What is the primary purpose of advance warning at a roadway incident?

The primary purpose of advance warning at a roadway incident is to alert motorists of a potential hazard. This advance warning is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. By providing motorists with timely information about possible dangers ahead, such as a traffic incident, they are given the opportunity to slow down, prepare for problems, and make informed decisions about their route. This warning plays a key role in preventing secondary incidents and protecting both responders and drivers by allowing everyone to react appropriately to the situation on the roadway.

While increasing traffic flow and providing information on detours are important aspects of traffic management, these objectives stem from the initial need to ensure that drivers are aware of hazards well in advance. Directing traffic away from the incident is a related but secondary goal that comes into play after motorists have been warned about the potential dangers. Thus, alerting drivers of hazards stands as the foundational purpose of advance warning.