Be prepared: protocol and tips for road accidents

With the number of vehicles and people on the road, accidents are a real risk when driving.

The best you can do is to drive cautiously, expect the unexpected, and be prepared in case you witness or are involved in an accident.

Tips for dealing with road accidents:

Stop as soon as you safely can

Put your hazard lights on, and place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the accident area.

Promptly assess the scene and check for any injuries, not only on yourself but also any other drivers or passengers involved.

Call emergency services, specifically the police, an ambulance, or the fire brigade if needed (see emergency numbers list).

If possible, try to move injured parties to safety. However, be careful when doing this or administering first aid if you are not qualified to do so. Giving the wrong care could be more harmful than helpful. If you are unsure, wait for help to arrive.

If there are no injuries, try to move out of the way of traffic and exchange information with all relevant parties.

Do not take any medication, especially with a sedative effect, unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. You may be required by police to undergo a medical examination or be screened for intoxication.

When to call police

The police do not need to be called to the scene if there are no injuries from the accident, but the accident should be reported within 24 hours at a nearby police station.

You will be required to share the information about all drivers involved and draw a basic diagram of the accident scene, so take photo and video evidence of the damage to the vehicles.

Careful what you say

Be careful with what you say after being involved in an accident. Try to avoid admitting blame, offering to pay for any damages, or saying anything that could be taken as offering a bribe. Statements such as these could be used against you when it comes to a potential police investigation or when claiming from insurance.

Keep calm, and take a ‘less is more’ approach. Only say what you have to handle the situation effectively and efficiently.

Be prepared
All drivers should be prepared in the event of an accident, whether they are involved or just a witness.

Stock your car with an emergency kit that includes things like a safety vest, a mini tool and first aid kit, road flares and warning triangles, and a paper and pen.

Keep important information and contacts in your vehicle or on your person – in your wallet or visor.

This includes emergency numbers (see below), the contact details of your next of kin and personal emergency contacts, details of any pre-existing health issues, and your car and health insurance company information.

HAVE YOUR SAY