Safety Service Patrol Idea-Sharing Network Sessions
Session 29: Operator Safety
On March 21st, SSP professionals had the opportunity to explore and discuss various safety equipment, uniforms, and technology aimed at ensuring the well-being of patrol operators.
Session Recording and Resources are available here.
Session 28: SSP Show and Tell
The 2023 fall session for SafeHighways.org’s Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network was held on October 24th. The topic, selected by attendees from the previous session, was an SSP Show and Tell. During this interactive 2-hour session, SSP professionals had the chance to see the different types of equipment, vehicles, uniforms and technology from several SSP operators across the country.
Presenters highlighted best practices and discussed what makes their patrol unique.The audience viewed the interiors and exteriors of SSP trucks, in addition to technologies and equipment that make their job more efficient.
Session Recording and Resources are available here.
Session 27: Situational Awareness
On Tuesday, June 13, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-seventh Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. The topic for this session was Situational Awareness, which is defined as “a person’s ability to perceive and understand what is happening in their environment, in the context of how time is passing, and then being able to make accurate predictions about future events… hopefully in time to prevent bad outcomes.” (Dr. Rich Gasaway)
Dr. Rich Gasaway and Jeremy Saul from Situational Awareness Matters, shared their expertise on this topic and provided an overview on the importance of Situational Awareness and how it relates to Safety Service Patrols. This session provided attendees with a solid understanding of what situational awareness is, how it is developed, how it can erode, and best practices for improving situational awareness and decision-making outcomes.
Session recording and resources are available here.
Session 26: Working with Electric Vehicles
On Thursday, March 2nd, from 1 PM to 3 PM EST, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-sixth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. During this interactive session, SSP professionals discussed best practices relating to working with electric vehicles (EVs). As more electric vehicles are hitting the road, it’s important for patrol operators to understand the different models, safety risks, and proper procedures to take when approaching or working with these vehicles.
Session recording and presentations are available here.
Session 25: Are you ready for winter weather?
On Thursday, October 13th, 2022, SafeHighways.org hosted its 25th Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. SSP professionals discussed various methods and best practices on how to prepare for and handle multiple-vehicle crashes, particularly during winter weather. The session also focused on winter related advice such as preparing winter kits, communication tips and preparations that SSP Operators can do on their own.
Session recording and presentations are available here.
Session 24: Patrol Staffing
On Tuesday, June 14th, 2022, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-fourth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. SSP and recruiting professionals discussed the current issues patrols are facing with patrol staffing and shared best practices on how to build and maintain a successful crew of patrol operators. The topic focused on ways to improve recruitment, retention, and work ethic of patrol staff.
Session recording and presentations are available here.
Session 23: Major Events and Congestion Management
On Thursday, March 10th, 2022, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-third Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. During this interactive session, SSP professionals heard from patrol operators across the country on Major Events and Congestion Management.
The topic focused on recent traffic incidents and congestion caused by major events related to extreme weather, natural disasters, and civil unrest. Patrol operators shared their experiences in managing these events including what worked well and what didn’t as well as best practices that can be used moving forward.
Session recording and presentations are available here.
Session 22: Case Studies on Secondary Crashes
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-second Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. During this interactive session, SSP professionals got the chance to hear from FHWA members and patrol operators from across the country on past and current studies taking place on secondary crashes.
“Secondary Crashes” are defined as the number of crashes beginning with the time of detection of the primary incident where the collision occurs either a) within the incident scene or b) within the queue, including the opposite direction, resulting from the original incident. The session explored how data is currently being collected on secondary crashes and how patrol operators can clear incident scenes more quickly.
Session recording and presentations are available here.
Session 21: Safety Service Patrol Technologies
On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, SafeHighways.org hosted its twenty-first Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar. During this interactive session, SSP professionals had the chance to see and learn about technology advancements within the Safety Service Patrol industry and ways they can use these technologies to make their job more efficient and safe. Topics included, emergency warning lights, real-time operator and fleet monitoring systems, drones, and wearable technologies.
Session presentation is available to download here.
Session 20: Safety Service Patrol Show and Tell Part 11
On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, SafeHighways.org hosted its twentieth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar with support from NOCoE. This session was a continuation of the previous Session 19 Show and Tell.
During this interactive 2-hour session, SSP professionals had the chance to view different types of equipment and vehicles from several SSP operators across the country. Presenters highlighted best practices and discussed what makes their equipment/trucks different from other states. The audience viewed the interiors and exteriors of SSP trucks, along with technologies or equipment that make their job more efficient.
Session presentation is available to download here.
Session 19: Safety Service Patrol Show and Tell
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, SafeHighways.org hosted its nineteenth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar with support from NOCoE. The topic, selected by attendees from the previous session, was an SSP ‘Show and Tell’ participation webinar. During this interactive 2-hour session, SSP professionals had the chance to see the different types of equipment and vehicles from several SSP operators across the country, followed by Q&A from the audience. A Part II of the SSP Show and Tell will take place on March 10, 2021.
Session presentation is available to download here.
