Road Safety, Accident Prevention and First Aid
Preventing accidents
Lorry accidents are dominated by blind spots, rearward visibility, fatigue and speed on bends. Mirrors must be adjusted before departure, and the driver should use the 'look, signal, manoeuvre' routine and check the blind spot on the right, where cyclists are most at risk. Maintaining a safe following distance is critical: at 80 km/h a lorry covers about 22 metres per second, and the two-second rule becomes four seconds in rain. Fatigue is a major factor, and the only effective remedy is stopping for rest, not opening a window or drinking coffee.
At the scene of an accident
Belgian law requires you to stop, secure the scene, warn other traffic and help. The correct sequence is: protect (hazard lights, warning triangle at sufficient distance, high-visibility vest before leaving the cab), alert (call 112 with location, number of casualties and hazards), and assist within your competence. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless breathing is obstructed.
First aid essentials
Check responsiveness and breathing, control severe bleeding with direct pressure, and place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position. Begin CPR if there is no normal breathing. The exam often tests the recovery position and the instruction not to give food or drink to an injured person.
Worked example
You arrive at a collision on a motorway. Put on your high-visibility vest, park safely with hazard lights on, place the warning triangle well behind the vehicles, then call 112. Only then assess casualties, and keep them warm and still until help arrives.