What does "clearance time" refer to in Traffic Incident Management (TIM)?

Clearance time in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) specifically refers to the total time taken to remove an incident from the roadway. This includes not only the time it takes to resolve any issues associated with the incident, such as vehicles involved or debris on the road but also the processes involved in responding to the incident, tending to any necessary vehicle recovery, and ensuring that the highway is safe and clear for normal traffic flow to resume.

Understanding clearance time is critical within TIM as it directly impacts traffic flow and safety. A reduction in clearance time can lead to less congestion and a lower risk of secondary incidents occurring due to traffic backups. By focusing on minimizing the clearance time, TIM practitioners aim to enhance overall roadway efficiency and improve public safety.