Abstract: The transportation industry poses unique risks to first responders, who are frequently called to respond to accidents and emergencies on highways, railways, and other transportation corridors. In recognition of this challenge, the conference on transportation safety for first responders brought together first responder agencies, technology developers, training experts, and transportation officials to showcase the latest advancements in transportation safety for first responders. The conference featured cutting-edge technologies that are designed to improve transportation safety for first responders. These include tools and systems that help first responders to better navigate and operate in complex transportation environments, such as advanced GPS and mapping tools, specialized communications systems, and enhanced situational awareness technologies. In addition to technology demonstrations, the conference also highlighted the latest training programs and resources that are available to first responder agencies. These include specialized training programs that focus on transportation safety, as well as online training resources that can be accessed by first responders in the field.

Dr. Scott Parr, Ph.D., P.E. is a professional engineer and associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr. Parr co-founded and chairs the Joint-Subcommittee for Emergency Response, within the Transportation Research Board. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University specializing in Transportation Engineering and Emergency Management. Dr. Parr has published dozens of articles in peer reviewed journals and has participated as an expert panelist at conferences and workshops around the world. Dr. Parr serves as a subject area expert for several journals such as the Transportation Research Record, Journal of Emergency Management and American Society of Civil Engineer’s Natural Hazards Review. Dr. Parr has led research collaborations with the United States Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Prior to his appointment at Embry-Riddle, Dr. Parr was an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at California State University, Fullerton.