Session 18: Traffic Incident Management Training and Best Practices
On Wednesday, October 21, 2020, from 1 PM to 3 PM EST, SafeHighways.org will host its eighteenth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar with support from NOCoE. The topic, selected by attendees from the previous session, will focus on Traffic Incident Management training and best practices. During this interactive 2-hour session, you will hear from several industry and SSP training on TIM training techniques and best practices, including how SSP’s have adapted training due to the pandemic . This session is open to state DOT professionals and Toll Authority Managers, so please invite your TIM trainers.
Speakers Include:
- Jack Sullivan, Director of Training of CVVFA Emergency Responders Safety Institute
- John Sullivan, Highway Response Operator Supervisor at Tennessee Department of Transportation
Session presentation is available to download here.
Session 17: Working with Other Emergency Responders
On August 3, 2020, SafeHighways.org hosted its seventeenth Safety Service Patrol Idea Sharing Network webinar with support from NOCoE. The topic, selected by attendees from the previous session, was ‘Working with Other Emergency Responders.’ This interactive webinar focused on emergency responders’ best practices for managing competing priorities at an incident scene, including methods for training, communication, and the initial introduction of the Safety Service Patrol to other emergency responders.
Session presentation is available to download here.
Session 16: SSP Idea Sharing Network COVID-19 Follow-up NetMeeting
On Tuesday, May 5, SafeHighways.org hosted a follow-up virtual roundtable discussion on Safety Service Patrol (SSP) operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSP operators and managers were invited to share updates on best practices and procedures, overall roadway conditions and incidents, and the protocols being put in place as states prepare to reopen. We encouraged each state to provide a brief update on the current conditions and how their SSP program is adapting.
To view the session recording, click here.
Session 15: COVID-19 Safety Service Patrol Virtual Roundtable
On April 1, 2020, SafeHighways.org hosted virtual roundtable session focusing on how Safety Service Patrols have been affected during the current COVID-19 outbreak. This roundtable session allowed Safety Service Patrol operators and managers the opportunity to network and hear best practices, procedures and precautions Safety Service Patrol fleets are currently implementing due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
To view the session recording, click here.
Session 14: Push/Pull/Drag Methods
On December 4, 2019, SafeHighways.org and NOCoE hosted its fourteenth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; and John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The call focused on Push/Pull/Drag Methods for removing vehicles from travel lanes and the right of way. It was moderated by John McClellan and included presentations from guest speakers: Keith David, Rapid Response Team Leader for the Colorado Department of Transportation; Scott Yinger, Deputy Director, CHART Operations for the Maryland DOT State Highway Administration; John M. Sullivan, Highway Response Supervisor 1 for the Tennessee DOT; Eric Hemphill, Director of Traffic and Incident Management for the North Texas Tollway Authority; and Jeff Phillips, Assistant Manager for the Georgia DOT HERO Unit.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 13: Debris Removal
On August 1, 2019, SafeHighways.org and NOCoE hosted its thirteenth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; and John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The call started with an introduction of the newly formed Safety Service Patrol Industry Association by Jason Josey. The session then focused on Debris Removal. It was moderated by Todd Leiss and included presentations from guest speakers: Tim Peck, Division Chief-Regional Operations for the Maryland Department of Transportation; Owen Hasson, St. Louis District Incident Management Coordinator for the Missouri DOT; and Matthew Frazier, Regional Vice President and Tom Mangan, Operations Manager for AutoBase, Inc. There were also presentations on the Gator Getter and Road Rake debris removal systems.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 12: Patrol Classifications and Operating Models
On April 11, 2019, SafeHighways.org and NOCoE hosted its twelfth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; and John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The session focused on Patrol Classifications and Operating Models. It was moderated by John McClellan and included presentations from four guest speakers: Randy Hoyt, Freeway Service Team Program Manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation; Giovanni DiFabio, Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol Program Manager for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Scott Yinger, Deputy Director, Operations for the Maryland DOT State Highway Administration; and Lacy Word, Transportation Manager 2 for Tennessee DOT.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 11: Determining Patrol Coverage Areas and When to Expand
On October 11, 2018, SafeHighways.org and NOCoE hosted its eleventh Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; and John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The session focused on Determining Patrol Coverage Areas and When to Expand. It was moderated by John McClellan and included presentations from three guest speakers: Sal Cowan, Senior Director of Transportation Mobility for the New Jersey Department of Transportation Systems and Support Unit; Brett Sellers, Assistant State TSM&O Engineer for the Alabama DOT; and Brian Purvis, CHAMP Project Manager for AECOM on behalf of Georgia DOT. In addition, NOCoE’s Niloo Parvinashtiani provided an introduction to their organization and National Traffic Incident Awareness Week efforts.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 10: Protecting the Queue
On June 28, 2018, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its tenth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The session focused on Protecting the Queue. It was moderated by Sam McClain, Consultant for SafeHighways.org and VP of Sponsorship at Travelers Marketing and included presentations from three guest speakers: Todd Smith, Manager of Traffic Operations Center for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Eric Hemphill, Director of System and Incident Management for the North Texas Tollway Authority; and K. Duane Manning, Safety Manager for Region 1 Operations for the Tennessee DOT.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 9: Advanced Technologies
