What are "secondary incidents" in the context of TIM?

Secondary incidents refer to accidents or events that occur as a direct consequence of an initial traffic incident. In the context of Traffic Incident Management (TIM), these secondary incidents can happen due to factors such as drivers not paying attention, rubbernecking, or sudden stops caused by the presence of the original incident on the roadway. They often exacerbate the already hazardous conditions created by the initial incident, leading to increased congestion, delays, and potentially more injuries or damages.

Understanding secondary incidents is crucial for effective TIM strategies, as addressing the primary incident alone is not sufficient. Agencies and responders must consider potential secondary impacts when planning and executing their response to an initial traffic incident, facilitating better overall traffic flow and safety on the roadways. This insight emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach in managing traffic incidents to minimize the risk of additional accidents.