what is tsag · • automatic crash notification (acn) • basic vehicle crash information (airbag...
TRANSCRIPT
What is TSAG• TSAG is a group of transportation and public safety professionals
working with the USDOT to address safety needs through proven and emerging technologies
• TSAG represents nine communities of interest focused on various aspects of enhancing public and responder safety on transportation facilities
• TSAG supports research and education in technology to improve responder safety
TSAG Communities of Interest
• Emergency Communications• Law Enforcement• Emergency Medical Services• Fire and Rescue• Transportation Operations
• Emergency Management• Technology and Telematics• Academic and Research• Governing Agencies
Why is TSAG Important• TSAG focuses on improving the safety of public safety responders on
roads and highways• In 2019, 44 public safety responder fatalities resulted from being
struck on roadways: 18 law enforcement, 14 tow truck operators, 3 mobile mechanics, and 9 fire/EMS
• New and emerging technologies for traveler and emergency responder safety can save lives
• New technologies simplify situational awareness and enhance warning capabilities
• Technology applications can make response safer and easier
What is TSAG Doing to Enhance Safety• TSAG researches and promotes technology applications that provide
easy access to critical information and improve responder safety• TSAG supports research and education in technology to improve
responder safety through knowledge, awareness, and information exchange.
• Recent research looks at:• FirstNet, NG 911, and Connected Vehicles• Advanced Automated Collision Notification (AACN)• I2R Future Opportunities• Connected Responder
FirstNet and NG911
Presenter
Presentation Notes
In the Next Generation 9-1-1 environment, the public will be able to make voice, text, or video emergency calls from any communications device via IP based networks. This will allow for PSAPs to receive and process all of today’s technology with a full range of capabilities, such as the acceptance and then sharing of video and pictures from the public with first responders in the field. NG 9-1-1 PSAPs will also be able to receive data from vehicles and personal safety devices such as Advanced Automatic Collision Notification systems, medical alert systems, and sensors of various types. The new infrastructure of the NG 9-1-1 project will support the national Internet working of 9-1-1 services, as well as the transfer of emergency calls to other PSAPs—including any accompanying data. In addition, the PSAP will be able to issue emergency alerts to wireless devices in an area via voice or text message, and activate highway alert systems. FirstNet is an independent authority within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). FirstNet’s mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of a nationwide broadband network that will equip first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. In March 2017, The Department of Commerce and FirstNet announced a partnership with AT&T to build and operate the first responder network. The FirstNet network will ensure first responders have access to fast, highly secure and reliable communications when they need them. This will help first responders stay safe when they are deployed to help others, not only during day-to-day operations and disaster response and recovery, but also when securing large events.
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Presentation Notes
The vision for NG911 and FirstNet is to enhance the public’s ability to provide information to responders and for public safety agencies to share information in the form of voice, text, data, photos and videos. Together, NG911 and FirstNet will provide complementary, coordinated communications.
FirstNet and NG911 Call to Action
• Build out and deployment of the NG 911 system
• Build out of FirstNet network• New applications and devices to take
advantage of NG 911 and FirstNet capabilities
• Federal determination of spectrum use
Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN)
• Sends crash data from vehicle to emergency responders
• Information may include:• Location of crash• Airbag deployment• Crash severity• Multiple impacts
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) captures crash data from vehicle collisions and sends the information to emergency responders, alerting responders of the location and nature of the crash so they can respond more quickly with the appropriate equipment. AACN can improve patient outcomes and save lives through rapid communication and vehicle location to decrease response time by emergency responders; predict injury severity in vehicle crashes; and quickly identify, diagnose, transport, and treat injuries. AACN can improve real-time patient information through automated sharing of vehicle crash data and offers predictive analysis based on vehicle and crash data. While AACN technology currently exists, there are limitations on its use and usefulness. For example, OnStar pairs crash information to predict injury severity but does not share the information when providing a verbal relay of information to public safety answering points (PSAP). Other commercial examples of AACN services include Ford 911 Assist and SiriusXM. Current technology provides an opportunity to benefit responders, victims, and downstream medical care but the culture and processes are not in place to take full advantage of the technology. Limitations to AACN applications are often due to institutional and technological obstacles. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Evolution of ACN/AACN
• Automatic Crash Notification (ACN)• Basic vehicle crash information (airbag deployment and location)• Calls go to call taker in telematic service provider (TSP) center• TSP call taker verbally notifies PSAP
• Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN)• Includes additional information from vehicle sensors• Information transmitted to TSP or directly to PSAP
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) provides basic vehicle crash information, generally airbag deployment and location, through voice services from a call taker in a service center to a PSAP following the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials/National Emergency Number Association (APCO/NENA) interface protocols. Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) includes additional information from vehicle sensors to improve and enhance response.
