In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-75 means "Traffic Hazard" or "Road Hazard Report". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to report unsafe conditions on roadways, such as debris, accidents, stalled vehicles, flooding, or other obstacles that could pose a risk to motorists or impede traffic flow.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-75 at Highway 45, northbound lane blocked by fallen tree."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 12 en route to manage traffic and clear hazard."
In this exchange, the officer notifies dispatch of a roadway hazard. Using 10-75 ensures timely response to prevent accidents, maintain traffic flow, and coordinate any necessary emergency or maintenance units.
Operational Purpose
10-75 is critical for public safety and traffic management. Prompt reporting allows dispatch to deploy traffic control measures, reroute vehicles, notify emergency services, and address hazards before they result in collisions or injuries.
This code is commonly used for:
- Debris on highways or streets
- Stalled or disabled vehicles
- Flooded roads or washed-out areas
- Accident scenes requiring traffic control
- Obstructions such as downed power lines or fallen trees
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-75 ensures that officers, dispatch, and other units maintain situational awareness. Responding units may report location using 10-20, acknowledge the report with 10-4, or update status with 10-6. Coordination helps reduce accidents, protect responders, and efficiently manage roadway hazards.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies may differentiate between minor and major hazards, assigning priority levels or requiring additional units for traffic control. Local protocols may define when to use 10-75, the information required in the report, and the appropriate follow-up actions.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-75 with phrases such as:
- "Traffic hazard reported."
- "Road blockage or obstruction at location."
- "Accident or roadway danger requires response."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-75 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-76 (en route). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and effective traffic hazard management.