What’s in a Name?
What is the appropriate title of a person whose job is to help stranded motorists and support freeway traffic flow? That deceptively simple question drew a remarkable range of responses.
By Leo Rickertsen
“I have consciously referred to … men and women as Service Patrol Officers, not patrollers, operators, drivers, or other terminology … to gain and expand respect for this operational program.” Eric Rensel, TIM Network Liaison
The February 10, 2014, message quoted above in “The Responder,” prompted Safe Highway Matters to reach out to transportation professionals (listed at the end of this article) to determine if there is any commonly accepted descriptor. Here is what was discovered… Read More
Tow Truck Rodeos
Across the nation, annual tow truck rodeos are attracting Safety Service Patrol drivers and tow truck professionals. Tow truck rodeos, also referred to as tow truck shows or competitions, are opportunities to gather the tow truck community together. Depending on the specific rodeo, events span from one to multiple days and attendees range from tow truck drivers, towing company management, Safety Service Patrol professionals, as well as family and friends… Read More
Headlights On…
Ken Burratta is an Incident Response Team Lead Tech in Washington State. Mr. Burratta offers insight on working in Maintenance and Operations and learning traffic control at Washington DOT. He describes his intensive training and experience assisting motorists, controlling traffic and collaborating with emergency responders… Read More
News & Notes
A look at developments from Safety Service Patrols from state to state… Read More
Driver Question of the Quarter
The position of Safety Service Patrol driver requires a varied skill set from customer service to auto mechanics. Which skills do you find most valuable to your work and how have you been able to apply these skills to other facets of your life?… Read Responses
Editor’s Note
“What’s in a name?” A question made famous by Shakespeare’s lyrical tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, led Safe Highway Matters to reflect on the wide range of duties performed by Safety Service Patrol personnel (or drivers, officers, operators, helpers, rangers, etc.) and whether or not a consistent nomenclature exists for their important position within the Traffic Incident Management team… Read More