Evolution of ACN/AACN (cont)
• NG-AACN• Uses NextGen 9-1-1• Transmits voice and data at the same time• Supports video from in-vehicle or responder camera• Allows data to be displayed to PSAP call taker• Call taker able to request updated vehicle data
Presenter
Presentation Notes
With an evolution to NextGen 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), the system will be able to transmit voice and data at the same time and support video. NG-AACN calls are NG9-1-1 calls with extensions for AACN. With NG-AACN, vehicles will be able to transmit location and crash data as part of the call setup, allowing data to be displayed to the PSAP call taker using NG9-1-1 architecture. The call taker will also be able to request updated data from the vehicle during call, send action requests to the vehicle, and request vehicle camera feeds. With NG9-1-1, data transmission does not interrupt the talk path. As AACN evolves to NG-AACN, the PSAP interface will be standardized, allowing faster call processing and simplifying call handling. Standards will support equal access and advanced call routing. The goal is to support enhanced information sharing with first responders using FirstNet, as FirstNet uses the same protocols and standards as NG-AACN and NG9-1-1. FirstNet was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 2012 to develop, build, and operate a nationwide broadband network for first responders. FirstNet is intended to cross jurisdictional communications networks to provide high-speed data and location information, including video and images, giving priority to public safety personnel during emergencies. With the evolution of AACN, FirstNet may offer direct transmission of AACN data to responders, providing fast, life-saving information in the field.
Photo: FEMA/Jocelyn Augustino
Vehicle data transmitted
to PSAP
Call taker contacts vehicle
occupants
Level 1 Trauma Center
activated Air transport
dispatchedFire/rescue notified of
pinned driver
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Single vehicle crash in a rural area. Vehicle data transmitted to Telematic Service Provider or directly to Public Safety Answering Point. Change in velocity Principal direction of force Seatbelt usage Crash with multiple impacts Vehicle type Information analyzed to provide injury severity level. Injury severity score indicates high risk of severity. Call taker contacts occupant to inquire about: Age Injuries sustained Number of injured occupants Number of vehicles involved The driver is found to be 62 years old with a 58 year old passenger. Both occupants were unrestrained at the time of the crash and the driver reports that his legs are pinned under the dashboard. Due to the age of the passengers and the injury severity score, the closest Level 1 trauma center is activated. The location of the crash in a rural area 45 minutes from the trauma center triggers the dispatch of helicopter transport. The responding fire/rescue units are notified that the driver is pinned and will require extrication.
