What is Detection in TIM?

• A. The dispatch of responders to the scene
• B. The discovery of an incident is the first step in the TIM process.
• C. The measurement of traffic volumes
• D. The issuance of a citation

Answer: (B)

Detection in TIM is recognizing that something is wrong on the roadway—the moment an incident becomes known and triggers the Traffic Incident Management process. This start is what gets responders alerted and the incident response rolling. Detection can come from motorists reporting an event, automated sensors or cameras flagging unusual congestion, or responders on scene noting hazards. After detection, responders are dispatched to the scene, which is a separate step in TIM. Measuring traffic volumes or issuing citations aren’t part of detecting an incident; they pertain to data collection or enforcement and occur outside the detection step.