Highway accidents represent approximately 10-15 percent of the incidents occurring along urban freeways. Millions of dollars and resources are wasted each year due to delay and congestion associated with highway accidents. For transportation agencies, alternative approaches are being used which reduce the delay impacts associated with handling heghway accidents. These means include the incorporation of key policies or regulations related to the handling of vehicles under accident conditions such as: "quick clearnce", "hold harmless", abandoned vehicle limitations, restrictons on usage of flashing lights on emergency vehicles, requirements for drivers staying with incapacitated vehicle, and "death certification" regulations. Technology improvements are also providng significnat savings in hastening the accident investigation process. these improvements include:"total station surveying" and more versatile computerized equipment to record and report traffic accident data. In addition, the implementation of accident investigation sites off the shoulders or along freeway ramps or frontage roads has aided in speedign up field ivnestigation time and minimizing delays associated with highway accidents. The effect of these policies, procedures, and improvements is to open up the highway to pre-incident conditiosn as soon as possible, thereby significantly decreasing delays to the traffic stream and saving motorists milions of dollars each year.
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