Roadway Responder Safety, Training, Data, and Public Education Resource Appendix
A Centralized Resource for Roadway Safety Professionals
Every roadside incident creates a shared responsibility. While roadway responders—including law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, transportation personnel, towing and recovery professionals, and safety service patrols—work to protect the public, they themselves face significant risks from passing traffic. Reducing these risks requires a coordinated approach that combines effective training, reliable data, evidence-based public education, and strong collaboration across disciplines.
This resource appendix was developed to serve as a centralized collection of roadway responder safety materials, research, training opportunities, public education resources, and data tools. Whether you are developing a training program, seeking educational materials, analyzing responder safety trends, or implementing a local or statewide initiative, these resources are intended to support informed decision-making and strengthen efforts to protect those who work on and alongside our nation’s roadways.
The National Distracted Driving Coalition encourages organizations to explore, share, and utilize these resources as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve roadway responder safety and promote safer driver behavior around emergency and traffic incident scenes.
Purpose and Use
This appendix is organized by function so agencies can quickly locate operational training, discipline-specific resources, data and reporting tools, public education materials, employer-policy guidance, and emerging technology references. Resources are listed for informational and educational purposes; inclusion does not constitute endorsement of a commercial product or service.
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Maintenance note: Web links, course availability, costs, and program names may change. Agencies should verify current requirements directly with the sponsoring organization before relying on a resource for certification, policy, or procurement decisions.
Jump to a Resource Category
- Quick-Start National Resources
- Responder Training and Professional Development
- Discipline-Specific Vehicle Operations and Roadside Safety
- Data, Reporting, Research, and Near-Miss Learning
- Move Over Awareness and Public Outreach
- Distracted Driving and Safe-Driving Education
- Employer Policy and Organizational Risk Reduction
- Digital Alerting, Visibility, and Emerging Technology
- State and Local Program Examples
Quick-Start National Resources
These resources provide the strongest starting point for agencies building or refreshing a roadway responder safety program.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
National TIM Responder Training
Training | Multidisciplinary responders | Free
The national four-hour Traffic Incident Management course gives law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, towing, transportation, communications, and other responders a shared framework for responder safety, safe and quick clearance, and coordinated incident operations.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Resource library | Emergency responders and instructors | Free
A national clearinghouse for roadway incident safety news, training, research, public education materials, struck-by reporting, operational guidance, and fatality information.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Responder Safety Learning Network
Online training | Emergency responders | Free
Self-paced roadway incident safety modules and training programs that can support individual learning, department training, and continuing education.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Crash Responder Safety Week Campaign Toolkit
Campaign toolkit | Agencies, trainers, and PIOs | Free
National outreach materials, sample messaging, daily themes, and adaptable content for promoting responder and road-user safety during Crash Responder Safety Week and throughout the year.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE AND ADTSEA
Driver-education curriculum | Driver educators and youth programs | Free
Lesson plans, safe-driving guidance, and teaching suggestions that help new drivers understand how to approach and safely pass roadside incidents and emergency scenes.
Responder Training and Professional Development
National and organizational resources for building baseline knowledge, advanced qualifications, and instructor capability.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
National TIM Training Certificate
Certificate program | TIM responders | Free
An online pathway for responders seeking National TIM training through the Responder Safety Learning Network.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
TIM Technical Specialist Professional Certification
Professional certification | Experienced TIM practitioners | Requirements and fees vary
Recognizes advanced knowledge and experience in traffic incident management, responder safety, temporary traffic control, interagency coordination, and related operational practices.
FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Traffic Incident Management Technical Specialist Certification
Certification | Fire and emergency service safety personnel | Fees may apply
Provides a competency-based credential addressing blocking, incident-area setup, responder protection, and other traffic incident management responsibilities.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL
Traffic Incident Management Resources
Training and outreach | Volunteer fire and EMS agencies | Free resources available
Includes training, roadway response guidance, videos, graphics, and public outreach materials developed for volunteer and combination emergency service organizations.
NATIONAL WORK ZONE SAFETY INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
TIM Training and Resources for Emergency Responders
Training resource collection | Responders and instructors | Free
A structured collection of materials addressing multidisciplinary training, tabletop exercises, after-action review, situational awareness, and related TIM instructional methods.
