Incident response is the activation of a planned strategy for the safe and rapid deployment of the appropriate personnel and equipment to the incident scene. Preplanning is required to assure that adequate communication, coordination and cooperation exist among all response agencies.

Incidents such as traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, spilled cargo, adverse weather conditions, rubbernecking, etc. are unpredictable; however, timely and safe resolution of the incident and restoration of traffic to full capacity is necessary.