What should be avoided to maintain safety in the Lateral Buffer Space?

Maintaining a safe Lateral Buffer Space is critical for ensuring safety during roadway incidents. By leaving the lane partially closed, there could be a risk of a vehicle unintentionally driving into the area designated for the buffer space. This area is meant to provide a safety zone between the responding personnel and oncoming traffic. When the lane is not fully closed, it reduces the effectiveness of this buffer, as vehicles may encroach on this space, endangering those working on the scene.

A fully closed lane better protects responders and reduces the potential for accidents. Other measures, such as positioning emergency vehicles strategically, using flares at night, and marking the area with cones, are all intended to enhance visibility and create safer conditions; they do not diminish the safety provided by a properly closed lane. Therefore, not closing the lane fully is a significant concern in maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved in the incident response.