What is the rule of thumb when using block positioning?

The concept of block positioning is crucial for ensuring the safety of responders at traffic incident scenes. The correct guideline is to position blocking vehicles strategically to create a safe working area. The approach that involves "Lane + 1, with the shoulder counting as a lane" provides a practical and effective way to establish safe distances from the ongoing traffic.

This method suggests that for each lane of traffic that is present, you should add one additional lane of space to ensure adequate protection. Since the shoulder also functions as a safety buffer, it is counted as an additional lane. By following this guideline, responders can minimize risk and create a safe zone that protects both the emergency personnel on site and the traveling public. It reduces the likelihood of secondary incidents, which can occur if vehicles are too close to the moving traffic.

In contrast, other options might not provide the same level of safety or might not be practical depending on the specific roadway conditions. For instance, parking vehicles two lanes away or relying solely on the severity of the incident without a consistent framework might lead to inconsistencies and unsafe situations on the road.