The actions you take in the first seconds after you witness a car crash are crucial. Your quick reaction should be clear-headed. It’s very vital to concentrate on what is happening around you and how you can help. By remaining calm and taking the proper actions, you can help to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
In this article, we will look at an accident situation from the point of view of a participant who is slightly injured. This person is able to take action and help other more injured participants. Let’s see what steps everyone can make during a car accident.
But first, before you take any action, make sure your physical state allows you to do so. It is possible the adrenaline has a lot of power at this time and does not cause you to feel pain. That’s why to look around you and see if there is blood or another obstacle that can cause you injury.
1. Make sure that other participants are okay
The first action you can make is to check what is the condition of the other participants of the accident. You need to be able to determine if there are serious injuries and what their injuries are. Are there fractures like breaks and sprains or are there more serious maims or blood loss?
If the car is not on fire, approach the car and check for the injured passengers for a pulse. If the driver is responsive, ask them if they are okay and see if they need any medical assistance.
You’re not a doctor but you have to select who is the most injured person and what kind of help she or he needs. This has to happen very quickly because you have to call 911 and inform them about the situation as soon as possible.
2. Apply first aid if is needed
The first step to treating injuries is to find your first aid kit and attend to any injuries that you can handle until emergency services arrive. Be careful when doing that because the injuries could become life-threatening if not treated properly.
The most important rule in similar situations is to not attempt to move an injured person. Apply first aid only if it’s possible.
3. Inform other drivers to showdown
If you are involved in a car accident, alerting other road users to your presence will help prevent further injuries. This can be done in many ways, such as using a flashing light and sounding a siren, or stopping and putting on the hazard lights before moving out of the way. This is a very important action that will prevent the occurrence of another incident.
4.Stay in a safe place
The best you can do is to move as far as you can from the car crash. You have to drive to a safe place where you won’t be a danger to other cars on the road. It is possible that the catastrophe caused an explosion.
This is what to do if there is a risk of fire:
- Turn off the engine;
- Don’t smoke and don’t let anyone around the place smoke;
- Alert other vehicles on the road;
- Don’t try to put off the fire by yourself.
5. Document the car accident – take photos
If there are damages to your car is very important to document them by taking photos. Record as much evidence as you can about the accident. Don’t forget to mention the date and the location of the event. This is very important because you should provide this information to your insurance company. Notify them about the car crash as soon as possible.
6. Call a roadside assistance
Do this only after the police and ambulance arrive. Never leave the car accident before the police give you permission. You’re an important witness and they have to ask you about the accident. Only after that, you can call a roadside assistance service. If your car is damaged and can’t move you have to ask for tow truck services.
What to do to avoid car accidents
You can do many things to avoid car crashes and to stay safe during a ride. One of the most important things is always to obey the speed limit. This limit is compliant with the road conditions, weather, traffic, and many factors so you should never underestimate it.
The next thing you should always keep in mind while driving is to keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front. This means stopping at a safe distance if the suddenly car brakes.
The reason for many car crashes is vehicle malfunction. Always make sure your car is in perfect working condition before you take a ride.
Last, but not least. Never drive after you drink alcohol. Driving in an intoxicated state cause many car accidents.
My name is Rebecca McCarthy and I am an American girl with British heritage residing in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. I have always had a keen interest in cars, particularly brand new ones that showcase the latest technology and design features. I am also passionate about travelling and experiencing new cultures, as well as enjoying hot summer days with friends and family.
