When arriving at the scene of an accident, leave your vehicle on the side of the road at a safe, visible location to prevent any further accident.
Activate your car’s emergency lights and parking lights to help other traffic predict the approaching danger.
Do not use the main beams, as they may prevent the emergency lights from being seen, particularly in the dark.
High-visibility vests
Remember to consider your own safety when exiting your vehicle. If a high-visibility vest is included in your car’s safety equipment, wear it. You can also enhance your visibility using a torch light if it is dark.
Warning triangle
Take the warning triangle onto a visible spot about 200 to 300 metres from the scene of the accident. The warning triangle is usually found in the trunk of the car. Beware of other traffic when placing the warning triangle.
Car safety equipment and fire hazards
When approaching the accident vehicle, take note of whether its safety equipment has been activated. If any airbags have not been deployed, power down the car. The safest way to do this is reaching through the back seat.
You should beware of any undeployed airbags, because they develop a great deal of force when going off and may cause additional injury to either victim or helper.
Also make not of whether a smell of smoke can be detected around the accident vehicle and evaluate the risk of fire.
Safety checklist:
- Ensure your safety and that of others
- Switch your emergency lights on
- Wear a high-visibility vest
- Take the warning triangle far enough out
- Beware of undeployed airbags
- Make note of fire hazards