Operating Procedures for Roadway Incidents

Question 1

refers to the act of merging several lanes of moving traffic into fewer moving lanes.

Answer 1

Taper (120’)

Question 2

the area at a vehicle-related roadway incident shielded by the
block. This space is also commonly referred to as the work area, which is the prevalent termused in this manual.

Answer 2

Incident space

Question 3

the distance between moving traffic and the personnel and
vehicles in the protected work area.

Answer 3

Buffer space (80 ft)

Question 4

positioning a fire department apparatus at an angle to traffic lanes,
creating a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area.

Answer 4

Block

Question 5

involves the roadway lanes where approaching motorists
change their speed and position to comply with traffic control measures established at an incidentscene.

Answer 5

Transition zone

Question 6

also known as incident space and refers to the area at a vehicle-related
roadway incident shielded by the block.

Answer 6

work area

Question 7

Emergency response to incidents on limited-access highways should include at least

Answer 7

One unit traveling in each direction

Question 8

When units respond together in the same direction, they should remain

Answer 8

in single file

Question 9

Vehicle operators should only use designated median strip crossovers marked “AUTHORIZEDVEHICLES ONLY” when

Answer 9

they can complete the turn without obstructing the flow of traffic in
either direction or when all traffic movement has stopped.

Question 10

Taper distance

Answer 10

120’

Question 11

Buffer space distance

Answer 11

80’

Question 12

The primary objectives for any roadway incident

Answer 12

▪ Establish a safe operating area (i.e., work area) to prevent emergency worker injuries.
▪ Provide emergency care and transportation for the sick or injured.
▪ Establish a water supply.
▪ Protect the environment.
▪ Restore normal traffic flow.
▪ Keep as many traffic lanes open as possible.
▪ Preserve evidence for investigators.
▪ Use the Incident Command Systems to manage resources.

Question 13

refers to the direction of traffic approaching the incident scene.

Answer 13

Upstream

Question 14

The use of U-turn access points between Jersey barriers presents an extreme hazard and should occur only when necessary for

Answer 14

Immediate life saving measures

Question 15

Inside travel lane

Answer 15

lane 1

Question 16

Multiple EMS units on a roadway incident should position:

Answer 16

diagonally in the protected area for rapid egress

Question 17

When exiting their apparatus, personnel should perform the following tasks:

Answer 17

1. Don appropriate protective clothing or traffic vests.
2. Ensure adjacent traffic has stopped or slowed.
3. Exit on the work-area side of the apparatus, if possible.
4. Ensure their travel path is clear of debris or other hazardous obstacles.

Question 18

LCES acronym stands for

Answer 18

Lookouts
Communications
Escape Routes
Safety Zones

Question 19

Emergency warning lights may be turned off when all three of the following conditions occur:

Answer 19

daylight hours,
all involved vehicles and emergency vehicles have been moved out of traffic lanes onto the highway shoulder,
traffic is congested and passing slowly.

Question 20

When emergency warning lights are turned off, ________ must be activated

Answer 20

emergency flashers

Question 21

The amount of time required for the human eye to recover from the effects of glare once lights passes through the eye

Answer 21

Glare recovery time

Question 22

When the eye moves from light to dark, vision recovery takes ______ seconds

Answer 22

6

Question 23

When moving from dark to light, vision recovery takes ______ seconds

Answer 23

3

Question 24

At ____ mph, a vehicle travels approximately _____ ft per second

Answer 24

50mph, 75ft

Question 25

After experiencing glare, a vehicle driver will travel _____ft in the____seconds it takes for them to fully regain their night vision

Answer 25

450ft, 6 seconds

Question 26

Studies have show that at a distance of ______ car lengths, oncoming vehicle headlights complete blind the opposing driver.

Answer 26

2.5

Question 27

Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be less than 30 min with
no lane blockage or with minor lane blockage.

Answer 27

minor / level 1

Question 28

Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be 30 min to 2 hr with
lane blockages but not full roadway closure.

Answer 28

intermediate / level 2

Question 29

Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be more than 2 hr, OR
the roadway is closed in any single direction; significant area-wide
congestion is expected.

Answer 29

major / level 3

Question 30

What allows agencies with jurisdictional authority or functional responsibility for the incident jointly provide management direction to an incident?

Answer 30

Unified command

Question 31

What helps to watch for dangers and provide warnings on the roadway?

Answer 31

Assigning a lookout or spotter.

Question 32

What should responders do to avoid distracted drivers?

Answer 32

Never turn your back to traffic. Face traffic and remain alert at all times.

Question 33

Responder should have an ___ to get out of the way of our drivers?

Answer 33

escape plan

Question 34

When can access/egress ramps be used in the opposite direction of travel?

Answer 34

When the officer can confirm that the oncoming traffic is stopped

Question 35

When can crews cross over lanes of traffic on foot?

Answer 35

Only when the roadway is completely shut down

Question 36

Who’s responsibility is proper spotting and placement of apparatus?

Answer 36

Driver and officer

Question 37

As soon as the first unit arrives on scene, the officer shall advise the communication center of what?

Answer 37

The proper location using terms such as north, east, south, West directional references and noting whether an incident is prior to or after a landmark, such as an exit.

Question 38

How close should the blocking engine be to the roadway incident?

Answer 38

Close enough to provide a hose line for protection but far enough to allow room for other units to operate.

Question 39

How should the blocking engine be positioned on a Roadway Incident?

Answer 39

At an angle to lanes, with the pump panel toward the work area to protect pump operator in front wheels rotated away from the incident. Known as the ‘fend off’ position.

Question 40

At intersections or incidents with two or more sides that need to be protected, how should blocking be prioritized?

Answer 40

For most critical to least critical.

Question 41

How far should blocking apparatus be placed behind the first operating unit?

Answer 41

At least 50 feet to create a safe working area. Page 10

Question 42

Channeling traffic around a curve, hill or ramp, where should the first cone/flare be placed?

Answer 42

Placed prior to the hill or curve.

Question 43

As the human eye adapts to thedark, the color ______ blends into nighttime surroundings and becomes more difficult to see.

Answer 43

Red

Question 44

What is the best combination of lights for maximum night visibility?

Answer 44

Red warning lights on.
Headlights off.
Fog lights off.
Pump panel lights on.
Spotlights on rear and front arms and directed to a traffic cone.
Traffic directional boards operating.

Question 45

One minute of stopped traffic causes a _______ minute delay in travel?

Answer 45

4
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