What does "Zero Buffer" refer to in traffic incident management?

"Zero Buffer" in traffic incident management refers to the limited space between vehicles involved in an incident and the active lanes of traffic. This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimal distance to ensure that responding units have adequate space to operate safely without interfering with the flow of traffic. A zero buffer can increase the risk of secondary accidents, as it reduces the safety margin for emergency personnel and vehicles working on the scene, ultimately compromising the safety of both responders and motorists.

This approach underscores the necessity for vehicle positioning, scene management, and the appropriate use of traffic control measures to ensure that responders can operate effectively while protecting themselves from the hazards of surrounding traffic. Implementing a zero buffer policy encourages heightened awareness and vigilance among all road users during incident response scenarios, ensuring that incidents are managed as safely and efficiently as possible.