AACN Call to Action• Federal investment in deployment of NG9-1-1• AACN included in CAV standards• AACN in New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)• Pilot project to test and develop AACN protocols• Support modification of response protocols• Advance understanding of AACN through information campaign
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Presentation Notes
National Association of EMS Physicians, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is focused on developing and disseminating online educational training on the benefits of AACN in improving patient outcomes for motor vehicle crashes. “The training program will include information on the biomechanics of crash injuries and how crash data are used to predict injury severity. After a crash, electronic data transmitted via AACN can be to inform EMS dispatch and triage decisions.” (Is Your System Using AACN Data?, 2017) AACN was incorporated in the Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients protocol in 2011, with the addition of guidelines for predicting injury severity based on vehicle telematics data in 2012. For this to be fully integrated into field response, standardized data sets, modified response protocols, and call taker and responders training are all essential. Similarly, pilot studies are needed to test effectiveness and engage the larger stakeholder community in an evidence-based study. A Federal effort is needed to support modification of response protocols with medical directors, providing sample language and training materials. Continued investment in NG9-1-1 is also necessary for full deployment of AACN. An information campaign is needed to share research findings on the benefits of AACN. A good example of AACN advancement efforts can be seen in this video (Cine Learning Productions) on the advantages of AACN. The Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG) communities, which represent EMS, emergency communications, law enforcement, fire/rescue, transportation operations, technology/telematics, and academic and research organizations, are not only good target audiences for such a campaign, they can also lead the campaign among their constituent members. TSAG can serve as a champion for AACN and create a rallying point for its advancement. At the national level, the recognition of AACN in NCAP Ratings would encourage auto manufacturers to include AACN in new models to enhance their ratings. This would not be as strong as a Federal requirement to provide AACN technology, as the European Union has done with eCall, but it would certainly be a step toward nationalizing this important safety technology. Federal requirements for CAV technology should include basic data sets and cellular-connected vehicles should be required to provide AACN. Additional regulations to provide standard safety message data and a service subscription for the life of the vehicle would significantly enhance transportation public safety.
Infrastructure to Responder (I2R)• Connecting responders to information from a
wide array of sources• Civil infrastructure• Vehicles• Sensors• Geospatial data bases
• I2X provides a basis for I2R• V2X provides connectivity to response vehicles
and between vehicles and responders
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Presentation Notes
As U.S. DOT, vehicle manufacturers, technology and app developers, and smart community planners work to support highway automation and enhanced connectivity, opportunities to support responders through I2R applications increase. A digital infrastructure that connects across civil infrastructure systems and vehicles; integrates sensing technology; collects, processes and analyzes data; and communicates directly with responders has enormous implications for situational awareness and responder safety through the delivery of a wide variety of mission-critical information. Infrastructure-to-everything (I2X) includes transportation sensors and communication devices that relay information to vehicles or to servers that can then process and use the information to make decisions in real time or identify trends for future management or planning decisions. I2X data can be direct machine-to-machine (M2M) communications or can be relayed through a network. Wireless sensor networks can be used to monitor the environment and the highway infrastructure. Current technology is largely sensor based, relaying information from roadside units to a vehicle or other receiver. Expansion of the digital infrastructure and the migration to 5G communications provides a much broader view of I2X that includes a range of data sources and data types beyond roadside units. I2X offers an opportunity to provide data from other connected services such as the electric grid, utilities and telecommunications services. Connected cities/communities are looking at opportunities for sharing data that can be packaged into applications for a wide range of users. Connected vehicles are a significant driver in advancing a digital infrastructure. V2X includes connectivity between vehicles and the infrastructure (V2I), vehicles and vehicles (V2V), and vehicles and other connected objects. Research in V2X is looking at the opportunities and needs in all of these areas, including data sharing, data analytics, security, communication and connectivity. Standard message sets are being developed to communicate between vehicles and the infrastructure or other devices. These message sets include, signal phase and timing, signal status, roadside alerts, intersection collision avoidance and other operational messages. V2V safety messages include forward collision warning, do not pass warnings and left turn assistance. These messages can be used by responders to enhance situational awareness and safety on scene and en route. Vehicle manufacturers are pursuing connectivity using short range or broadband connected vehicle (CV) technology. Cellular V2X technology offers a flexible connectivity platform with a range of technical benefits such as longer distances, enhanced reliability and higher data capacity. DSRC is an existing technology supported by current and planned roadside units deployed in dozens of states. Photo: DHS
