Accidents and incidents

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list your legal duties if you are involved in a crash.
• You can make a crash scene safer without putting yourself in danger.
• You can call 112 or 999 and give clear information.
• You can follow basic first aid priorities until help arrives.
• You can exchange the right details after a damage-only collision.

What you need to know and understand

• If you are involved in a crash causing injury or damage in a public place, you must stop and stay at the scene for a reasonable time.
• You must offer help to anyone who is injured.
• If anyone other than you is injured, the crash must be reported to the Gardaí as soon as possible.
• You must give your details, including name, address, registration number and insurance, to a Garda or to the people involved when asked.
• If damage is to unattended property and nobody is there, report it to a Garda station.
• Emergency services can be reached on 112 or 999.
• Leaving the scene of a crash where someone is injured is a serious offence with heavy penalties.

If you are involved: your legal duties

1. Stop as soon as it is safe.
2. Switch on hazard warning lights and switch off the engine.
3. Check for injuries and offer help. Call 112 or 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked.
4. Stay at or near the scene for a reasonable time.
5. Give your name and address, the vehicle owner's details, the registration number and your insurance details to a Garda, or to the injured person or property owner if they ask.
6. Report the crash to the Gardaí as soon as possible if anyone other than you was injured, even if you have already swapped details.

If you arrive at a crash

• Park safely out of the way, hazard lights on, engine off.
• Make sure you are safe first. Wear a high-visibility vest and watch for traffic.
• Call 112 or 999. Say where you are, how many people are hurt and any dangers such as fuel leaks.
• Warn other traffic if it is safe, using hazard lights or a triangle (never on a motorway).
• Do not let anyone smoke near the scene.
• If a vehicle carrying dangerous goods is involved, keep well back and tell the emergency services about any hazard labels you can see from a distance.

First aid priorities until help arrives

Do not move an injured person unless they are in danger, for example from fire or traffic. Moving them could make neck or back injuries worse. Never remove an injured motorcyclist's helmet. Keep casualties warm with coats or blankets, talk to them calmly and reassure them.

Do not give an injured person anything to eat or drink. If you are trained in first aid, check that they are breathing and deal with serious bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound. Stay with them until the emergency services take over.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump. You must stop and give your details.
• Thinking swapping details is enough when someone is hurt. Report it to the Gardaí too.
• Rushing into live traffic to help. Make yourself safe first.
• Moving an injured person who is not in danger. Wait for trained help.
• Taking off a motorcyclist's helmet. Leave it on.

Test yourself: Accidents and incidents

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• What to Do at the Scene of a Crash in Ireland