Which of the following is a primary impact of traffic incidents?

The primary impact of traffic incidents is congestion and delay. When an accident or other disruption occurs on the roadway, it can lead to significant interruptions in the flow of traffic. Vehicles may need to slow down to navigate around the incident, or detours may need to be established, which can create backlogs and longer travel times for countless motorists. This not only affects those directly involved in the incident but also impacts other drivers in the vicinity.

In busy urban areas, even minor disruptions can lead to widespread delays, affecting daily commutes, emergency response times, and ultimately the overall efficiency of the transportation network. Understanding this impact is essential for law enforcement and traffic management officials, as addressing congestion can help improve road safety and travel efficiency for all users.