How to behave during a car accident is one of the most important things to know before you sit in front of the wheel. No one is protected from a car crash, but if you know what to do during a car crash, you can save someone’s life.
If you have a driving license you should know that there are certain things you can do to ensure both your safety and the safety of those around you.
Before that one of the most important things is to remain calm and level-headed. This can be difficult to do, especially if you are injured or your car is damaged. Try to keep your emotions in check so that you can clearly think and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the ones involved in the accident.
What to do during a car accident
Imagine the situation: you’re driving and suddenly the driver in front of you loses control of the vehicle and it crashed into another car. You have to take action to prevent crashing your car as well. The first reaction everyone would do is to pump the breaks. It’s good to invest in a good anti-lock brake system for cases like this.
If you can’t stop quickly you have to slow down the speed as much as you can. Even though you can’t prevent the crash, the damage would be less if you drive slowly. Try always to remain in control of your vehicle and don’t make sudden and rash movements to escape the situation in front.
Sometimes you can’t avoid crashing. In these cases, do your best to hit the area that causes less damage. It’s less dangerous to crash into bushes rather than oncoming traffic. If you feel you’re injured don’t try to move. The only thing you should try to do is calling to 911.
If successfully escaped from the crash, but you witness an accident you have to take a few crucial actions to help the injured people.
Focus on the situation
It might be hard to remain focused during a car accident, especially if there are injured people, but this is very crucial. Only when you think clearly you can take proper action. High adrenaline levels can play a bad joke on you еven though you usually know how to react in stressful situations. That’s why it is essential to remain calm and focus on the task at hand. Think about what you need to do, and how you can help someone who was seriously injured or in danger.
What the witness of a car crash has to do
As a witness you are probably not injured so you’re responsible to take some actions that are crucial in the first minutes after the accident. Before you start doing so, move your car to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
If you can go closer to the car crash and check if there are injured people. It’s important not to move anyone and call 911 as soon as possible. Probably they will need information on how many people are injured and what are their harms. Stay calm and explain what you see. If the 911 assistant gives you instructions on how to make first aid you have to follow them. This can save someone’s life.
While you are waiting for the ambulance and police to arrive you have to give a sign to the passing drivers to slow their speed. This can happen by using a flashing light and sounding a siren, or stopping and putting on the hazard lights before moving out of the way.
The last thing you can do before the help arrives is to move to a safe place. Stay as far as you can from the accident. To prevent the risk of fire, turn off the car engine and don’t smoke.
What are your duties as a car crash witness
You have to stay at the place until the police and ambulance arrive. Then, you should start collecting information from the drivers and any other witnesses. This information should include the drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. If it’s possible collect as much information as you can about the other participants in the accident.
As a witness, you should be ready to provide personal information and contacts. There is a huge possibility you to be contacted by legal or medical authorities. It’s a good idea to take photos of the accident that can be provided for insurance claims.
Being a witness to a car accident could be a very emotional and upsetting event. It’s possible after a while your brain to change the memories of the accident. If you want to be a reliable witness better report the situation as soon as possible.
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.