Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
This domain tests your actions in the first minutes after a collision, breakdown, fire or flood, and how you report the incident afterwards without creating legal or insurance problems.
At a collision
- Stop and switch off the engine; switch on hazard lights.
- Warn other traffic - triangle well back, or a person signalling from a safe point.
- Call emergency services: Police 999, SAMU ambulance 114, Fire 115. Give location, number of casualties and hazards.
- Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, flood or a further collision risk.
- Do not move vehicles unless they block the road and it is safe to do so.
- Exchange names, addresses, vehicle details and insurance with the other party; note witnesses and take photographs.
Reporting
- Report to the nearest police station without delay, and file any written report the law or insurer requires within the stated time.
- Inform your operator and insurer; keep copies of everything.
- Never admit liability at the scene - describe facts, not fault.
Other emergencies
- Fire: stop, evacuate passengers upwind, call 115, do not open the bonnet fully.
- Breakdown: get passengers behind the barrier or off the carriageway, then call for recovery.
- Flooding: never drive into moving water; turn back.
Worked example
A minor collision at a roundabout, no injuries, both cars drivable.
Reasoning: stop, hazards on, check for injuries, move to a safe spot if possible, exchange particulars, photograph positions and note the time. Report to police as required and to your insurer. Do not say "it was my fault" to calm the other driver - that statement may be used later.
Traps that cost marks
- Leaving the scene.
- Moving an injured casualty.
- Admitting fault at the roadside.
- Failing to report and losing insurance cover.