping emergency responders with the tools and knowledge needed to manage an incident and prevent further danger.
- Advance Warning–This program reviews the benefits of advance warnings and how to implement them to protect other motorists traveling near an incident. Advance warnings can help prevent dangerous secondary accidents.
- Blocking Procedures at Roadway Incidents–Blocking off the road may be necessary when an accident has occurred. This program teaches responders about the circumstances in which blocking is needed and how to determine which type of blocking to use.
- High Visibility Innovations–The visibility of responders is crucial for safe roadside operations. This segment covers the appropriate measures to take for visibility and safety while on the roadside.
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)–The purpose of this program is to explain and highlight the relevant sections of the manual that apply to responders managing roadway incidents. Completing this section ensures that the participant is fully informed on traffic control devices before facing a roadside emergency.
- Move it or Work it–Quick clearance is vital to limit dangers on the roadway. Secondary accidents can occur when vehicles are not moved out of the flow of traffic quickly. First responders, such as fire trucks, can be used to block traffic until a vehicle can be moved, but quick clearance is always the goal for the safety of everyone involved and traveling on the roadways.
- See and Be Seen: Emergency Lighting Awareness–Accidents that occur after dark can be even more dangerous for those involved and the responders on the roadside. Using emergency lighting can help alert oncoming traffic that an incident has occurred before a secondary accident takes place.
- Special Circumstances: Safe Operations for Vehicle Fires–When a vehicle in an accident catches fire, the rescue approach has to be adapted. Greater speed is necessary if motorists are trapped inside and greater precautions need to be taken by responders to ensure safety for all. This program helps responders prepare for these worst-case scenarios, so they will be prepared to handle the incident safely.
- Special Hazards–Some accidents bring especially hazardous conditions which may require specialized equipment. This unit covers HAZMAT, vehicle extrication measures, crash investigations, and medical helicopters. Responders must be prepared for hazardous conditions to provide the best protection and support for motorists involved.
- Termination–After the major rescue and recovery measures have been completed, the termination phase begins. This segment reviews the steps to take to wrap up an incident, such as clearing cars, cleaning up debris, removing temporary traffic safety warnings, and restoring the flow of traffic in any remaining blocked lanes.
- Traffic Incident Management: Incident Command and Management–Roadside emergencies often require a variety of first responders to manage the incident. The Incident Command System (ICS) helps responders to coordinate efforts for the best possible outcome on the roadside. This program highlights how the ICS works and the relevance for TIM (Traffic Incident Management) teams. The ICS provides crucial guidance for roadside decisions.
All of our operators at Merciful Towing have completed their TIM certification. You can be at peace, confident because you know that our team is truly prepared to handle your roadside emergency in the safest possible way. If you have a roadside emergency, call on Merciful Towing for compassionate and safe assistance.
