Question

You are requested out to County Road 93 for a vehicle collision at a rural area known for serious crashes. After driving with lights and sirens for nearly 20 minutes to reach the scene, you arrive at the intersection at the east end of the county. As you pull up, you see two pickup trucks crushed into a mass of twisted, smoking metal. A sheriff's deputy is shouting and waving you over to the passenger side door of one of the demolished trucks. You quickly look down all four roads leading to the scene and note that they are deserted as far as you can see. How would you ensure the proper control of traffic around this scene?

Select one:
A. Put out flares in a pattern that leads other vehicles safely around the involved vehicles.
B. Because the roads were deserted when you arrived, it is not a priority.
C. Ask the law enforcement officer to control any traffic.
D. Pull completely off the roadway and leave your red emergency lights flashing.

Answer 1

To effectively control traffic around a crash on County Road 93, flares should be used to direct oncoming traffic around the accident scene, notwithstanding the apparent absence of vehicles. Coordination with law enforcement is also critical to managing traffic and preventing further incidents.

Step-by-step explanation:

Controlling Traffic at an Accident Scene

To ensure the proper control of traffic around the scene of a vehicle collision on County Road 93, the best approach would be to put out flares in a pattern that leads other vehicles safely around the involved vehicles (Option A). Even if the roads appear deserted, it's essential to prepare for the possibility of oncoming traffic that could be approaching the intersection. Leaving the scene unmarked could result in further accidents, especially if other drivers do not see the accident in time to stop or navigate around it safely. Working with law enforcement, such as the sheriff's deputy, to ensure traffic control can also be beneficial as they have the authority to redirect traffic and secure the intersection.

Thus, the most appropriate action would be a combination of putting out flares to alert oncoming drivers and working with law enforcement to manage the traffic effectively. While being off the roadway with emergency lights flashing is important for safety, it does not by itself ensure the controlled flow of vehicles past the accident scene. It should be used in conjunction with other traffic control measures.