What to do in a traffic accident

Emergency vehicles must always be given unobstructed passage.It is the duty of other road users to give way for it safely.

If you are driving a vehicle yourself:

• Avoid sudden movements, i.e. do not brake suddenly, keep you speed steady and give way when it is safe to do so. If necessary, you can use the hazard warning lights to indicate that you have detected an approaching emergency vehicle.
• If traffic stops completely, move to the side of the lane so that the emergency vehicle can pass the cars in queues driving between the lanes.
• Do not leave the place where you pulled up immediately but make sure there are no more emergency vehicles coming behind the first one.

When giving way

• make sure that this does not affect other traffic
• you can also stop on a cycle path or pedestrian crossing.

If you are a pedestrian or cyclist:

• Stop and give way for the emergency vehicle safely.
• Do not cross the road if the vehicle is close to you.

If you pass an accident site, drive at a slow speed to ensure the safety of the rescue personnel.

Do not stay at the accident site to take photos or video as it may cause danger and harm to the person holding the camera, bystanders and rescuers. Taking photos or recording videos is also disrespectful to the victims of the accident. By sharing photos or videos of victims, you may even commit an offence of the dissemination of information in violation of personal privacy.

If there are no authorities in sight at the accident site, do the following:

• Park your vehicle in as safe spot as possible. Assess the situation and try to form a picture of what has happened. Find out whether anyone is injured and whether they need help.
• Ensure your own safety: wear a reflective vest or use a torch, and switch off the engine.
• Call 112 and report the accident. If you have a hearing or speech impairment and are a registered sender of emergency text messages, send a message to 112.
• Prevent new accidents and warn other traffic. Use hazard lights and place a warning triangle 100–150 metres from the site of the accident.
• Prevent the ignition of any possible fire by switching off the engine of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident.
• When necessary, move the injured to safety.
• Provide CPR and first aid to the best of your skills. The most important aspect of CPR is to ensure the injured person's breathing and blood flow, as well as to stop large bleeds.
• Do not leave the injured parties alone. Keep them calm and observe their state while waiting for rescue units to arrive; you will then be able to tell rescue personnel how the situation has progressed.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until the rescue personnel or the police give you permission to do so.

Instructions on how to report an emergency