module 9 relocating vehicles

Module 9 1Road Ranger / TMC Operator Joint Training

Module 9Module 9RELOCATING VEHICLESRELOCATING VEHICLES


INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Keep travel lanes open and traffic

moving

Important Road Ranger Goal:


CLEARING THE ROADWAYCLEARING THE ROADWAY• Disabled vehicles left in travel lanes are

a safety hazard and against Florida State Law

• Road Rangers quickly clear debris and relocate disabled vehicles from travel lanes

• Safety of Road Rangers, Incident Responders and Public must always be number one priority


TRAINING OBJECTIVESTRAINING OBJECTIVES

In this training module, you will learn the proper methods for communicating with

motorists and relocating vehicles.


MODULE OUTLINEMODULE OUTLINE• The “Move It” Law• What to do if motorist refuses to move• Safe Zone Setup• When to push• When not to push• Where to relocate vehicles• Motorists with special needs• Minor Fender Benders


THE “MOVE IT” LAWTHE “MOVE IT” LAWThe 2003 Florida Statutes

Title XXIII Chapter 316MOTOR VEHICLES STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.071 Disabled vehicles obstructing traffic.—Whenever a vehicle is disabled on any street or highway within the state or for any reason obstructs the regular flow of traffic, the driver shall move the vehicle so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic or, if he or she cannot move the vehicle alone, solicit help and move the vehicle so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. Any person failing to comply with the provisions of this section shall be cited for a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.


THE “MOVE IT” LAWTHE “MOVE IT” LAW• If vehicle is obstructing traffic or is in a

dangerous location, push or tow vehicle to a safe area prior to providing service

• Inform disabled vehicle driver of dangers of remaining in travel lane

• Inform driver of Florida Statute 316.071 (Move It Law)

• Hand driver “Move It” Card if available


THE “MOVE IT” LAWTHE “MOVE IT” LAW

• Advise motorist prior to towing or pushing vehicle that this service is being provided free of charge as a courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation

• If motorist refuses to allow vehicle to be relocated, set up a safe lane closure using arrow board and traffic cones, call TMC for assistance and wait for FHP Officer to arrive


THE “MOVE IT” LAWTHE “MOVE IT” LAW

• Road Rangers must not allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle.

• If there are too many passengers in the vehicle, Operators should call TMC to request assistance from FHP.

• If FHP will be delayed, call the TMC to request another Road Ranger be dispatched to assist in transporting passengers.


WITH MOTORIST’S PERMISSIONWITH MOTORIST’S PERMISSION

• Push or tow vehicle to safe drop off area or to side of interstate if breakdown location is hazardous

• Never leave vehicle in worse position than you found it

• Designated Safe Havens can be identified along patrol beats that can be utilized when motorists feel unsafe where they are


SAFE AREASSAFE AREAS

Safe areas along the freeway are defined as:

1. The right shoulder area well to right of travel lane

2. Accident Investigation Sites, if available

3. FDOT designated drop off areas


SAFE ZONE SET UPSAFE ZONE SET UP• Flashing amber lights, and arrow board with

appropriate display must be used when servicing vehicle in hazardous location or when truck is blocking traffic lane(s). Turn Road Ranger vehicle wheels away from roadway

• Disabled vehicles should be parked with wheels turned away from roadway and parking brake set if possible


SAFE ZONE SET UPSAFE ZONE SET UPShoulder SetupShoulder Setup

• Park 30 to 50 ft. behind DAV, turn wheels away from roadway, set arrow board to 4 points mode

• Set out 4 traffic cones starting at back of Road Ranger vehicle and continue in straight line with 25 ft. spacing (8 paces). Place last cone in middle of shoulder

• Place one cone 5 ft. from front of DAV, one between DAV and RR vehicle and one at back of RR vehicle


SAFE ZONE SET UPSAFE ZONE SET UPLane ClosureLane Closure

• Set arrow board to arrow mode, set out traffic cones. Use 4 cones starting at front of disabled vehicle and continue to back of Road Ranger vehicle

• Use remaining cones to taper from back of Road Ranger vehicle across traffic lane with 25 ft. spacing) between cones (8 paces and 1 ft. in for each cone, 2 ft. in for two lanes)


