Meeting Location – SCDOT 1412 Shop Rd.

Meeting Minutes – September 20, 2016 (1000 hrs.-1200 hrs.)

Called Meeting: / Statewide TIM Moderator
Meeting Type: / Columbia TIM
Facilitators: / Mike Bowman, Danny Thompson
Minutes: / Mike Bowman
Timekeeper: / Mike Bowman
Attendees: / Mike Bowman, Danny Thompson, Mike Sonofield, David Kerr, Jeff Allen, Rich Whiteman, Everick Patterson, Brain Freeman, Chris Shelton, Brandon Wingard, David Meyer, Chris Meyer, Scott Kapton, Emily Lawton, Dan Hinton
Discussion: / SC TIM Network
The new SC TIM Network site is now available at SCTIMNetwork.com. The site has many functions for sharing information on meetings, training resource materials, and other items of regional TIM significance. The intention is to serve as a clearinghouse or one-stop-shop for all things TIM-related in S.C. Site content management and posts to the social medial channels are being updated regularly. Anyone with any items to share or other input can supply their information by emailing . Linking the page with the web presences of other likeminded organizations and related stakeholder agencies is encouraged. If you would like your department logo added, please email a JPEG file to Mike Bowman.
Conclusion: / Anyone with any items to share or other input can supply their information by emailing sctimnetwork.com.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / No Action
Discussion: / Statewide FHWA SHRP2 Training
Efforts continue to deliver the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) TIM training known as Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) to every S.C. first responder. S.C. is currently at 23.6% of responders trained in SHRP2. Here is a breakdown ofSHRP2 trainingto be completed by discipline as of October 31, 2016:
  • 5630 - Law Enforcement
  • 1563- DOT
  • 2879- Fire
  • 144- Other
  • 550 Towing
  • 3565- EMS

Conclusion: / S.C. has met the FHWA S.I.P. Goal with over 20% of responders being trained. S.C. future goal should be to achieve 5% annually of responders trained.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / Continued outreach via constant contact, phone conversations, emails, and various social media.
Mike Bowman and Danny Thompson to secure proper contacts and make outreach. Danny to ensure social is ongoing and updates sent out weekly.
Ongoing
Discussion: / FHWA SHRP2 Training
In August, the Federal Highway Administration reached the 200,000 responders trained milestone. Over 190,000 of the responders trained were from in-person sessions and just under 10,000 were from the web based version.
Conclusion: / The new S.I.P. for 2017 is 30%
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / No action Item
Discussion: / Responder Safety and Traffic Control Techniques
Federal law requires everyone completing work in the public right-of-way to wear reflective materials such as vests. Exceptions are made for firefighters actively engaged in hazmat or fire suppression and law enforcement in tactical engagements. All agencies and responder communities are encouraged to remind their personnel to adhere to the heightened safety standards and to maintain high visibility. All responders shall wear approved ANSI class II/III vest while operating on the Local, State, or Federal Highway systems.
The use of traffic calming devices is becoming increasing popular with first responder agencies. There are some in S.C. using them currently and the success is too early to determine. So concerns is deploying these devices in none effected travel lanes, thus causing unnecessary stoppage.
Discussed responders establishing early temporary traffic control measures and have a cone taper within 15 minutes of first arriving. Discussed the need to have advanced warning and continually monitor the traffic que to determine our advance warning needs. The use of our TMC to assist in monitoring the effectiveness of our advance warning. Consider the use of our changeable message boards and variable message boards.
Used still photos of SHEP unit’s cone taper and discussed a good rule of thumb method for establishing at least a 200’ taper.
All personnel should ensure that all responders operating on a traffic incident shall comply with the ANSI standards regarding wearing vest. Responders should also make efforts to establish forms of TTC within the first 15 minutes of arrival. Early establishment of TTC with use of vehicles and cones. Advance warning focus to reduce the secondary collisions.
Conclusion: / Agencies to review their vest policies and ensure compliance. SHRP 2 training and educations on TTC and advance warning. Renewed focus on secondary collision reduction
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / Increased awareness for responder safety and the reduction of secondary collisions
Mike Bowman and Danny Thompson
Ongoing
Discussion: / Performance Measures
Group discussed and defined the three levels of Traffic Incident Management. Reminded responders to call early if they needed SCDOT assistance with detours for major incidents. Responders were encouraged to use the three C’s; collaboration, coordination, and communication.
Conclusion: / Responders should work aggressively, to safely and quickly open the travel lanes and return traffic to its pre-incident capacity.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / SHRP2 continued education to promote quick clearance
Mike Bowman and Danny Thompson
Ongoing
Discussion: / Distracted Driver Campaign/ School Bus Safety/ Leave More Space
South Carolina Highway Patrol has active campaign for texting while driving. 50% of single car accidents result in a fatality. Current S.C code 56-5-3890 prohibits texting while driving in S.C.
South Carolina Highway Patrol has active campaign promoting driver awareness for school bus safety. All schools are back in session from summer break and motorists are warned to stop for school buses.
Motor Carrier Compliance Police(Brain Freeman) are encouraging motorists to be aware while driving around commercial vehicles.
Conclusion: / Very good group discussion with feedback from all participants.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / No Action items
Discussion: / I-77at Exit 24 Wilson Rd Commercial Truck Rollover
On July 19 at 07:22 Columbia Police/Fire responded to an overturned Tractor Trailer at Wilson Rd exit. TMC confirmed all lanes blocked at 07:24. Only minor injuries and no hazard materials involved. Travel lanes were closed until 13:00 hours. Several secondary collisions occurred along with another commercial vehicle accident in the same area.
Conclusion: / Recovery Techniques did not embracequick clearance, causing unnecessary roadway closures.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline:
Discussion: / Lexington County Dispatch
Chief Mike Sonefield requested to speak regarding priority dispatch concerns from Lexington County 911. Chief Sonefield was concerned about the amount of time it would take to get EMS units on scene of an accident. Director of Public Safety David Kerr responded that in an effort to ensure ALS medical coverage the closet most appropriate unit would respond. The new CAD software OSSI recommend based on medical director’s protocol what level EMS unit to send to an accident with injuries. Director Kerr asked that all questions or concerns just be asked to him and he would ensure the concerns would be addresses.
Conclusion: / Director Kerr asked to be invited to future meetings.
Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / Director Kerr added to constant contact
Mike Bowman and Danny Thompson
Completed
Discussion: / Final Thoughts/Closing
Asked the group that as we move forward in the future to bring items of concern, so the group could discuss. We would like to see the Cola group guide their agendas in the future and bring forward topics for discussion.
Assistance in getting personnel trained with SHRP2. Remind agencies to attend meetings and future SHRP 2 classes.
Conclusion: /
  • Greenville – September 27 TIM meeting /SHRP2 training
  • Spartanburg – October 5 TIM meeting /SHRP2 training
  • Rock Hill – October 19 TIM meeting /SHRP2 training

Action Item(s):
Action Taker:
Deadline: / Ongoing outreach
Mike Bowman and Danny Thompson