Depending on the time of day and location, incidents create 55-60% of the congestion on highways in Nevada.
Identifying the severity and location of a crash can significantly shorten the response and clearance times, it may even save lives.
An accident that occurs as a result of congestion or distraction from a prior crash is referred to as a secondary accident.
Exact figures on the number of secondary accidents are difficult to calculate. Preliminary results of a study by UNLV indicate that as many as 22% of all incidents in the Las Vegas region are the result of an earlier crash.
Secondary crashes can potentially be more serious than the original crash as motorists become impatient and distracted with their driving. National studies show that as many as 18% of secondary crashes result in a fatality.
Every minute a crash remains in traffic

NEVADA TOWING & RECOVERY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (T.R.I.P.)

Background of program

TRIP is based on a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to ensure only well- trained, competent tow operators with proper heavy-duty equipment are dispatched to large commercial vehicle incidents that have a significant impact on major highway traffic, or if the response to the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) crash has an impact to traffic. These guidelines replace long-standing policies that do not require modern hydraulic wreckers or formally trained operators. These new guidelines also require support equipment to address the prompt cleanup of spilled loads and vehicle fluids as well as the ability to participate in the required traffic control effort and utilization of scene safety devices. The current and established heavy rotational response to heavy crashes as outlined by the Department of Public Safety and that does not meet the TRIP response criteria will not be impacted by this program.

During the program’s pilot cycle, local towing and recovery companies have an open invitation to participate in this Program. Once the guidelines outlined in this document are met, a company may be added to the Program and if assigned, will become eligible to receive a monetary incentive for prompt response to an incident and quick clearance of the highway within established time parameters. Qualification for the program does not guarantee assignment of a recovery zone. Considerations for inclusion may include a rotation or backup status and will be based on the operational needs of NDOT. Smaller companies who do not fully qualify may partner with existing towing companies

Program Overview

TRIP’s key objective is the facilitation of safe and quick clearance of commercial vehicle crashes as well as large vehicle incidents through the improvement of towing standards, procedures, and training. This Program will improve incident management while building a mutually beneficial relationship within the towing community by making it more profitable for them to meet quick clearance goals. TRIP is designed to reduce the impact of major traffic incidents by establishing travel lane clearance goals of 90 minutes or less.

Program benefits

TRIP will benefit emergency responders, traveling motorists, and anyone concerned about traffic incidents in the region by facilitating the quick clearance of large commercial vehicle incidents, resulting in a reduction of congestion and secondary incidents.

Responders will benefit from increased safety with decreased time and exposure on the dangerous highways during incident clearance.

Motorist will benefit from more reliable travel times, increased safety through incident scenes, fewer emissions, and less fuel consumption. The entire region can benefit from the saved costs from reduced congestion and impacts from secondary incidents.

Towing and recovery companies will benefit from enhanced level of safety awareness, increased training opportunities, and from monetary incentives awarded for more efficient on-scene activities and meeting the performance goals of the program.

T.R.I.P resource information

Route Coverage Information

The Program will operate on the following highway routes.

I-15: Arizona to California border / mm 0.00 to mm 123
US95: Spaghetti Bowl N to Mercury interchange / mm 76 to mm 132cl
Note: The Mercury Interchange is in Nye County (7ny), but this is used as a reference point for TRIP and the towers.

US95: California border to I-11 / mm 0.00 to mm 55.81
US95 / I-515: Spaghetti Bowl to I-11 (Henderson) / mm 61.21 to mm 75.73
I-11: Arizona border to the Henderson interchange / mm 0.00 to mm 22.85
I-215: I-15 to I-11 (SE Beltway) / mm 0.00 to mm 12
SR160: SR159 to Mountain Springs/ mm 33 to mm 21
Note: LVMPD covers mm1 CL to mm 11CL

SR171:  I215 to south edge of Airport Tunnel
Note: As this program is a Pilot Program, these areas of coverage may be adjusted dependent upon a NDOT request.

TRIP Training Requirements

TRIP Forms

TRIP Synopsis Report – Tow companies can click on this and then print the report.
TRIP Synopsis Sample Report – Tow companies can click on this and then print the report.
TRIP Invoice – Tow companies can click on this and then print the report.
TRIP Sample Invoice – Tow companies can click on this and then print the report.
TRIP Criteria List – Tow companies can click on this and then print the list.

Equipment List

Click the links below to download the list as a PDF.

TRIP AAR Meeting Schedule for 2024 (up to August of 2024)

The below information is for the TRIP After-Action Review meetings that will take place monthly. These meetings will review the prior month’s TRIP calls, review the program status, and to offer comments & suggestions to improve the functionality of the program. be a forum where those involved in the TRIP program; especially the Tow Companies, will have a voice to offer input to promote the success of the program. Other agencies may be invited to the meetings to offer other insights of TRIP activities and other details of the crash that may not be available by anyone else.

Please review below the meeting schedule for 2024

Location for all meetings, will be as follows:

Traffic Management Center / Tonopah Conference Room / A105
Southern Command
4615 W. Sunset Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89118

Meetings Dates are as follows:

Date: January 16, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

 

Date: February 13, 2025 
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

 

Date: March 13, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Other meeting locations and times will announced