What is the number one safety concern at roadway incidents?

• A. Being struck by other traffic
• B. Fire
• C. Hazardous material release
• D. Crowd control

Answer: (A)

At roadway incidents, the most immediate and universal danger is being struck by passing traffic. Vehicles moving through or near the scene create a constant, dynamic threat to responders, victims, and bystanders because drivers may be distracted, speeding, or have limited ability to react in time. Because of that, the primary safety focus is protecting people from being hit by vehicles: establishing a safe work zone, using traffic control and barriers, positioning emergency vehicles to shield the scene, and wearing high-visibility gear. Fire, hazardous material release, and crowd control are serious concerns that depend on the specific incident, but they become manageable only after the risk of being struck by traffic is mitigated.