I2R Opportunities
• Internet of Things (IoT)• Smart Communities• 5G• Mobile Cloud Computing• Edge Computing
Presenter
Presentation Notes
As communication networks, data analytics, integration, and data gathering improve and expand, there are opportunities for developing responder-centric applications to enhance safety on roadway incidents. IoT The internet of things (IoT) includes sensors that are placed in the field to collect specific incident-related information such as traffic, weather, or structural conditions. Additional information can be collected from other connected devices that may include smart city technologies and consumer devices. As more IoT devices are employed in the public (such as personal IoT devices, sensors in and on persons in vehicles), that information can also become available in the response system. Smart communities As more communities take advantage of smart technology, more data will become available that can be used to enhance incident response. This may include the status of utilities in the vicinity of an incident, the location of response personnel and equipment, or infrastructure damage at the scene. By monitoring, analyzing, and sharing this information, smart communities can provide a data source for developing responder-centric applications that share physical infrastructure information with responders. 5G One of the significant opportunities for expanding the digital infrastructure and providing new information sharing capacity lies in the evolution to 5G communications. 5G will allow much larger data streams, video sharing, and multi-functional connectivity for responders in the field. 5G enabled devices – handheld, worn, or in-vehicle – will be able to communicate more actionable information faster. Currently, 5G is being installed in a few initial cities with a national rollout of 5G over the next few years. Once in place, 5G will allow text-to-911 service; live, streaming video and incident photos that can be accessed by responders in the field; access to large data sources; and enhanced communications. Mobile cloud computing Mobile cloud computing uses a combination of mobile computing, cloud computing, and wireless networks and offers the opportunity for data analytics and access to cloud-based data sources such as infrastructure information, traffic data, the status of medical receiving facilities, occupancy data of buildings in the event of an evacuation, and sensor data. Edge computing Mobile edge, or multi-access edge computing (MEC) provides cloud computing capabilities at the edge of a network, including at the edge of a cellular network. It enables processing and analytics to occur closer to users, reduces congestion, and improves application performance. This allows third-party application developers and content providers to use the network, providing an opportunity for responder-focused applications to expand in the MEC distributed computing environment. Third-party applications that support the safety of traffic incident responders can take advantage of MEC to provide mission-critical information more quickly.
Video feed of the scene
Bridge status
Carrier manifest
Scene intrusion
monitoring
Nearby waterways
Available Resources
Source: Mansfield Fire Dept.
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Presentation Notes
This use case looks at the potential information available to responders using I2R applications during a crash on a rural highway. In this scenario, a tractor trailer has hit an overpass on a rural highway, dislocating a bridge pier and bursting into flames. The local PSAP has been alerted by a 9-1-1 call from passers-by. Local fire-rescue has responded to the scene and is using a number of applications to augment its initial windshield survey and response. Given the location of the incident, the condition of the overpass, and potential environmental threats, responders are using I2R applications to determine and mitigate additional safety threats. The PSAP is sending information and data received from other intelligent devices and technology such as traffic, road sensors and weather sensors. Upon arrival, fire/rescue finds a fully involved tractor trailer under an overpass. As the first unit arrives a warning is received on vehicle-mounted and handheld devices that the bridge is structurally compromised. Second-in units are directed to approach the incident from the opposite direction to avoid passing under the overpass. Fire/rescue suppresses the fire and extricates the driver. Due to the extent of injury and the location of the incident in a remote rural area, air evacuation is required to transport the driver to a Level 1 Trauma Center. Geospatial data available to fire/rescue and the ambulance service push information on the closest predetermined landing zone to the PSAP for dispatch of air response. Incident command is able to monitor the scene from a safe distance using a video feed from a camera mounted on the underpass as part of the DOT’s traffic monitoring program. Command accesses data from weather and roadway sensors to determine if weather will impact response or hazardous materials containment, and to consider the number and location of vehicles within a one-mile radius of the scene. This feed comes into the vehicle and handheld devices through a response application that integrates infrastructure sensors and data and delivers actionable information based on the location of responders. The application also provides infrastructure status (including the structural damage to the bridge) and information on traffic on the highway and overpass roadway. Using the application, command creates a geofence around the scene to monitor for vehicle intrusion into the incident work area. Because the incident included fire suppression and a diesel spill, responders are able to use the geospatial data in the application to determine the threat of hazardous materials entering a nearby waterway and take containment actions. To ensure that there are not additional complications or threats from the cargo, responders check the carrier manifest through a portal on the response application.
