In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-95 means "Traffic Accident", "Vehicle Collision", or "Crash Reported". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or emergency personnel to report motor vehicle accidents, ensuring rapid response, coordination of units, and public safety management at the scene.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, unit 7, 10-95 at Elm Street and 5th Avenue, two vehicles involved, no injuries reported."
- Dispatch: "10-4, unit 7 noted, traffic control units en route, EMS standing by."
In this exchange, the officer communicates that a traffic collision has occurred. Using 10-95 ensures dispatch can coordinate response, notify emergency medical services, and manage traffic flow around the accident scene efficiently.
Operational Purpose
10-95 is essential for maintaining public safety and minimizing hazards associated with vehicle accidents. Prompt reporting allows law enforcement and emergency personnel to secure the scene, provide medical assistance if necessary, investigate the cause, and restore normal traffic flow.
This code is commonly used in situations such as:
- Minor fender-benders or multi-vehicle collisions
- Accidents involving injuries or fatalities
- Hazardous material spills or debris resulting from a crash
- Traffic congestion caused by blocked lanes or intersections
Officer Safety And Coordination
Declaring 10-95 ensures dispatch, responding units, and EMS are aware of the incident. Officers may report location with 10-20, acknowledge instructions with 10-4, request additional support with 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Coordinated communication reduces risk, facilitates investigation, and ensures timely medical attention if needed.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies differentiate between minor accidents, injury collisions, and major traffic incidents. Local procedures may define documentation, traffic control measures, and reporting requirements for 10-95 incidents, including citations, insurance exchange protocols, and roadway clearance.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-95 with phrases such as:
- "Traffic accident reported at location, units respond."
- "Vehicle collision, secure scene and provide assistance."
- "Crash reported, manage traffic and request EMS if needed."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-95 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-74 (assist/backup requested), and 10-76 (en route/responding). Together, these codes ensure coordinated, safe, and effective traffic accident response.