The primary objective of this PFS study will be to gain technical information related to research topics identified by the members of the PFS. At its most recent Annual Working Meeting, the members attending developed a preliminary list of research topics for the whole membership to consider.

Research topics for the second PFS may include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive Responder Safety and Struck-By Mitigation: Documenting available data related to injuries and fatalities suffered by SSP operators who are hit by vehicles in the course of performing their duties; identifying countermeasures currently employed or being considered by SSP programs, nationwide, which may include protective gear, operational policies, training etc., implemented by SSPs nationwide; 
• State-Employed vs. Contracted Fleet Operations: Investigating how different SSPs staff their programs and the related areas of concern, such as authorizing statutory emergency vehicle status, emergency blue/red lighting permissions, and managing liability and Good Samaritan status;
• Advanced Towing and Recovery Coalition Relationships: Addressing how to manage financial boundaries and coordinating quick-clearance push/pull procedures with local private heavy-duty rotation operators;
• Operator Accountability and Performance Tracking: Determining methods in use to measure operator performance, understanding how to use telemetry data and establish performance baselines, and handling performance improvement plans (PIPs) within structured workforces, including labor relations considerations;
• Marketing and Public Relations Frameworks: Identifying ways of communicating SSP program value, such as designing uniform dashboard websites, corporate media templates, and physical postage-paid motorist comment/feedback loops to systematically prove program value to State legislative bodies.

1. Identify areas of concern and effective practices from existing programs 
2. Develop documentation based on lessons learned and on-going concerns from existing programs 
3. As applicable, create tools that will help agencies make informed program decisions in areas, such as adoption of new technologies, or acquisition of additional equipment; development of new policies or training programs; and documentation of program effectiveness and return on investment.

The objective of the second Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Pooled Fund Study (PFS), a follow-on to the initial SSP PFS (#TPF-5(489)), is to enable research efforts and peer exchanges that support the identification and documentation of common problems, solutions, and practices used by SSP programs. State SSP programs vary in size, mission, operational goals, and coverage (i.e., miles patrolled and services provided).  Despite this variety, many experience similar concerns, hurdles, and emerging challenges (such as how to handle EV-involved crashes).  Building on the first SSP PFS, this effort will continue to provide opportunities for peer-to-peer information sharing – documenting discussions and findings so SSP programs can better understand their shared challenges and learn how other programs have resolved these challenges successfully.

SSP programs throughout the country aim to meet a variety of operational goals, from simply keeping the roadway clear and maintaining traffic flow, to SSPs that are equipped to provide a wide range of complex, on-scene assistance to help mitigate an incident. SSP operators are often first on the scene of an incident and often provide immediate and invaluable assistance to law enforcement, involved parties, and other first responders. In some programs, SSP operators remain on-scene for the entire incident’s duration, which increases their exposure to traffic and risk to personal safety. The collective experience gained from agencies managing these programs is a source of invaluable knowledge for improving the safety of SSP operators, first responders, and the public, as well as making each agency more effective at meeting its operational goals.

The first PFS, which is approaching the conclusion of its five-year funding cycle, focused on three phases: the first included updating the FHWA-led 2017 study entitled, “Safety Service Patrol Priorities and Best Practices” (FHWA-HOP-16-047); the second documented practices and policies related to SSP operator training, certification, and licensure; and the role of contracts, agreements, and stakeholder relationships in SSP operations: and the third focused on developing a template for an SSP data dictionary to support consistency and comparability in data reporting and use across SSP programs.

The work plan is conceptualized in year-long phases. At the start of each year, beginning with the kick-off meeting, the members of the PFS will determine what topics of interest the PFS will focus on for the year.

There is not a large amount of external research readily available on topics of interest to the PFS members: at this point in time, the expertise lies with the members themselves.  With that in mind, each year members will meet quarterly – three remote/virtual meetings, and one in-person meeting at the end of each year – to set research goals, review research findings and deliverables, and engage in information exchange sessions. The location of the in-person meeting will rotate among member volunteer programs, and will serve as an opportunity for host agencies to showcase and demonstrate some of the physical infrastructure used in their programs (including Traffic Management Centers, training facilities, vehicle fleets, and vehicle technologies). At the start of every meeting, each program will provide an during a facilitated roundtable discussion; these updates are meant to inform colleagues about state-level developments, findings from equipment pilots, new and evolving concerns, emerging programs interests and needs, and other program-level developments (such as the acquisition of new fleet vehicles). Individual programs may make extended presentations, such as an in-depth overview of their program or information on topics of interest to the members. Ample time will be set aside for open conversation between members.

Every year, after the research topics are established and agreed upon by members, the research team will develop a research tool and conduct informational meetings with each member organization to gather raw data for review and analysis. Findings and results will be documented through a series of white papers.  If PFS members identify concerns or topics during the quarterly meetings, additional white papers may be scoped and drafted as needed. 

At the most recent SSP PFS Annual Working Meeting (held in-person, May 2026), the attendees (representing eleven of the nineteen PFS member agencies) unanimously voted in support of soliciting a second (i.e., continuing) Pooled Fund Study. The desired commitment from each partner will be $25,000 per year for approximately 5 years (FY27-31) or until research efforts are complete. Commitment covers travel for an in-person meeting approximately once per year throughout the life of the project. Specific meetings (including times, dates, and locations) will be determined over the course of the project. The minimum funding floor required to establish the new research cohort is $800,000, which would require at least seven committed member states. FHWA will be pursuing a 100% SPR-B waiver. Please reach out to the Lead Agency Contact at any time if you are interested in participating.