How should conflicting travel directions from witnesses at a 400-series scene be handled?

• A. Pick the direction from the most vocal witness and ignore others.
• B. Record only one direction and leave others out.
• C. Verify with dispatch, seek additional witnesses, and record all directions accurately.
• D. Assume directions are incorrect and proceed without them.

Answer: (C)

When witnesses provide conflicting travel directions at a 400-series scene, you gather and confirm information rather than choosing one account. Start by checking with dispatch to see if there are real-time updates, road closures, detours, or known hazards that could explain why accounts differ. Then look for additional witnesses who may have observed the scene from different angles or times and can corroborate or clarify what happened. As you collect information, record every direction exactly as given, noting who said it and when, and clearly mark any contradictions. This preserves a complete, defensible record for the investigation and for coordinating safety or traffic control at the scene. If a direction seems uncertain, re-question witnesses to clarify and rely on objective cues from the scene—signs, lane configurations, landmarks—to help determine plausibility. If necessary, bring the question to a supervisor to decide the best course of action.