U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION
Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety
Federal guidance and publications | Fire and EMS agencies | Free
Provides emergency vehicle and roadway safety research, operational recommendations, visibility information, and links to traffic incident management publications and training.
RESPONDER HELP
Resource search portal | Emergency responders and leaders | Free
A searchable collection of thousands of resources addressing responder safety, community risk reduction, vehicle operations, training, and other emergency service issues.
Discipline-Specific Vehicle Operations and Roadside Safety
Resources tailored to fire and EMS drivers, tow operators, law enforcement, Safety Service Patrols, and other roadside disciplines.
EMERGENCY AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
Driver training | Fire and EMS personnel | Fees may apply
Courses focused on emergency vehicle operation and driver development for fire and EMS organizations.
VFIS
Emergency Service Training and Education
Training library | Emergency service organizations | Access varies
Training programs and online resources addressing emergency vehicle operations, risk reduction, safety leadership, incident investigation, and organizational loss prevention.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
EMS Vehicle Operator Safety (EVOS)
Course | EMS practitioners and vehicle operators | Fees may apply
A standardized course addressing the behaviors, decision-making, and operational practices associated with ambulance and emergency vehicle crashes.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
Course | EMS practitioners and leaders | Fees may apply
A comprehensive EMS safety course that includes emergency vehicle safety, responder injury prevention, and development of an agency safety culture.
TOWING AND RECOVERY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Towing and Recovery Education and Certification Resources
Training and certification | Tow operators and support personnel | Free and fee-based resources
Includes towing and recovery certification, operator guides, traffic incident management education, electric-vehicle resources, and support materials for towing professionals.
TOWING AND RECOVERY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
National TIM Responder Training for Towing and Recovery
Training | Tow operators | Free
Presents the national TIM framework in a towing and recovery context, emphasizing responder safeguards, coordination, and safe, quick clearance.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols
Operational field guide | Safety Service Patrol operators and supervisors | Free
Practical guidance on personal safety, patrol procedures, motorist assists, entering and leaving travel lanes, incident priorities, vehicle equipment, and roadside operations.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE
Road Policing and Traffic Safety Resource Page
Resource library | Law enforcement agencies | Free
Traffic safety guidance, best practices, and program information for law enforcement leaders and personnel involved in road policing and roadside operations.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Motor Vehicle Safety Resources
Research and worker-safety guidance | Public-safety and occupational fleets | Free
Federal research, reports, and safety materials addressing motor-vehicle risks involving law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other workers.
Data, Reporting, Research, and Near-Miss Learning
Resources for reporting incidents, reviewing fatality and near-miss information, improving crash data, and supporting evidence-based prevention.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Voluntary national reporting | Responders, agencies, and witnesses | Free
ERSI’s national reporting platform for documenting struck-by and near-miss incidents involving emergency responders and roadway personnel. Reports help improve awareness of incidents that may be missed or misclassified in traditional data systems.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Annual Struck-By Fatality Reports
Fatality tracking and reports | Agencies, researchers, and policymakers | Free
Annual summaries of emergency responder struck-by fatalities and related trends compiled by ERSI.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Map of U.S. Struck-By and Vehicle-Assault Line-of-Duty Deaths
Interactive map | Agencies, trainers, and researchers | Free
A geographic view of responder struck-by and vehicle-assault line-of-duty deaths that can support awareness, training, and regional discussion.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Struck-By Incident and Fatality News
Incident information | Responders and safety professionals | Free
News and incident summaries documenting responder fatalities and serious roadway events.
IAFC NATIONAL NEAR MISS / EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Roadway-Related Near-Miss Database
Near-miss learning | Fire and EMS agencies | Free
Searches roadway-related reports from the national fire service near-miss system, allowing agencies to learn from events that did not result in death or serious injury.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria, 6th Edition
Data standard | State crash-data and traffic-records programs | Free
The national guideline for uniform crash data collection. The sixth edition supports improved integration and includes data elements relevant to incident responders and roadway-event analysis.
