Who is authorized to initiate an emergency traffic report?

The Incident Commander (IC) is authorized to initiate an emergency traffic report because they hold the overall responsibility for managing the scene and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the incident. The IC is equipped with the authority and situational awareness necessary to assess the dynamics of the incident quickly. This includes understanding when an emergency traffic situation arises, which is critical for coordinating resources and ensuring that communications are clear and prioritized to maintain operational safety.

In emergency operations, the IC is the designated individual who can evaluate the need for an emergency traffic report, which alerts all responding units and personnel to a high-risk situation, ensuring that they are prepared and can adjust their operations accordingly. This decision-making authority is part of the IC's role in effectively leading and managing the emergency response effort.