Incidents, Accidents, and Emergencies

1. Breakdowns

  1. Always carry a first aid kit, warning triangle, and fire extinguisher.
  2. Stop safely if a warning light appears on your dashboard.
  3. If a tyre bursts or punctures, hold the steering wheel firmly and stop slowly.
  4. If you smell petrol, stop and investigate safely.

Breaking down on a Motorway

  1. Try to reach the next exit or service area.
  2. If unable to do so, move to the left-hand lane and enter an emergency area or hard shoulder.
  3. Stop beyond an emergency phone and as far left as possible.
  4. Use the emergency telephone for assistance.
  5. 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

  1. Exit the vehicle and move away from the crossing.
  2. Use the phone provided to contact the signal operator.
  3. Only move the vehicle if instructed to do so.

2. Warning Others of a Breakdown

  1. Use hazard warning lights to alert other road users.
  2. Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle (except on motorways).
  3. Report fallen objects from vehicles via the nearest emergency phone.

3. Safety in Tunnels

  1. Remove sunglasses and turn on dipped headlights before entering.
  2. Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
  3. Look for signs indicating accidents or congestion.
  4. If your car catches fire, drive out if safe; otherwise, stop, use hazard lights, and call for help.
  5. If involved in an incident:
    1. Switch off the engine and turn on hazard lights.
    2. Use the nearest emergency telephone.

4. Stopping at an Incident

  1. Stop and warn other traffic using hazard lights.
  2. Call emergency services immediately.
  3. Switch off vehicle engines at the scene.
  4. Move uninjured people away from the incident.
  5. If hazardous goods are involved, report the warning label details.

5. Helping Others and Giving First Aid

  1. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services.
  2. Keep casualties warm, comfortable, and calm.
  3. Do not move them unless absolutely necessary.
  4. Never remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless essential for survival.
  5. If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position.

DR ABC Code for Emergency Care:

  1. Danger – Ensure it is safe to approach.
  2. Response – Try to get a response from the casualty.
  3. Airway – Open the airway by lifting their chin.
  4. Breathing – Check for normal breathing.

If not breathing, start CPR:

  1. Adults: Press down 5-6 cm on the chest at twice per second.
  2. Children: Use one hand and press down less deeply.
  3. Infants: Use two fingers and press down about one-third of the chest depth.
  4. Circulation – Check for bleeding and apply pressure to wounds.

6. Managing Shock and Burns

Shock symptoms:

  1. Rapid pulse, sweating, pale/grey skin.
  2. Reassure them, keep them warm, and do not leave them alone.

Burns:

  1. Douse with cool water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Do not remove anything stuck to the burn.

7. Reporting an Incident

  1. You MUST stop and provide your name and address if involved in an incident.
  2. If damage occurs to another vehicle, property, or animal, report it to the owner.
  3. 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.