Location of stormwater
inlets
Available Resources
Location and status of
power lines
Spot weather
Surface conditions
Source: FEMA/Scott E. Schermerhorn
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Presentation Notes
The second use case looks at roadway flooding with multiple vehicles involved and stranded motorists. In this scenario, heavy rains have flooded an urban highway causing fast rising water during the afternoon peak hour. Vehicles unable to avoid the flooded area have become stranded with water continuing to rise. Initial responders confirm the information received by the PSAP that 12 motorists are stranded in their vehicles needing rescue. Accessing their emergency response applications, incident command is able to determine the availability of water rescue equipment and personnel to support the rescue of stranded motorists. Response personnel attempting to wade into the area receive a warning on their body-worn device that there is a stormwater intake nearby, creating a safety risk to responders and motorists who leave their vehicles. Command checks the location and status of power lines in the area to be sure there is not a risk associated with down power lines in the area. Responders receive a warning of increasing rain and rising flood waters from flood sensors in the area. Incoming units and on scene responders receive a warning that temperatures are dropping and roadway sensors indicate that the highway surface is beginning to freeze, creating a hazard for vehicles in route and responders at the scene.
I2R Research and Development Needs
• Hardware• Data Integration• User Needs• User Interface
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Successful integration of I2R technology into daily use on transportation incidents will require ongoing research in hardware, data collection and integration, user interfaces, and most importantly user needs, to determine the most effective way to deliver mission-critical information from the digital infrastructure directly to responders on scene and en route. Hardware Research is needed to determine the best information delivery mechanism – handheld, body-worn, in vehicle – from the digital infrastructure to responders. Each of these three options has advantages and limitations and is more appropriate for different activities associated with incident response, on-scene command and operations activities, and transporting patients from the scene. For example, information appropriate for en route to or from an incident may appropriately be delivered in vehicle while safety alerts or time sensitive situational awareness information needs to be delivered directly to response personnel through handheld or body-worn devices. One of the greatest hardware challenges, particularly for handheld and body-worn devices is in addressing the harsh environmental conditions associated with traffic incidents (temperatures, precipitation, lighting, etc.) and user interface limitations associated with personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, heavy clothing, etc.). Information that needs to be delivered directly to personnel in the field must overcome these challenges to ensure information is delivered effectively. Data integration With increasing data sources from roadway and environmental sensors, smart community networks, geospatial databases, V2I feeds, crowdsourcing and other connected devices, it is important to identify the full range of available data and data sources, determine the availability of data from each potential source, consider sharing restrictions (legal, institutional, structure, platform, etc.) and prioritize sources for integration. Integrating data from the various sources will require an understanding of the disparate data structures, architectures and collection processes to bring together data into valuable and meaningful information. This could include cloud-based collection and analytics or could be accomplished through networking various sources. It will be important to create an open data environment to allow the development of applications that can draw from all of the critical data sources. User needs Identifying what responders need in terms of mission critical, actionable information is essential for developing meaningful user applications. One of the challenges in determining user needs is bridging the gap between what is available now and what is possible. Users may not have a sense of the variety and depth of data currently and potentially available through the digital infrastructure. It is essential to engage the response community in exploring the opportunities available through emerging data sources and expanding communications. Without this interaction, opportunities for life saving applications will be missed and go undeveloped or unused. In addition to understanding user needs and potential applications, it is also important to determine the best delivery mechanism for each type of information based on the role of the user, the time-sensitivity of the information, etc. Perspective on user needs and delivery options must be based on responder experience in order for new technologies and applications to be fully embraced. User Interface User interface is also critical to acceptance and use of I2R technology. Ease of use is essential to ensure that any new devices or applications are more helpful than distracting. An extra second spent trying to access scene information is a second of delay in time-critical response. Responder interfaces must focus on providing essential information in a timely manner without extraneous data that distracts from the task at hand. Applications must avoid information overload and should be developed using artificial intelligence or machine learning to anticipate what information is critical to different users at different points in the response. A consortium of users, network service and data providers, and application developers should be brought together to determine information needs, address technical and institutional barriers, and build support for research and development of I2R devices and applications. TSAG’s member constituencies include academic and research organizations, emergency communications, emergency management, emergency medical services, fire/rescue, law enforcement, technology and telematics, and transportation operations. This broad representation of interests and abilities provides a strong foundation for exploring the challenges and opportunities of I2R to enhance situational awareness and public safety on our nation’s roadways. Responder interface is continually evolving from handheld radios to cell phones, tablets, console computers to body-worn sensors and heads up displays. The interface, network and data technologies must evolve together in a useful way.
