ITS Education: Incident Management Assistance Patrols (IMAP)
Incident Management Assistance Patrols (IMAP), classified as part of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), help enable smooth traffic flow by aiding stranded motorists and assisting in incident clearance. The trained NCDOT personnel that operate IMAP can detect and verify incidents, provide temporary traffic control, aid in roadway clearance and assist with disabled vehicles. When you see one of the IMAP trucks, please move over to the next lane if available or reduce speed. Many major urban areas currently have patrols and most medium-sized urban areas are following suit. The success of the IMAP program has resulted in frequent requests for service expansion.
Incident Management Assistance Patrols (IMAP) are often critical in dealing with traffic in urban areas and offer substantial congestion relief benefits. IMAP programs in NC are located in the areas of greatest need and the benefits far exceed the operating costs. Click here to see IMAP in action.
Traveler Benefits
Faster response time to incidents
Reduced delays and congestion
Coordinate emergency personnel and their resources
1. Is an IMAP driver a law enforcement officer?
No, an IMAP driver assists law enforcement officers at the scene of an incident.
2. How do I know that the person assisting me is an official IMAP driver?
IMAP personnel wear uniforms so they can be identified as official NCDOT IMAP personnel. These drivers also carry identification and drive yellow trucks with an IMAP logo on the side.
3. How do I get in touch with IMAP if I am stranded?
If you are stranded in an area that IMAP serves, call *HP and ask for assistance from IMAP personnel.
4. I was stranded and an IMAP driver didn't stop to help?
An IMAP driver may not stop to help a stranded motorist if the IMAP driver was on the way to an incident, such as a vehicle accident.
5. My vehicle was stalled in a lane of traffic and an IMAP driver used a push bumper to move my car to the shoulder, can I get restitution for the damage it caused?
According to the Quick Clearance Law (GS 20-161 Subsection F) NCDOT is not liable for any damage to personal property moved under this law.
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