What to do in an accident
Throughout the Young Driver of the Year campaign, three professional drivers take turns in the driver’s seat to offer specialist advice on subjects Grampian Police consider important in the fight against road traffic collisions. This week, Alastair Fraser, training manager at Knockhill’s Centre for Driver Excellence, says what to do if you arrive at the scene of an accident
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IT WOULD be a great world if traffic “incidents” did not happen but the truth is that they happen all too often, so what should you do when you arrive at the scene of an accident?
If the “bump” is minor and you are not a witness do not stop. If you are a witness and want to leave your details, park in a safe place out of the way of the traffic flow to do so.
When you are first to arrive at the scene of a serious road accident you could help initially by protecting the scene from any further incident. This could ensure the safety of any casualties and help preserve the scene for any investigation by the authorities.
Park your car on the approaching road a good distance from the accident with your hazard lights on to warn other approaching vehicles, and wear any high visibility clothing you may have.
Where possible phone the emergency services, give an accurate location, and if you can, give details of the victims and their injuries. Make sure you keep yourself safe.
If you have medical or first aid training you may attend to the injured otherwise leave it for the professionals.
Never move a casualty except to prevent further accident or injury. It may seem the correct thing to do but you could make the injury worse. If the casualty is an unconscious motorcyclist do not be tempted to remove their crash helmet unless it is imperative.
If the emergency services are in attendance do not stop, unless you have medical training and feel you can help.
When passing an accident do not slow down to “rubberneck”. It is extremely frustrating for responsible drivers and may cause the few seconds delay that makes all the difference to another emergency vehicle.
Think and drive with consideration.
