What to do in an accident or emergency
In the eventuality of a road accident or injury, make yourself useful on the scene of an accident. RMF advises you to be prepared. Carry simple first aid materials in your car, and attend a first aid course.1. Remain calm and assess the situation and...
In the eventuality of a road accident or injury, make yourself useful on the scene of an accident. RMF advises you to be prepared. Carry simple first aid materials in your car, and attend a first aid course.
1. Remain calm and assess the situation and any casualties.
2. Ensure safety at the scene by controlling traffic to avoid further accidents (ask motorists and bystanders for help in this). Switch engines off, switch hazard lights on, position warning triangle, refrain from smoking.
3. Apply first aid treatment. Carrying a first aid kit in your vehicle could be the difference between life and death. If you are unable to apply the required treatment, look for someone who can.
4. Keep calm, even if you are in the right, and do not get involved in an argument. Remember anything you say could affect your right to compensation.
5. Note the names and addresses of witnesses, as well as the number plates of the vehicles that have been involved, for possible future use in a court case.
6. Try not to move your vehicle until the police or wardens have arrived on the scene. If you have to move the vehicle, try to mark its exact location first.
7. If the police request it, give them your statement. If you are not clear what happened, do not go into detail.
8. Have your driving licence and logbook at hand. Your insurance certificate can be provided to the police or wardens within 48 hours. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, give the name and address of its owner.
9. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident.
Always carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. These essential items are available from RMF. Having the necessary accessories and knowing how to use them can save lives.
If your car breaks down, pull on to the hard shoulder and park well away from the main carriageway. If you don't have a mobile phone, leave the car through the passenger door (taking any children with you) and walk to the nearest hard shoulder.
Use a mobile phone, or find the nearest phone booth to call RMF for help. Provide your exact location, car make, model and registration number; your membership number, the nature of your problem and whether you are alone with small children.
When you use a phone, face oncoming traffic. Return to your car, but don't get in unless you feel at risk - many fatal accidents occur on the hard shoulder. If you feel unsafe, get into your car on the passenger side, put your seatbelt on and lock all doors.
These tips are supplied courtesy of RMF and are included in the RMF Motorists' Handbook.
1. Remain calm and assess the situation and any casualties.
2. Ensure safety at the scene by controlling traffic to avoid further accidents (ask motorists and bystanders for help in this). Switch engines off, switch hazard lights on, position warning triangle, refrain from smoking.
3. Apply first aid treatment. Carrying a first aid kit in your vehicle could be the difference between life and death. If you are unable to apply the required treatment, look for someone who can.
4. Keep calm, even if you are in the right, and do not get involved in an argument. Remember anything you say could affect your right to compensation.
5. Note the names and addresses of witnesses, as well as the number plates of the vehicles that have been involved, for possible future use in a court case.
6. Try not to move your vehicle until the police or wardens have arrived on the scene. If you have to move the vehicle, try to mark its exact location first.
7. If the police request it, give them your statement. If you are not clear what happened, do not go into detail.
8. Have your driving licence and logbook at hand. Your insurance certificate can be provided to the police or wardens within 48 hours. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, give the name and address of its owner.
9. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident.
Always carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. These essential items are available from RMF. Having the necessary accessories and knowing how to use them can save lives.
If your car breaks down, pull on to the hard shoulder and park well away from the main carriageway. If you don't have a mobile phone, leave the car through the passenger door (taking any children with you) and walk to the nearest hard shoulder.
Use a mobile phone, or find the nearest phone booth to call RMF for help. Provide your exact location, car make, model and registration number; your membership number, the nature of your problem and whether you are alone with small children.
When you use a phone, face oncoming traffic. Return to your car, but don't get in unless you feel at risk - many fatal accidents occur on the hard shoulder. If you feel unsafe, get into your car on the passenger side, put your seatbelt on and lock all doors.
These tips are supplied courtesy of RMF and are included in the RMF Motorists' Handbook.