Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies
What to do at accident scenes and in emergencies.
Key Points
- 1
At an accident scene: warn other traffic, call 999, do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger.
- 2
If someone is unconscious and breathing, place them in the recovery position.
- 3
Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless they are not breathing.
- 4
Use a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on the same side of the road (not on motorways).
- 5
If there is a vehicle fire, get everyone out and well away from the vehicle. Call 999.
- 6
You must stop and exchange details if your vehicle is involved in an accident causing injury or damage.
- 7
If you witness an accident, provide first aid if trained, and comfort the injured until help arrives.
- 8
On smart motorways, use the emergency phone or SOS button — it helps the operator locate you.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. These summaries are for study purposes and do not replace the full Highway Code.