Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies: Stay Calm Under Pressure

When incidents happen, your preparation keeps everyone calm and safe. Knowing the steps in advance means you can focus on helping rather than panicking.

• Use the DR ABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) approach when helping injured people.
• Stop at the scene of any collision you’re involved in and exchange details.
• Never move injured people unless there’s an immediate danger, such as fire.

• On motorways, try to reach a service area or exit. If not possible, pull onto the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area and exit the vehicle from the passenger side.
• Use hazard warning lights and, if safe, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind on non-motorway roads.
• If you smell smoke or see flames, move passengers to a safe distance and call 999—don’t open the bonnet.

Check for injuries, call emergency services if needed, and provide first aid if trained. Exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. Take photos and gather witness information for insurance claims.

• Report the collision to the police within 24 hours if you did not exchange details at the scene.
• Inform your insurance company, even if you do not plan to claim.
• If dangerous goods are involved, follow specific emergency instructions and keep clear.