1. Road Ranger Basic Training RELOCATING VEHICLES

2. Road Ranger Basic Training INTRODUCTION Keep travel lanes open and traffic moving Important Road Ranger Goal:

3. Road Ranger Basic Training CLEARING THE ROADWAY l Disabled vehicles left in travel lanes are a safety hazard and against Florida State Law l Road Rangers quickly clear debris and relocate disabled vehicles from travel lanes l Safety of Road Rangers, Incident Responders and Public must always be number one priority

4. Road Ranger Basic Training TRAINING OBJECTIVES In this training module, you will learn the proper methods for communicating with motorists and relocating vehicles.

5. Road Ranger Basic Training MODULE OUTLINE l The “Move It” Law l What to do if motorist refuses to move l Safe Zone Setup l When to push l When not to push l Where to relocate vehicles l Motorists with special needs l Minor Fender Benders

6. Road Ranger Basic Training THE “MOVE IT” LAW The 2003 Florida Statutes Title XXIII Chapter 316 MOTOR 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.

7. Road Ranger Basic Training THE “MOVE IT” LAW (cont’d) l If vehicle is obstructing traffic or is in a dangerous location, push or tow vehicle to a safe area prior to providing service l Inform disabled vehicle driver of dangers of remaining in travel lane l Inform driver of Florida Statute 316.071 (Move It Law) l Hand driver “Move It” Card

8. Road Ranger Basic Training THE “MOVE IT” LAW (cont’d) l 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 l If motorist refuses to allow vehicle to be relocated, set up a safe lane closure using arrow board and traffic cones, call FHP for assistance and wait for FHP to arrive; make sure to tell FHP the motorist refused to move.

9. Road Ranger Basic Training THE “MOVE IT” LAW (cont’d) l Road Rangers must not allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle. l If there are too many passengers in the vehicle, Operators should call FHP for assistance. l If FHP will be delayed, call for another Road Ranger to assist in transporting passengers.

10. Road Ranger Basic Training WITH MOTORIST’S PERMISSION l Push or tow vehicle to safe drop off area or to side of interstate if breakdown location is hazardous l Never leave vehicle in worse position than you found it l Designated Safe Havens will be identified along patrol beats that can be utilized when motorists feel unsafe where they are

11. Road Ranger Basic Training SAFE AREAS l 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

12. Road Ranger Basic Training SAFE ZONE SET UP l 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) l Disabled vehicles should be parked with wheels turned away from roadway and parking brake set if possible

13. Road Ranger Basic Training SAFE ZONE SET UP (cont’d) Lane Closure l 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 l 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)

14. Road Ranger Basic Training SAFE ZONE SET UP (cont’d) Shoulder Setup l Set arrow board to 4 points mode l Set out 4 traffic cones starting at back of Road Ranger vehicle and continue in straight line with 25 ft. spacing (8 paces) l An additional cone can be placed in middle of shoulder to prevent cars driving thru.

15. Road Ranger Basic Training SAFE ZONE SET UP (cont’d) l Lane lines can be used as measuring guide l Lane lines are 40 ft. from start of one line to start of next one (10 ft. white line and 30 ft. space)

16. Road Ranger Basic Training WHEN TO PUSH VEHICLES l If vehicle is stalled in a lane adjacent to right shoulder or center median and traffic speed is slow enough to push vehicle safely l If directed to push vehicle by FHP Officer on scene

17. Road Ranger Basic Training WHEN NOT TO PUSH VEHICLES l If disabled vehicle is on an on-ramp or off-ramp. l If motorist refuses to be pushed. l Do not push vehicles off freeway. Only push to right shoulder or center median. l Do not push vehicles downhill.

18. Road Ranger Basic Training WHEN NOT TO PUSH VEHICLES (cont’d) l Do not push if vehicle is not freewheeling (i.e. flat tire, transmission locked, steering problems, etc.). l When you are unable to communicate with driver. l Never push a vehicle that obscures vision in pushing direction. Such vehicles should be towed.

19. Road Ranger Basic Training WHEN NOT TO PUSH VEHICLES (cont’d) l When vehicle bumper and push bumper do not line up. l When manufacturer recommends vehicle not be pushed due to design of car or bumper. l For purpose of “jump starting” a manual transmission vehicle.

20. Road Ranger Basic Training PUSHING PROCEDURES l You must be able to communicate with driver. l Identify why vehicle is disabled. l Is driver capable of steering and braking disabled vehicle?

21. Road Ranger Basic Training PUSHING PROCEDURES (cont’d) l Assure bumper alignment and note any prior bumper damage. l Notify motorist of pre-existing damage. l Record damage on Activity Log.

22. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER l Ignition key in “on” position l Transmission in neutral l Emergency brake released l Have driver apply service brake l Tell driver where he/she will be pushed to l Instruct driver not to make any erratic or abrupt stops or turns

23. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l Do not have driver try to start vehicle by releasing clutch while being pushed l Inform driver not to brake abruptly l Have driver use rear-view mirror to watch for instructions from Operator

24. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l Have driver release service brake when contact is made, bumper to bumper prior to pushing l Advise driver that when brake pedal is applied, it may be harder than normal to stop car with engine off (no power brakes)

25. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l Advise driver that steering vehicle may be harder than normal with engine off (no power steering) l 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.

26. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l If pushing uphill, instruct driver not to let vehicle roll back. l Push vehicle slowly and to immediate shoulder or safe location l When pushing vehicle, do not maintain contact between vehicles through a turn, or over area where slope roadway changes

27. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l Back off and push again once vehicle has completed the turn, or is beyond the slope or grade change and stopped l Allow vehicle to coast to final stop at pre-determined location.

28. Road Ranger Basic Training INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER (cont’d) l Re-inspect bumper and note any damage. l Advise driver of any damage noted. l Road Ranger should immediately report any damage caused by towing or pushing to the Supervisor regardless of how minor damage is. Broken lug nuts, dents and scratches, are all examples of damage.

29. Road Ranger Basic Training CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS l Assistance requires special considerations l More vulnerable to danger because movement may be hindered outside of vehicle

30. Road Ranger Basic Training CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (cont’d) l Use caution when towing or pushing vehicles altered for handicapped l Handicap modifications may prohibit conventional towing or pushing

31. Road Ranger Basic Training MINOR NON-INJURY CRASHES l Vehicles involved in “fender benders” are subject to Move It Law. l Instruct drivers to not wait for law enforcement to arrive before moving vehicles out of travel lanes.

32. Road Ranger Basic Training DETERMINING IF VEHICLE SHOULD BE MOVED l Check for injuries. Notify FHP immediately if anyone is injured or killed l If there are no injuries and vehicles can be driven, have motorists drive vehicles off roadway onto shoulder and notify FHP, Dispatch or TMC, and/or provide driver’s exchange form.

33. Road Ranger Basic Training DETERMINING IF VEHICLE SHOULD BE MOVED l If vehicle can not be driven, push or tow vehicle to shoulder following the procedures previously discussed l Place Road Ranger vehicle behind disabled vehicles and set up a safe zone using arrow board and traffic cones