AAA FOUNDATION FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY
Roadside Assistance Providers Fatally Struck by Vehicles at the Roadside
Research report | Agencies, policymakers, and researchers | Free
A detailed study of fatal roadside strikes involving roadside assistance providers, including roadway type, lighting, driver behavior, and other incident characteristics.
JOURNAL OF ROAD SAFETY
Move-Over Laws and Incident Response Personnel Safety in the USA
Peer-reviewed research | Policymakers and researchers | Free
Examines the variation in Move Over laws across states and considers implications for incident-response personnel safety.
GOVERNORS HIGHWAY SAFETY ASSOCIATION
Policy and research report | State highway safety offices and partners | Free
Reviews distracted-driving data limitations and provides action-oriented recommendations covering laws, data collection, enforcement, education, funding, partnerships, and leadership.
Move Over Awareness and Public Outreach
Resources for educating drivers, preparing campaigns, and delivering consistent public messages about roadside incident safety.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Slow Down, Move Over Laws and Awareness Resources
Campaign materials and legal summaries | Agencies, PIOs, and educators | Free
PSAs, posters, podcasts, maps, and other public education resources supporting Slow Down, Move Over awareness.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Public education | Drivers and community educators | Free
A national overview of Move Over requirements and the need to protect emergency responders and other roadside workers.
AAA
Public awareness | Drivers and roadside assistance stakeholders | Free
Consumer-oriented information explaining Move Over laws and AAA’s roadside safety advocacy.
AASHTO NATIONAL TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COALITION
Policy and public education | Transportation and TIM partners | Free
A national transportation perspective on Move Over legislation and public education efforts.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Public outreach library | Agencies, instructors, and PIOs | Free
Ready-to-use materials for teaching the public how to react safely around emergency vehicles, traffic incidents, and responders working in the roadway.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Public Educator and Public Information Officer Resources
Training and communication tools | Public educators and PIOs | Free
Resources that help agencies plan, deliver, and evaluate roadway safety messages for community audiences and the media.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Roadway Safety Teaching Topic Packages
Instructor materials | Trainers and educators | Free
Topic-based instructional packages that can be incorporated into responder training, community education, or agency outreach.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Roadway Incident Safety Video Library
Videos and PSAs | Public audiences, responders, and educators | Free
A consolidated source for videos such as “How to Safely Pass an Emergency Scene,” “Leave Your Phone Alone,” and the “No More Excuses” distracted-driving PSAs.
Distracted Driving and Safe-Driving Education
National and educational resources addressing distracted driving, driver behavior, and safe interaction with roadside incidents.
END DISTRACTED DRIVING
Education and advocacy | Schools, communities, and employers | Free resources available
Presentations, research-informed messaging, and advocacy resources focused on preventing distracted-driving crashes.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Distracted Driving: Dangers and Prevention
Public education and data | Drivers, educators, and agencies | Free
National distracted-driving information, safety guidance, statistics, and outreach resources for schools, communities, and workplaces.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign
Campaign materials | Law enforcement, educators, and PIOs | Free
National enforcement and public-awareness campaign materials encouraging drivers to eliminate mobile-device distraction.
GOVERNORS HIGHWAY SAFETY ASSOCIATION
Distracted Driving Laws and State Resources
State law summaries and policy resources | Policymakers and educators | Free
Tracks state distracted-driving laws and provides policy, research, and program information for highway safety partners.
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
Campaign, policy, and education tools | Employers and the public | Free and member resources
Includes awareness materials, pledges, workplace policy tools, posters, social media content, and educational resources.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOR DRIVING SAFETY, UC SAN DIEGO
Online training and train-the-trainer programs | Drivers, professionals, and educators | Free programs available
Safe-driving courses addressing distraction, risk reduction, and specialized driving audiences, with certificates and instructor-development options.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL
Distracted Driving Prevention Resources
Public outreach | Fire and EMS agencies | Free
Community education materials that help emergency service organizations raise awareness about distracted driving.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Train-the-Trainer: Effective Distracted Driving Presentations
Instructor development | Responders and public educators | Free
Guidance for preparing and delivering effective distracted-driving presentations to schools, community groups, and public audiences.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign
Campaign materials | Agencies and community educators | Free
Public education resources connecting distracted driving with the safety of responders and roadside personnel.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY INSTITUTE
Choices: Safe Driving Tips for Students and Parents
Short educational video | Students, parents, and driver educators | Free
A concise video presenting safe-driving practices and appropriate behavior when approaching or passing emergency scenes.
