11/7/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Quick Clearance wreck-removal law improves safety, traffic flow
BOISE - It's not just the crash that can be serious, but also how long it remains on the road.
The Quick Clearance law, adopted in 2005, requires drivers to move obstructions off the road rapidly and safely in the event of a crash. The crash must be moved if it does not cause death or injury, or if the vehicle is not disabled, does not require towing, can operate under its own power and can be safely driven. This allows emergency responders and law enforcement the space to safely do their jobs. It also improves safety and traffic flow.
With wintry weather driving conditions and slick roads imminent, clearing a crash off the road before it leads to tragedy is critical.
Why is it important to clear your crash?
Some collisions, called secondary crashes, occur as the result of another crash. About 20 percent of all crashes are secondary.
"The longer the first crash remains in the roadway, the greater the chance of a secondary crash," explained Captain Brian Zimmerman of the Idaho State Police.
For each minute a crash is not cleared, the chances of a secondary crash increase by about 3 percent. By this measure, each half hour a crash is not cleared almost doubles the chances of another crash.
Protect those who protect you
Sometimes emergency responders or law enforcement officers are victims in these secondary crashes.
Clearing the road following a minor crash and giving emergency responders plenty of room significantly reduces the chance that another collision will occur. By minimizing exposure to passing traffic, it’s also a safety measure for victims or witnesses. For all of these reasons, most states have some version of a Quick Clearance or Move It law.
For every minute a lane is closed, especially an interstate lane, it takes several minutes for traffic to recover and resume flowing freely.
Closed travel lanes cause significant congestion and cost Idaho businesses and employees thousands of dollars in missed work time and productivity. Added business expense is also incurred, as well as an increase in fuel consumption and emissions that reduce air quality.
The law applies primarily to interstates, controlled access and major divided highways, but allows a crash on any highway to be removed if it obstructs traffic flow. Signs along the highway help clarify where the law applies.
"The law will not interfere with law enforcement’s duty to investigate crashes or enforce criminal, traffic or highway laws," Zimmerman said. "Officers have the authority to require removal of vehicles or debris from freeway travel lanes."
Drivers should do this whether or not a law enforcement officer is on the scene. If the officer is present and directs you otherwise, always follow the officer’s instructions.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Incident Response crews assist law enforcement in clearing crash scenes along the busy interstate in the Treasure Valley.
Idaho’s Quick Clearance law was sponsored in the legislative-approval process by ITD and the ISP.