On March 1, 2018, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its ninth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The session focused on Advanced Technologies that influence and support Safety Service Patrols. It was moderated by John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor at the Minnesota DOT and included presentations from four guest speakers: Brian Hoeft, Director of FAST (Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation) for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada; Ross Sheckler, Managing Partner of the iCone Products LLC; Gerald Ullman, Ph.D, P.E., Regents Fellow of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Paul Wheeler, Lead UAS Coordinator for the Utah DOT.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 8: Preparing for and Responding to Major Traffic Events
On October 19, 2017, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its eighth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The session focused on best practices for Preparing for and Responding to Major Traffic Events and included presentations from the session moderator, Jason Josey, and three guest speakers: Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation; Owen Hasson, Incident Management Coordinator of the Missouri Department of Transportation – St. Louis District; and Sal Cowan, Director of Traffic Operations for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 7: Safety Service Patrol Vehicle Types and Selection
On June 1, 2017, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its seventh Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The session focused on best practices for Vehicle Types and Selection and included presentations from five guest speakers: Tim Morin, Coordinator of Emergency Services for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; Ryan Davids, Managing Member of Incident Clear (Private Operator for MassDOT and Colorado DOT); Scott Yinger, Chief, Field Operations Division for Maryland State Highway Administration; Kurt Kendro, Freeway Service Patrol Operations Manager for Parsons on behalf of Hawaii DOT; and Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 6: Raising Awareness for Safety Service Patrols
On February 9, 2017, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its sixth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session with the assistance of its steering committee, including Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Jason Josey, HERO Manager for Georgia Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The session focused on best practices for Raising Awareness of Safety Service Patrols and included presentations from seven guest speakers: Valerie Burnette Edgar, Director of Customer Relations and Information for the Maryland State Highway Administration; Katina Lear, Digital Media and Communications Manager for the Georgia DOT; Meg Ragonese, Public Information Office for Nevada DOT; Scott Magruder, Reporter for News 4-Fox 11 in Nevada; Leon Labossiere, Road Ranger Supervisor for Florida Turnpike Services; Bob Wilson, Public Relations Manager for the Colorado DOT; and Cindy Polo, Public Relations Consultant and the former Communications Director for the Miami Dade Expressway Authority.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 5: TMC Dispatch and SSP Communications
On September 15, 2016, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its fifth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session. This session focused on Traffic Management Center Dispatch and Safety Service Patrol Communications and included presentations from five guest speakers: John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor, Minnesota Department of Transportation; Joseph LaBella Jr., Regional Vice President, Autobase; Jim Salmons, Regional Manager (Ohio and Kentucky), Autobase; Kevin Devine, I-25 Corridor Operations Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation; and Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 4: Safety Service Patrol Equipment and Vehicles
On June 3, 2016, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its fourth Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session. This session focused on Safety Service Patrol Equipment and Vehicles and included presentations from seven guest speakers: Andre Todd, Assistant Manager of Operations, HERO Unit Incident Management, Georgia Department of Transportation; Sal Cowan, Director of Traffic Operations, New Jersey Department of Transportation; Scott Yinger, Chief, Field Operations Division, Maryland State Highway Administration, Office of CHART & ITS Development; Dominic DelCol, Transportation Manager 1, Statewide TMC Supervisor (2nd Shift), Ohio Department of Transportation; John McClellan, Freeway Operations Supervisor, Minnesota Department of Transportation; Michael Washburn, Incident Management Program Manager, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Florida Department of Transportation; and William Hayes, Branch Manager, SAFE Patrol, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 3: Safety Service Patrol Training
On February 26, 2016, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its third Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session. The session focused on Safety Service Patrol Training and included presentations from three guest speakers: James (“Jim”) Austrich, FHWA SHRP2 TIM Training Program Manager; Steve Austin, Project Manager, Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association and Emergency Responder Safety Institute; and Anthony (“Cliff”) Braam, North Carolina DOT Traffic Operations Engineer Traffic Systems Operation Unit.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
Session 2: Performance Measures
On October 23, 2015, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its second Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session. The session focused on Performance Measures for SSPs and included presentations from four guest speakers: Shawn Kinney, Florida DOT TIM and Road Ranger Program Manager; Scott Yinger, Maryland State Highway Administration Chief of Field Operations Division; Vince Fairhurst, Washington State DOT State Incident Response Program Manager; and Paul Jodoin, FHWA TIM Program Manager, Traffic Incidents and Events Management Team.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
The entire session (including audio) is also available for viewing at this link: https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/p8j0eq81y9g/
Session 1: Standard Operating Procedures
On June 26, 2015, FHWA and SafeHighways.org hosted its first Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Idea-Sharing Network Session. The session focused on Standard Operating Procedures for SSPs and included presentations from three guest speakers: Michael Roberson, GDOT Incident Management Unit (H.E.R.O.) Manager; Salvatore Cowan, New Jersey DOT Director of Operations; and Rusty James, Gannett Fleming, Inc. Incident and Emergency Management Specialists.
The presentations from each of these speakers are available to download here.
If you have any questions about one of the Idea Sharing Network Sessions, please contact ssp@safehighways.org.