PHOENIX – If you’re involved in a freeway fender bender, the
misconception that it’s best to stay put can leave you in danger, create
hazardous slowing and lane changes for all drivers, and increase risks for
emergency responders.
That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona
Department of Public Safety need you to know about the practice of Quick
Clearance, in which drivers involved in minor crashes that don’t involve
injuries get their vehicles out of travel lanes as soon as it’s safe to do
so.
No one wants to be in this situation, but with a vehicle crash
occurring almost every five minutes in Arizona, everyone should know how best
to stay safe following a minor, non-injury collision.
Reasons for practicing Quick Clearance begin with a state law that
requires a driver involved in a minor crash without injuries to remove a
vehicle from the roadway if it is operable and can be moved safely. Doing this
is safer for drivers involved in the crash, fellow motorists and emergency
responders.
“Many drivers have been taught not to move their vehicles until
law enforcement arrives on scene, but that is not correct,” said DPS Sgt. John
Paul Cartier. “Every traffic incident management principle confirms drivers can
greatly impact safety, reduce congestion and reduce secondary collisions.
Drivers who comply with Quick Clearance state law make a positive difference in
many lives.”
Quickly moving your vehicle out of travel lanes provides a safer
environment to inspect your car for damage. Moving your vehicle to the
emergency shoulder, median or exiting the highway also provides a safer
environment for first responders and keeps travel lanes clear for other
vehicles, reducing the chance of a secondary collision. Of the 29 DPS troopers
killed in the line of duty, 11 were struck and killed in secondary crashes on
state highways.
ADOT and DPS are promoting Quick Clearance as part of a nationwide
effort among transportation, law enforcement and other first responder agencies
and organizations as part of National Traffic Incident Management Week (Nov.
13-19). On Wednesday and Thursday, many overhead highway signs statewide will
display the following message:
FENDER BENDER?
SAVE YOUR REAR
AND QUICKLY
CLEAR
If you are involved in a crash, the first action to take is to
make sure you and occupants in your vehicle are OK. Then, if your vehicle is
operable, move to the emergency shoulder, median or exit the highway and call
911. Stay out of travel lanes, be alert and watch approaching traffic.
Remember: Never leave the scene of a crash.
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