Going the extra mile: Incident Response Team members clear roads and help stranded drivers

By Mariah Johnson

In 2023, our Incident Response Team (IRT) drivers in the greater Seattle area responded to an incident once every 12 minutes. Nearly 31% of our Seattle-based IRT crew members have been hit while actively clearing another incident. There were eight IRT-involved collisions in 2023. Three of them occurred when our crews were on the shoulder. Moving over or slowing down is important for the safety of the IRT crews and also others using the highway. It's also the law.

Our IRT program was created in 1963. Since then, the goal has remained the same: help clear collisions, assist disabled vehicles and help remove large debris from our highways. Our IRT crews work diligently to keep traffic moving and keep people safe. They push or tow vehicles, provide a small amount of gas to disabled vehicles and even change tires. More commonly, IRT crew members help at collision sites on state highways. They play a vital role in keeping roads clear. Incident Response is instrumental to operating our transportation system efficiently. 

Over the years, the program has expanded and adapted. We now have more signboards, tow trucks and updated technology. These improvements allow IRT drivers to perform potentially dangerous tasks, such as towing, from the safety of their vehicles.

Meet IRT driver Matthew Matson

Matthew Matson has been an IRT driver for 17 years. Sometimes Matthew is on the shoulder helping someone change their tire. Other times his truck is in the center lane to protect a stalled vehicle with traffic passing at 60 mph or more on each side.

It's dangerous to be out of your vehicle to help change a tire on the side of the highway – you're in a vulnerable position where it is hard to keep an eye out for potential hazards. That's how Matthew got hit by someone going close to 60 mph on southbound Interstate 5 in Federal Way. Matthew was able to get back into his truck and close the door but couldn't buckle up in time. From the collision, he experienced a concussion, short-term memory loss, a bruised shoulder, and some difficulty balancing. It took going to occupational therapy for about two years for Matthew to feel like he made a full recovery.

IRT trucks with signboards mounted to them were first introduced in the greater Seattle area in 2018. After seeing an improvement in safety and driver response time, this became the new ideal standard vehicle. However, there is still a limited supply available. As vehicles need to be replaced, more trucks with new signboards will be brought in. Matthew says he sees a significant difference when he has a signboard mounted to his truck. Generally, he has more room to work because when people see the sign, they move over or slow down sooner. This is important for IRT drivers because as nice as it would be to have safer work zones with additional buffer space, sometimes that is not possible.

During the final three months of 2023, IRT responded to a total of 9,916 incidents statewide. On average it took 18 minutes to clear each incident. Matthew believes with more signboards attached to trucks, the safer their work zone is. More visuals and flashing lights give the public more time to slow down.

Meet IRT driver Richard Somonski

Richard Somonski has been an IRT driver for 19 years. Throughout most of his career, he has reported out of the heart of Seattle.

Richard says that if IRT could have two trucks at every collision scene, they could block an extra lane and the scene could be safer for everyone. Unfortunately, sometimes there's just too many incidents to have that extra coverage.

Richard's favorite part of the job is being able to have a profound effect on those whose days are not going as planned. He says he always makes sure to educate drivers after helping them because it reduces the chance they will experience another flat tire, collision or empty gas tank. Another reason is because, even with all the sirens, flashing lights and cones, the message to “move over,” or “slow down,” still seems to get lost in translation. It is a combination of driver behavior, increased signage, ongoing driver education and robust outreach for work zone safety that helps keep the roads safer for everyone.

Richard wants the public to know that the IRT drivers all have families, and their goal is to get home safely, every day.

Trainings and procedures

When our IRT drivers are first arrive at a collision, they will take on emergency responder responsibilities, sometimes performing first aid. There is a lot more to being an IRT driver than helping clear a scene safely. Our drivers go through various trainings, such as first aid, Washington State Patrol driving classes, radio procedures and more. With a U.S. Army background, Richard was already used to having to do various trainings such as CPR and preparing for the unknown that comes with the job. He explained that some scenes can be a lot to take in. As an IRT driver, you are exposed to a lot – everything from conducting CPR to helping someone with a flat tire or trying to pull someone out of a vehicle. Sometimes they even assist emergency responders with a fatality.

We recognize that some incidents may be more impactful and memorable than others for our IRT crew members. We provide support for our team members who have experienced trauma on the job through programs such as the Employee Assistance Program or other Peer Support groups.

As of 2023, there are 86 IRT employees statewide and 69 dedicated IRT vehicles across the state. During the day, drivers are actively patrolling almost 3,400 miles of highway along major corridors such as Interstate 5.

Because of the increase in dangerous driving we're seeing on all roadways – including in work zones – we are working both in-house and with construction, union and legislative partners to improve safety in work zones for everyone. That includes new approaches in designing some of our work zones. We are also investigating new safety equipment. This could look like more full lane closures and more daytime work and delays in some cases.

When all is said and done, moving over or slowing down when you see crew members is important for the safety of everyone. We all have loved ones - moms, dads, children and significant others. So please, slow down or move over so we all can get home safely.