What takes so long for police officers to clear an accident?
If i am driving down a highway and see an accident there are
3 or 4 squad cars at a fender bender or one car crash, and half of those officers are standing around chatting, and while this is happening, traffic is stacking up. Could you please explain to me why this is? Why does it take so long to clear, and why so many officers to do a scene? I could understand if it was a fatality, but 99% aren't.
2007-07-23 04:31:22 · 12 answers · asked by penny c 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Jamzoozi....personally, I prefer bagels not donuts! And...it doesn't matter if I'm investigating a traffic accident, writing tickets, or helping a stranded motorist...I get the same hours and pay! By the way...I'm NOT one of those who gave you a "thumbs down."
It's sad to see how many Monday morning quarterbacks are able to evaluate an accident scene without having the expertise.
Just from your comment "...on a highway..." it appears this roadway was a heavily traveled road which traffic will back up extremely quickly with speeds of 50mph or higher. Then you have to consider the "rubberneckers" who on both sides of the highway want to slow traffic down just so they can look also! Yeah...blood gore and guts is what they want! Those types are sick people!
Lets not forget the collateral collisions associated with the "rubberneckers."
Just because you don't see major damages doesn't mean somebody wasn't injured. Officers are not professional doctors or medics therefore they conduct immediate first aid only and assist when the medics arrive. With the possibility of neck or spinal injury...I suppose we still need to hurry up so you can make your trip to the mall at the expense of the injured.
What lacks in many of the responses I've read here is the kindness and understanding of human beings. What I see are surley responses about "donut eaters" and "rush hour lunatics" who won't tolerate other drivers going the speed limit because they get in the way.
Why five police cars? Because when the call first comes in to the dispatcher...the only information is "auto accident on the highway." Those few words could mean anything from one vehicle to numerous vehicles. Lets not leave out how more emergency lighting makes for clearer visibility so some reckless moron texting his friend while driving doesn't run in to the cars ahead of them!
Be glad your local law enforcement agency showed up in force to help someone in need. When your day comes....maybe you'll get the same care and concern!
2007-07-23 05:09:33 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
In most cases, an accident on the highway has more to do with safety for everyone traveling that roadway than officers chattin ' about the next donut shop. This typically includes the parties to the accident, the officers providing safety during the investigation and the other motorists traveling in both directions while this all takes place. This kind of action may seem excessive to the average citizen but more often than not it's necessary.
That is not so say that some responding officers don't make more of it than is there because I know it happens. Keep in mind the safety of all parties when traveling on an expressway. Have you ever seen a wayward motorist plow into the police, the parties to the crash or other motorists on the roadway while an accident investigation is on-going? That happens more frequently than you might think but one would be too many. Be a little bit more open minded the next time you see a traffic crash. Without an off site location to allow drivable vehicles and non-injured parties to relocate to, the responding officers, involved parties and all others on the roadway at that time are at risk.
2007-07-23 05:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree sometimes that the officers on the scene should make a better effort to make sure the traffic is moved as soon as possible to keep from more accidents occuring. If you have not been at an accident scene doing the paperwork and all the other things that are needed to clear the area you can't understand that it is time consuming, plus if you were the person involved in the accident I'am sure you would want the best possible service you could get.
2007-07-23 05:37:49 · answer #3 · answered by binwill233 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they have to look at everything from every angle, take pictures, get the tow truck down there to take it to the nearest accident investigation facility, make sure nothing is left behind that could be a hazard, and probably try to determine how everything happened before the wreck is towed away, considering it's easier than going off photographs. They also have to get statements from the people involved and possible witnesses.
Also, as to why there are so many cops there, they may have needed someone with more experience at investigating accidents, because the first responding officer didn't have experience. Also they need an extra unit to help direct traffic, while the others handle the wreck.
2007-07-23 04:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
To add to what "KC V" said...with the multiple cars at an accident scene...you may have just come upon the accident. All the cars are there to make sure their assistance can be used. I have many-a-time responded to the scene of an accident when not dispatched to see if they could use my help when the rest of the city is "quiet." Other officers like it when you look out for them...whether it is to direct traffic, take measurements, or statements from witness and participants.
2007-07-23 05:40:18 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Police officers don't clear cars off the road. Tow trucks do.
Tow trucks take between half an hour and an hour to respond to accident calls.
Yes, there is investigation involved, but 95% of that can be conducted off the road. Most tow truck drivers are at home or in a remote location when they are requested to clear an accident...not right around the corner. Even the most motivated of tow drivers won't get to an accident in under 15 minutes.
2007-07-23 05:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by David V 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I know in NYC you never see that though just one accident can cause plenty of traffic delays. You will have 1 RMP at a bumper to bumper. I assume it is protocol to have X amount of people at the scene since their is paper work, traffic control, etc.
Another thing to think of is all the drivers passing the scene slowing to a snails pace just so they can all view this little nothing of an accident. If people would just roll past as if it were some closed lane for construction that would cut the traffic delay in half.
2007-07-23 05:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by Dryblood 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The accident has to be investigated. Information has to be obtained, and believe me, there is a lot. Any medical assistance must be rendered if necessary. Traffic must be controlled at the scene, and also at another location to prevent a more dangerous situation. Relocation of the vehicle must be handled. Some of the Officers are most likely assisting one way or another, or just stopping by to see what's going on. Either way, there is a lot to handle in a traffic crash investigation.
2007-07-23 04:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most of the above listed answers, but you should sign up for a "ride-a-long" with your local police/highway patrol department and ask for the traffic department. Spend a few hours going to these types of calls and see for yourself what is involved in a accident investigation.
2007-07-23 05:05:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
THE RESPONSES ARE TRUE, THERE IS ALOT INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION, BUT TO ADD I KNOW OF ALOT OF OFFICERS THAT HAVE BEEN RUN OVER OR KILLED DOING A TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION BECAUSE OF THE OTHER DRIVERS NOT PAYING ATTENTION, THAT'S WHY THERE'S OTHER OFFICERS ON SCENE TO WATCH EACH OTHERS BACK
2007-07-23 08:00:48 · answer #10 · answered by grumpyruiz 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