An effective and increasingly common solution to detecting and clearing incidents is the implementation of a freeway service patrol. The objectives of service patrols are to locate incidents, minimize incident duration, restore full capacity to the facility, and reduce the risks to motorists and patrol personnel. Service patrols are typically capable of clearing minor incidents alone. In major incidents, the role of the service patrol includes assessing the response and emergency personnel needed in clearing vehicles or debris, as well as directing traffic and providing a buffer between workers and traffic. By clearing incidents in a timely manner, service patrols reduce delay, congestion, wasted fuel, emissions, and the potential for secondary accidents to occur.