Accidents, Breakdowns, First Aid and Emergency Behaviour
At an accident scene the priorities are protect, rescue, call, help. Secure the scene: hazard lights, warning triangle (at least 50 m behind on rural roads, further at speed or on motorways), and high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle. Call the emergency number 112 (or 133 police, 144 ambulance, 122 fire) and give location, number of casualties and hazards. Provide first aid within your training: check responsiveness and breathing, place unconscious but breathing casualties in the recovery position, control bleeding, and start CPR (30:2) if breathing stops. Do not move injured people unless there is danger.
Breakdowns: move to the emergency lane or hard shoulder, exit on the side away from traffic, and wait behind the barrier. On motorways, place the triangle further back and never stand in the lane. Obligations after an accident: stop, give identity and insurance details, and call police if persons are injured or there is disagreement.
Traps: forgetting the high-vis vest before exiting; placing the triangle too close; giving an unconscious person something to drink.
Worked rule of thumb: triangle at 50 m on rural roads; on motorways, at least 100 m or further depending on visibility and speed.