Date of Award

Spring 2025

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair

Scott Parr

First Committee Member

Timothy A. Smith

Second Committee Member

Hongyun Chen

College Dean

James W. Gregory

Abstract

Emergency responders face significant risks of injury and death from struck-by crashes while operating on or near roadways. Annually, about 50 responders are killed, and hundreds more are injured, leading to operational disruptions and damage to life-saving equipment (ERSI, 2024). This study takes a data-driven approach to identify key risk factors and effective countermeasures for reducing the severity of struck-by crashes. Key findings indicate that struck-by crashes most frequently occur on weekends during late-night hours (2 AM–4 AM), often at crash scenes or disabled vehicle scenes on limited-access highways. Driver behavior – particularly “D” drivers (distracted, drugged, drowsy, disgruntled) – is a primary risk factor, outweighing roadway conditions. Fire department personnel experience the highest frequency of injuries, likely due to their role in securing crash scenes, while law enforcement and tow truck operators face the highest fatality rates, as they often work alone without blocking vehicles for protection. Blocking vehicles are strongly associated with fewer fatalities, reinforcing their importance. However, certain activities – such as setting up traffic incident management areas (TIMAs) and assisting disabled vehicles – significantly increase risks, particularly for fire department personnel and tow truck operators. Temporary traffic control devices show potential in reducing fatalities, but their effectiveness in deterring “D” driver involvement is limited. Overall, these findings highlight the need for enhanced safety protocols, targeted responder training, public education, and stricter enforcement of move over laws to protect roadside responders. This research aims to inform policy development, improve compliance with safety measures, and ultimately enhance the resilience of emergency response systems.

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