Accidents do happen. Knowing how to properly secure the site can prevent further damage or harm to others. These are the simple steps you can take in case you are involved in an accident (or if you arrive at a site and want to render help).
The first action to take is to use the hazard lights. This visual warning sign can easily be identified by others and is commonly understood to be a warning sign. As such, it is important to note that the hazard light should only be used in case of an emergency. Any other time, it will confuse other road users.
If possible, any broken-down vehicle should be moved onto the shoulder of the road and out of the way of moving traffic. If the vehicle can still move by itself, it is best to remove it from the moving traffic. When exiting the vehicle once parked on the shoulder, it is best to exit from the passenger side, away from the moving traffic. This may take a bit of training and reminding as the initial impulse would be to simply exit the vehicle as usual.
If on hand, safety vests should be donned at this time. Cheap vests can be purchased for as little as RM 2.00 making them a highly effective safety tool for motorists. Flashlights may also be used to warn oncoming vehicles.
Next, the warning triangle should be placed a good distance away from the accident site. When planting it, walk away from the accident site, triangle deployed and waving it to show the oncoming traffic that there is a problem ahead. The warning triangle should be placed 50 meters away, before curves or hills, for others to see it way in advance. On highways, the distance may be increased to 150 meters. This is to ensure that other drivers have sufficient time to react to the hazard by slowing down, changing lanes and generally being alert to the fact that they are to encounter an accident site.
With the safety tools in place, the next step is to check on everyone involved in the accident for injuries. It may be counter-intuitive to only do so after the site has been secured, however, it is important to prevent additional harm to come to those involved first.
Those having sustained injuries should be moved behind the crash barrier or onto a sidewalk, away from moving traffic. Those having been involved in an accident may be in shock and it is important to communicate with them in a firm tone. Those having a clear mind need to assert leadership by managing the situation. Consoling those with injuries is a form of first aid and will be a crucial part of managing the trauma.
Communicate loud and clearly about who is to handle any part of the process. Avoid confusion and assign tasks to people present. Always remember to aim to remove people from the road. Calls to ambulances and tow trucks should be placed once everyone has been moved to a save location (unless they are trapped in a vehicle, or the health condition indicates that they are better not to be moved). On highways, the safest waiting area is behind the crash barrier: wait behind it.
German Motors recommends motorists to undergo first aid training. Having knowledge of it is helpful not only when dealing with accidents involving motor vehicles. German Motors shall not be held responsibility for any personal injury or damage to property incurred in an accident when following the tips contained in this article.
