What must be true for a situation to be classified as unstabilized?

For a situation to be classified as unstabilized, it is essential that the incident originated or occurred on a trafficway. This is because trafficways, which include roads and highways, are dynamic environments where vehicles are in motion and may create unpredictable hazards. An unstabilized situation is typically characterized by the potential for further incident or injury due to ongoing traffic, the presence of moving vehicles, or the inability to control the scene effectively.

In contrast, injuries occurring off the trafficway, incidents in secured areas, or those involving only parked vehicles tend to create more stable circumstances, as they do not include the variable dangers associated with active traffic environments. Thus, the classification as unstabilized relies significantly on the nature of activity and hazards present on the trafficway itself.