SAFE ZONE SET UPSAFE ZONE SET UP

• Lane lines can be used as measuring guide• Lane lines are 40 ft. from start of one line to start

of next one (10 ft. white line and 30 ft. space)• NEVER take only part of a lane, it’s all or nothing


WHEN TO PUSH VEHICLESWHEN TO PUSH VEHICLES

• If vehicle is stalled in a lane adjacent to right shoulder or center median and traffic speed is slow enough to push vehicle safely

• If directed to push vehicle by FHP Officer on scene


WHEN NOT TO PUSH VEHICLESWHEN NOT TO PUSH VEHICLES

• If disabled vehicle is on an on-ramp or off-ramp.

• If motorist refuses to be pushed.• Do not push vehicles off freeway. Only push

to right shoulder or center median.• Do not push vehicles downhill.



• Do not push if vehicle is not freewheeling (i.e. flat tire, transmission locked, steering problems, etc.).

• When you are unable to communicate with driver.

• Never push a vehicle that obscures vision in pushing direction. Such vehicles should be towed.



• When vehicle bumper and push bumper do not line up.

• When manufacturer recommends vehicle not be pushed due to design of car or bumper.

• For purpose of “jump starting” a manual transmission vehicle.


PUSHING PROCEDURESPUSHING PROCEDURES

• You must be able to communicate with driver.• Identify why vehicle is disabled.• Is driver capable of steering and braking

disabled vehicle?


PUSHING PROCEDURESPUSHING PROCEDURES

• Assure bumper alignment and note any prior bumper damage.

• Notify motorist of pre-existing damage.• Record damage on Activity Log.


INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVERINSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER

• Ignition key in “on” position• Transmission in neutral• Emergency brake released• Have driver apply service brake• Tell driver where he/she will be pushed to• Instruct driver not to make any erratic or abrupt

stops or turns


• Do not have driver try to start vehicle by releasing clutch while being pushed

• Inform driver not to brake abruptly• Have driver use rear-view mirror to watch for

instructions from Operator



• Have driver release service brake when contact is made, bumper to bumper prior to pushing

• Advise driver that when brake pedal is applied, it may be harder than normal to stop car with engine off (no power brakes)



• Advise driver that steering vehicle may be harder than normal with engine off (no power steering)

• Instruct driver to set emergency brake and put vehicle in park or in gear when they get to the pre-determined location and vehicle comes to a complete stop.



• If pushing uphill, instruct driver not to let vehicle roll back.

• Push vehicle slowly and to immediate shoulder or safe location

• When pushing vehicle, do not maintain contact between vehicles through a turn, or over area where slope of roadway changes



• Back off and push again once vehicle has completed the turn, or is beyond the slope or grade change and stopped

• Allow vehicle to coast to final stop at pre-determined location.



• Re-inspect bumper and note any damage. • Advise driver of any damage noted. • Road Ranger should immediately report any

damage caused by towing or pushing to TMC regardless of how minor damage is. Broken lug nuts, dents and scratches, are all examples of damage.



CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDSWITH SPECIAL NEEDS

• Assistance requires special considerations• More vulnerable to danger because movement

may be hindered outside of vehicle


• Use caution when towing or pushing vehicles altered for handicapped

• Handicap modifications may prohibit conventional towing or pushing

• Contact TMC for instructions or assistance

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDSWITH SPECIAL NEEDS


MINOR NON-INJURY CRASHESMINOR NON-INJURY CRASHES

• Vehicles involved in “fender benders” are subject to Move It Law.

• Instruct drivers to not wait for law enforcement to arrive before moving vehicles out of travel lanes.


DETERMINING IF VEHICLE DETERMINING IF VEHICLE SHOULD BE MOVEDSHOULD BE MOVED

• If vehicle can not be driven, push or tow vehicle to shoulder following the procedures previously discussed

• Place Road Ranger vehicle behind disabled vehicles and set up a safe zone using arrow board and traffic cones


VIDEO DEMONSTRATIONVIDEO DEMONSTRATION

• Approach and communicate with motorist• Instructions to motorists• Check bumper & make contact/push vehicle• Safe zone setup• Request motorist to exit vehicle


Questions?Questions?

module 9 relocating vehicles

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