Employer Policy and Organizational Risk Reduction
Resources for agencies and employers seeking to reduce distraction, strengthen fleet policy, and build a sustainable safe-driving culture.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Countermeasures That Work: Employer Programs
Evidence-based countermeasure guidance | State programs and employers | Free
Summarizes employer-based distracted-driving strategies, policy considerations, and behavior-change approaches within NHTSA’s Countermeasures That Work framework.
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
Distracted Driving for Employers
Employer toolkit | Public and private organizations | Free resources available
Provides a Safe Driving Kit and tools for building leadership support, adopting a mobile-device policy, and communicating expectations to employees.
NETWORK OF EMPLOYERS FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY
Drive Safely Work Week Campaign Archive
Employer campaign toolkit | Fleet and workforce safety programs | Free
Reusable campaign materials covering distracted driving and other safe-driving topics for employees who drive on or off the job.
VFIS
Incident and Near-Miss Investigation Guidance
Investigation guide | Emergency service organizations | Free
Guidance for establishing consistent reporting and investigation procedures so organizations can identify trends, corrective actions, and opportunities for prevention.
Digital Alerting, Visibility, and Emerging Technology
Government, research, and commercial resources describing technologies that supplement traditional warning devices. Commercial entries are included for awareness and do not represent endorsement.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Responder-to-Vehicle Digital Alerting Fact Sheet
Technology overview | Transportation and public-safety agencies | Free
Explains responder-to-vehicle digital alerting, which sends advanced warnings about emergency, maintenance, and roadside response vehicles to approaching motorists through connected systems.
HAAS ALERT
Commercial technology | Emergency response, towing, DOT, and fleets | Vendor information
A connected-vehicle platform that distributes real-time alerts about emergency vehicles and roadway hazards to navigation applications and compatible in-vehicle systems.
EMERGENCY SAFETY SOLUTIONS
H.E.L.P. Enhanced Safety Communication
Commercial technology | Roadside and fleet operators | Vendor information
A visibility and digital communication system designed to make disabled or vulnerable vehicles more conspicuous and provide connected warnings to approaching drivers.
VIRGINIA TECH TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
Research and prototype technology | Work-zone and roadway-safety practitioners | Free project information
A connected system using smart vests, smart cones, a C-V2X base station, and a work-zone application to warn workers and motorists of potential conflicts.
TRAFFIX DEVICES
Sentinel Impact Tracker Case Study
Commercial technology case study | Work-zone and incident-response agencies | Vendor information
Describes an impact-monitoring device designed to detect strikes to protective equipment and support notification and incident documentation.
State and Local Program Examples
Programs that may provide adaptable ideas for state agencies, schools, trauma centers, and community outreach partners.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Distracted Driving Computer-Based Training
Online course | Drivers and public audiences | Free
A computer-based course explaining distracted-driving risks, forms of distraction, and prevention strategies.
OHIO TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICE
Distracted Driving Safety Course
State education program | Drivers cited or convicted for distracted driving | Eligibility varies
An educational course addressing distraction, prevention strategies, and consequences; in qualifying cases it may be used in lieu of part of a financial penalty.
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Required driver education | Teen and young-adult applicants | Free
A state program that educates young drivers about distracted driving and safe decision-making as part of the licensing process.
WASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
Focused Driving Community Resources
Data, grants, and campaign resources | Community partners and state programs | Free
Provides reports, program information, advocacy tools, and community resources supporting focused and attentive driving.
YORK COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Community education | Children entering kindergarten and families | Program availability varies
An age-appropriate, hands-on safety program that includes roadway and traffic safety concepts for young children.
INOVA TRAUMA CENTERS
Injury-prevention education | Teen drivers and families | Program availability varies
A trauma-centered safe-driving and injury-prevention program that uses education and interaction with emergency medical and trauma professionals.