In a Back of Queue Management scenario, what is the role of the responder vehicle?

In a Back of Queue Management scenario, the responder vehicle plays a crucial role in helping to slow motorists who are approaching the incident scene. This is vital for maintaining safety for both the responders on scene and the drivers in the vicinity. By strategically positioning the responder vehicle, it can act as a buffer, effectively reducing the speed of traffic as it approaches the queue formed due to the incident. This proactive measure helps to prevent secondary collisions, which are more likely to occur if vehicles approach the queue at higher speeds.

Additionally, slowing down approaching traffic allows for better management of the incident response, ensuring that emergency personnel can operate more safely and efficiently. The visibility of the responder vehicle, often equipped with emergency lights and signage, also serves as a clear warning to motorists, further reinforcing the need to reduce speed. Such measures are essential in traffic incident management to enhance overall safety and facilitate a smoother clearing process of the incident scene.