What to do at an accident scene
Do you know what to do if you are involved in a collision? You could be involved in a collision at any time and it is best to know what you should and should not be doing. ER24
What to do at an accident scene
Do you know what to do if you are involved in a collision? You could be involved in a collision at any time and it is best to know what you should and should not be doing. ER24 urges people to be prepared. Below are some tips to help you should you encounter a road-related incident.
- If you are involved in a collision, stop the vehicle (in cases where you are uninjured or have sustained minor injuries and assuming that the vehicle is still in working order in cases of bumper bashings etc).
- Do not leave/flee the scene. Get your vehicle to a safe area on the side of the road if possible to avoid further possible incidents.
- Give your name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle where necessary as well as the registration number and your driver’s licence details where required to do so. Report the incident at a police station within 24 hours.
- While on the scene of a collision, try to stay calm. Assess the situation to determine the best way to handle it. Make use of hazard lights and an emergency triangle to alert passing motorists. There are instances where secondary collisions occur. Hence, you should ensure scene safety. Assess traffic flow and determine if it poses a danger to anyone including those involved in the collision or others around.
- Ascertain the nature or extent of the incident – Is everyone who was travelling in your vehicle accounted for (people could have been ejected from the vehicle for example)? Are people who were travelling in the vehicle you were in injured? Are people in other vehicles involved in the collision injured? Are people trapped in vehicles? Is there a fire? Are patients lying on the road?
- Call