What does 'fend in' mean in the context of positioning at an RTC?

The term 'fend in' in the context of positioning at a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) refers to the action of moving vehicles towards the hard shoulder. This maneuver serves multiple purposes, primarily focusing on safety and traffic management. When emergency responders 'fend in' vehicles, they help to clear the roadway for incoming emergency vehicles and minimize further risk of collision. It allows for better access for ambulances and other first responders, ensuring they can reach the scene of the incident efficiently. Additionally, positioning vehicles towards the hard shoulder reduces the likelihood of obstruction for other vehicles traveling on the road.

Other options do not accurately capture this meaning. For instance, sending traffic to other lanes does not directly relate to the positioning of vehicles at an RTC, nor does parking in line with the RTC help manage the scene effectively. Blocking other vehicles from entering, while it may seem relevant, does not address the more proactive approach of clearing the road to facilitate traffic flow and ensure safety, which is the primary goal of fending vehicles into the hard shoulder.