Connected Responder
• Improve responder and public safety
• Reduce agency costs (direct and indirect)
• Capitalize on growing commercial and private CV network
• Influence positive change for profession and public
“NHTSA estimates that safety applications enabled
by V2V and V2I could eliminate or mitigate the
severity of up to 80 percent of non-impaired crashes,
including crashes at intersections or while
changing lanes”
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This project developed a comprehensive Connected Responder business case to educate, engage, and inspire crucial Community of Interest (COI) groups to leverage the full potential of Connected Vehicle (CV) technologies. This business case was the product of extensive operational research, technology assessments, subject-matter expert engagements, and collaboration with the Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG). The business case and related project deliverables focused on educating the responder community at all levels and fostering a collaborative Connected Responder Community of Interest to work together to reduce barriers to diffusion and increase the innovative application of Connected Vehicle technology.
Connected Responder Use Case
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Presentation Notes
This slide depicts a potential use case of vehicle-to-vehicle communications involving two safety applications In the first application, the taxi, which is travelling slowly, is communicating a Basic Safety Message (BSM) – speed, location, heading - back to the vehicles behind it that is moving slowly The blue car, which cannot clearly see the taxi ahead due to the green vehicle in front, is approaching a higher speed. It receives a warning message from the taxi that a slow moving vehicle is ahead and that it should slow down. The blue car decides that it will attempt to pass the slower moving vehicles. Because of those vehicles, it cannot clearly see the on-going traffic. As the blue car begins to move across the center line, it’s vehicle communicates with the on-coming police car that there is change of speed and direction (heading) of the blue car. The police car’s OBU determines that the blue car could encroach into the pathway of the police car and issues a warning to the driver via the application interface (AI). Concurrently, the police car communicates with the blue car, and the blue car’s OBU determines that there is a vehicle approaching from the other direction at a distance and speed such that if the blue car entered into the on-coming lane, there could be a collision. The OBU issues a warning regarding the on-coming vehicle to the driver of the blue car via the application interface.
Connected Responder Call to Action
• Opportunities for application are limitless• Become involved in the development of the technologies and
associated standards and specifications• Become a business driver for the vehicle manufacturers to adopt
more quickly• Become early adopters
Presenter
Presentation Notes
So what? This “stuff” really isn’t quite here yet. So what can you do – what should you do now? As the emergency responder community considers how Connected Vehicle technology can extend to the Emergency Response community to create the Connected Responder, the opportunities for the application Connected Vehicle technology and applications are limited only to the extent that the emergency response community does not consider the possibilities and engage in the development and integration of these technologies. The ultimate emergency responder applications of Connected Vehicle technology begin as visions within the emergency responder community. The practitioners within the emergency responder community and their needs and requirements must be the ones who ultimately drive the future development of the technologies and applications, working in collaboration with the solution providers across all three technology environments. What the future holds, how lives will ultimately be saved, and how your operational environment is made safer, is in your hands – if you get involved! Involved in what public safety applications should be developed – and the priority or urgency of those applications Involved in developing standards and specifications, especially considering the potential information systems with which they will interface Involved in pushing motor vehicle manufacturers to move more quickly to adopting the technology and integrating it into their vehicle platforms Agencies need to evaluate the advantages of becoming early adopters – implementing the technology before the manufacturers begin installing it into new vehicle platforms by retrofitting existing agency fleets with aftermarket equipment.
How Can Your Organization Support TSAG Initiatives
• Support research on the benefits of emerging technologies• Test and pilot projects to understand, revise, and advance technology
applications• Get involved in the development of new technologies to improve the
usefulness of the applications• Support financial, regulatory, and legislative changes that advance
technology applications
How Can Your Organization Support TSAG Initiatives (cont)
• Advance and integrate new technologies through education, training, and revised protocols
• Support strategic alliances, partnerships, and institutional frameworks to advance the use of new technology
• Participate in activities to promote and adopt technologies that enhance traveler and responder safety
Visit us at:www.tsag-its.org