Instant Tow Dispatch Protocol - Beginning in 2006, we now dispatch a tow operator, WSP trooper, and incident response technician as soon as we know of any highway incident. Instant Tow saves an average of 15 minutes of lane blocking congestion and improves safety. We use Instant Tow on all state and interstate highways in King County, the I-90 corridor in Spokane, I-5 in Tacoma and SR 512 and 167 in Pierce County.
Blok-Buster Major Incident Tow Program -
When involved in highway incidents, the biggest trucks cause the longest delays. The Legislature funded the Blockage Buster Tow Incentive Program to remove heavy truck collisions faster. Participating tow companies are eligible for up to $2,500 bonus compensation if they meet our quick-clearance requirements at major incidents.
Tow Away Zones - Abandoned vehicles are traffic hazards that result in approximately 500 collisions a year statewide. Close to 20 percent (100) of these collisions occur on I- 5 each year. Abandoned vehicles also reduce roadway capacity between 5 and 20 percent. Stalled and abandoned vehicles left on the shoulder of the roadway in congested areas reduce roadway capacity and frequently cause congestion and collisions.
In addition to driver hazards, vehicles left on the shoulder can prevent emergency responders from getting to the scene. Creating and expanding tow-away zones in congested areas helps and is a relatively low cost way to preserves roadway capacity, reduce congestion, and prevent collisions.
Coroner/Medical Examiner Agreements -
In 2006, WSDOT partnered with WSP and county coroners/medical examiners to develop protocols to expedite the removal of deceased remains from traffic incidents. These agreements help clear the road faster, increase safety for emergency responders, and provide more dignity for the deceased and the deceased's family. We have signed quick clearance agreements with 14 counties.
Incidental Spills of Motor Vehicle Fluids (Non-Cargo) at Traffic Incidents -
These spilled fluids are generally petroleum products such as motor oil or diesel fuel, but they also may include anti-freeze, transmission, hydraulic and other fluids. Proper cleanup and disposal of these minor spills is subject to state and federal environmental protection laws. The Department of Ecology, WSP, WSDOT, the towing industry and hazmat contractors are working together to explore initiatives to reopen roadways quickly in compliance with state and federal environmental requirements.