2023 1st Quarter Newsletter |
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TIME Task Force Community,
A new year equals a new, refreshed call to action to clear our roads and improve traffic incident management (TIM) in the state. We welcome new members as well as welcoming back current members.
There are many factors to successful TIM to keep in mind to ensure safety on all fronts this quarter and moving forward. The one key component of TIM we will all remind ourselves about is communication. This pertains to the communication we have with our first responders at traffic scenes, staff members inside statewide operations centers, and, most importantly, the motoring public on Georgia's roads.
Keep communication a constant theme throughout the hard and gratifying work you accomplish every day. Communication and listening are crucial to road procedures practiced to keep you and everyone around you safe. We are glad and grateful to have you as a part of the TIME Task Force now and for many years to come!
Jason Josey,
TIME Task Force Co-Chair
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Newsletter Feedback Survey |
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We want your feedback! Fill out this survey to let us know what types of content and information you want to see from the TIME Task Force in the future. Your opinion matters! Share your ideas below: |
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Welcome New Board Members! |
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We are excited to welcome Dolores Uttero, GDOT Transportation Management Center Manager, as a new TIME Task Force Board member! We wish her great success in this new role.
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And Welcome New Committee Chairs! |
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Let’s welcome our newest committee chairs to the TIME Task Force!
These outstanding individuals below are working to advance the mission and goals of TIME for the benefit of first responders and Board members as well as the public at large.
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Current Active Chairpersons:
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Operations: Rodney Pickle, AECOM
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Training: Vacant (see below)
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Communications: Ivan Lichtenstein, AECOM
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Grants: Robert Baker, GDOT TMC
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Programs: Requel Williams, AECOM
We look forward to their efforts in advancing the TIME Task Force mission as well as promoting best practices in traffic incident management and roadway safety in the years to come.
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The search is on for the next Training Committee Chair!
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Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat |
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The 2023 TIME Task Force Strategic Planning Retreat was a success! Board members and committee chairs gathered in Atlanta to see old and new faces on the team and discuss operational matters, goals, and plans for the coming year. The Board rejuvenated working relationships, evaluated operations and effectiveness, and reviewed and updated policies and bylaws, among other activities. In addition, the Board discussed several initiatives that will help further efficient traffic incident management and increase safety on highways across the State of Georgia.
The TIME Task Force is ready for an exciting year ahead, and we thank all members for your ongoing support of TIME and TIM in Georgia!
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2023 Executive Briefing Breakfast Call For Sponsors! |
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This year’s Executive Briefing Breakfast will be held in mid-August, and the TIME Task Force is seeking sponsors! The event brings together leaders and professionals across agencies and businesses involved in traffic incident management in the State of Georgia. It highlights the importance of effective traffic incident management for safety, economic viability, and quality of life in our region. Information will be provided on best practices, regional collaboration, and resources to become traffic incident champions. Some key speakers and attendees include GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurray and Federal Highway Administration Representative Greg Morris. |
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We look forward to an exciting and engaging event!
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March Quarterly Meeting Recap |
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We held our first Quarterly Meeting of 2023 virtually on Thursday, March 9, at 11 a.m. This quarter’s theme was “Roadway and Transportation Safety Best Practices.” Thank you to all who attended. We would like to extend a special appreciation to our guest speakers: |
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Ray King, Atkins, who presented updates on Georgia SHRP2 activity and GDOT’s Towing and Recovery Incentive Program
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Brian Purvis, AECOM, who held the After-Action Review for the I-985 plane crash along with Jimmy Willard from Willard Wrecker
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Jeff Romine, Shaw Industries Group, Inc., who presented on TIME & Business: How We Can Both Benefit
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Robert Magnum Jr., Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, who presented on Georgia Environmental Protection Department Emergency Response Team & State Warning Point Reporting
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Couldn’t attend? Watch the entire meeting here. The next quarterly meeting date will be on June 15. Visit the event post on our calendar.
Get Notifications: Are you a member who needs to be added to our email list so that you receive our meeting invitations and training notices? Email us at info@timetaskforce.com. |
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Upcoming Events/TIM Team Meetings |
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Check out our upcoming events by visiting timetaskforce.com/calendar and see how you can get involved in TIM Team meetings, receive free SHRP2 training, and more. |
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Highlighting National Campaigns |
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There were several high-profile traffic safety marketing campaigns over the first three months of the year. The TIME Task Force posted a blog for Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 6-10) and shared posts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for that campaign along with safety and preparedness tips for Super Bowl LVII (February 12) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17).
Follow us on social media and visit our website to stay up to date with local, state, and national traffic safety campaigns throughout the year. Take a look at some of the highlights from these campaigns below: |
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Be Aware & Prepare for Severe Weather |
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On average, there are nearly 6 million vehicle crashes each year and approximately 21 percent are weather-related. From high winds to low visibility to pavement friction, severe weather incidents greatly impact roadways, traffic flows, and operations. It is vital for first responders to be aware and prepared.
Below are a few points to help you be ready for potential severe weather:
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Be Aware
Understand road hazards associated with inclement weather, such as:
- Low visibility
- Increased risk of hydroplaning on water or sliding on ice
- Increase of debris on the roadway
- More stalled motorists on the shoulder or roadways
Be Prepared
Take steps to ensure your team is ready for any inclement weather event:
- Post educational materials in the workplace or hold training exercises for team members
- Create or update Emergency Response Plans for anticipated severe weather incidents
- Train employees on procedures, protocols, and primary/alternate staff to contact during severe weather; when closer to the date of an incident, review and hold an exercise to cover these items
- Ensure all equipment is seasonally prepared and adjusted, such as including brine during winter weather or coolant during hotter months
- Ensure team members are aware of evacuation routes, rally points, and roll-call procedures
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Find a TIM Team Near You!
Did you know the TIME Task Force has about 51 active TIM Teams across Georgia in 2022? This impressive number makes Georgia the state with the most teams nationwide recognized by the Federal Highway Administration!
There are currently four TIM areas and 15 regional TIM teams throughout those areas. Each area has a designated area analyst:
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Area 1: Dennis Rucker
Area 2: Chief Ray King
Area 3: Jeff Cotter
Area 4: Chief Marvin Riggins
Please email TIMteams@dot.ga.gov if you are interested in joining one of our TIM Teams, hosting a meeting, or being a TIM champion in your area. |
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How comfortable are you speaking in public? Most people possess some degree of fear of public speaking. In fact, only about 10 percent of people in the United States report that they actually enjoy it. Developing public speaking skills can put you at a big advantage in your career, as it can lead to opportunities that others may avoid. Facilitation Skills is featured in our Learning Management System (LMS) along with helpful hints for you to develop the confidence to speak to others in formal settings.
Send an email to TIM_Training@dot.ga.gov to register and enroll today!
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Address: 515 Plasters Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
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