Incidents, Accidents, and Emergencies
1. Breakdowns
- Always carry a first aid kit, warning triangle, and fire extinguisher.
- Stop safely if a warning light appears on your dashboard.
- If a tyre bursts or punctures, hold the steering wheel firmly and stop slowly.
- If you smell petrol, stop and investigate safely.
Breaking down on a Motorway
- Try to reach the next exit or service area.
- If unable to do so, move to the left-hand lane and enter an emergency area or hard shoulder.
- Stop beyond an emergency phone and as far left as possible.
- Use the emergency telephone for assistance.
- If you have mobility difficulties, stay in the car, fasten the seatbelt, turn on hazard lights, and call 999 for the police.
Breaking down on a Level Crossing
- Exit the vehicle and move away from the crossing.
- Use the phone provided to contact the signal operator.
- Only move the vehicle if instructed to do so.
2. Warning Others of a Breakdown
- Use hazard warning lights to alert other road users.
- Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle (except on motorways).
- Report fallen objects from vehicles via the nearest emergency phone.
3. Safety in Tunnels
- Remove sunglasses and turn on dipped headlights before entering.
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
- Look for signs indicating accidents or congestion.
- If your car catches fire, drive out if safe; otherwise, stop, use hazard lights, and call for help.
- If involved in an incident:
- Switch off the engine and turn on hazard lights.
- Use the nearest emergency telephone.
4. Stopping at an Incident
- Stop and warn other traffic using hazard lights.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Switch off vehicle engines at the scene.
- Move uninjured people away from the incident.
- If hazardous goods are involved, report the warning label details.
5. Helping Others and Giving First Aid
- Call 999 or 112 for emergency services.
- Keep casualties warm, comfortable, and calm.
- Do not move them unless absolutely necessary.
- Never remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless essential for survival.
- If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position.
DR ABC Code for Emergency Care:
- Danger – Ensure it is safe to approach.
- Response – Try to get a response from the casualty.
- Airway – Open the airway by lifting their chin.
- Breathing – Check for normal breathing.
If not breathing, start CPR:
- Adults: Press down 5-6 cm on the chest at twice per second.
- Children: Use one hand and press down less deeply.
- Infants: Use two fingers and press down about one-third of the chest depth.
- Circulation – Check for bleeding and apply pressure to wounds.
6. Managing Shock and Burns
Shock symptoms:
- Rapid pulse, sweating, pale/grey skin.
- Reassure them, keep them warm, and do not leave them alone.
Burns:
- Douse with cool water for at least 20 minutes.
- Do not remove anything stuck to the burn.
7. Reporting an Incident
- You MUST stop and provide your name and address if involved in an incident.
- If damage occurs to another vehicle, property, or animal, report it to the owner.
- If the incident involves injury, you MUST report it to the police within 24 hours (immediately in Northern Ireland).
Obtain details of other parties involved
- Vehicle make
- registration number
- driver’s name
- address
- phone
- insurance details
The police may request
- Your insurance certificate
- MOT certificate
- driving licence.