Which of the following are considered common traffic incidents?

• A. Pedestrian Violations, Speeding Tickets, Parking Infractions, Lane Changes
• B. Weather Emergencies, Floods, Landslides, Tornado Warnings
• C. Traffic Crashes, Disabled Vehicles, Spilled Cargo, Highway Maintenance
• D. Construction Delays, Bus Detentions, Routine Patrols, Lane Closures

Answer: (C)

Common traffic incidents are events on the roadway that disrupt traffic flow or create hazards and require a response from responders or crash investigators. The items listed—traffic crashes, disabled vehicles, spilled cargo, and highway maintenance—fit this idea because each involves an incident on the road that can impede movement, pose risks, or require immediate action to restore safety and clear the scene. A crash creates debris and potential injuries, a disabled vehicle blocks a lane or shoulder, a spilled cargo hazard can pose chemical or physical dangers, and ongoing highway maintenance introduces workers and equipment into traffic, often with lane reductions and additional risks.

The other groups describe actions or conditions that aren’t incidents themselves. Pedestrian violations, speeding tickets, parking infractions, and routine lane changes are regulatory actions or driver behaviors. Weather emergencies and natural hazards (like floods or tornado warnings) are broader emergencies rather than typical road incidents. Construction delays, bus detentions, routine patrols, and lane closures reflect planned activities or operations rather than incidents that arise on the road.