Accidents

Warning Signs or Flashing Lights

If you see or hear emergency vehicles in the distance be aware there may be an accident ahead.

 

When passing the scene of an accident do not be distracted or slow down unnecessarily (for example if an accident is on the other side of a dual carriageway).  This may cause another accident or traffic congestion. 

 

If you are involved in an accident or stop to give assistance

• use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic
• ask drivers to switch off their engines and stop smoking
• arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately with full details of the accident location and any casualties (on a motorway use the emergency telephone which allows easy location by the emergency services.  If you use a mobile phone, first make sure you have identified your location from the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder)
• move uninjured people away from the vehicles to safety; on a motorway this should, if possible, be well away from the traffic, the hard shoulder and the central reservation
• do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion
• do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential to do so
• be prepared to give first aid
• stay at the scene until emergency services arrive
• contact SOUTH WEST CLAIMS on 0117 962 6636 as soon as possible 

If you are involved in any other medical emergency on the motorway you should contact the emergency services in the same way.

  

Accidents involving Dangerous Goods

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages will be marked with plain orange reflective plates.  Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates.

 

If an accident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the advice given above and, in particular

·        switch off engines and do not smoke

·        keep well away from the vehicle and do not be tempted to try to rescue casualties as you yourself could become one

·        call the emergency services and give as much information as possible about the labels and markings on the vehicle.

 

Do not use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying inflammable loads.

 

Documentation 

If you are involved in an accident which causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property you must

• stop
• give your own and the vehicle owner’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle, to anyone having reasonable grounds for requiring them
• if you do not give your name and address at the time of the accident, report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours.

 If another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time of the accident to a police officer or to anyone having reasonable grounds to request it, you must

• report the accident to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours
• produce your insurance certificate for the police within seven days.