Accidents and incidents

By the end of this topic you can

• You can make the scene of an incident safer for yourself and others.
• You can call 999 or 112 and give a clear location and details.
• You can explain the basic first aid steps from the Highway Code.
• You can explain your legal duties after a collision.
• You can pass an incident on the road safely without causing another one.

What you need to know and understand

• If you are involved in a collision that causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, you MUST stop (Highway Code rule 286).
• You MUST give your name and address, the vehicle owner's name and address and the registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking (rule 286).
• If you do not give your name and address at the time, report the collision to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours (rule 286).
• If someone is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time, you MUST report to the police within 24 hours and produce the certificate within seven days (rule 287).
• Do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger, and do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so (rule 283).
• Call the emergency services on 999 or 112 (Highway Code annex 7).
• When passing an incident, keep your attention on the road ahead and do not slow down unnecessarily (rule 282).

At the scene: first steps

Your own safety comes first. A second collision can make things much worse.

1. Stop in a place of relative safety if you can, and switch on your hazard warning lights.
2. Put on high-visibility clothing if you have it.
3. Ask drivers to switch off their engines and ask people to stop smoking.
4. Call 999 or 112. Give the exact location, including the direction of travel on a main road, the number of vehicles and any casualties.
5. Move uninjured people away from the vehicles to a safer place.
6. Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive, and be ready to give your details.

Basic first aid from the Highway Code

The Highway Code gives general guidance for people without first aid training, using the letters D R A B C. It is only a temporary measure until help arrives, and proper first aid training is strongly recommended.

• D for Danger: check it is safe to approach.
• R for Response: gently shake the casualty's shoulders and ask loudly if they are all right.
• A for Airway: if there is no response, open the airway by lifting the chin forward.
• B for Breathing: check for normal breathing. If there is none, start CPR and keep going until help takes over.
• C for Circulation: check for bleeding and apply firm pressure over a wound, unless something is stuck in it.

Your legal duties and exchanging details

Even in a minor bump, you must stop if there is damage or injury to another person, vehicle, animal or property. Exchange names, addresses and registration numbers, and note the time, place, weather, witnesses and what happened. Photos of the scene can help if it is safe to take them.

Leaving the scene without stopping or failing to report when required is a serious offence. You should also tell your insurer.

Passing an incident

If you see flashing lights ahead, slow down and be ready to change lane or stop. Follow any directions from police or traffic officers (rule 281). Do not stare at the scene or slow down to look if the incident is on the other carriageway, as this can cause further collisions and congestion.

Common mistakes

• Rushing to help without making the scene safe. Hazard lights and your own safety first.
• Moving injured people unnecessarily. Leave them unless they are in immediate danger.
• Driving away after a minor bump without exchanging details. You must stop.
• Slowing down to look at an incident. Keep your eyes on the road.

Test yourself: Accidents and incidents

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

Go deeper

• After a Car Accident in the UK
• First Aid on the Road