If you stop or are part of an accident, you must be able to act correctly: secure the accident scene with warning triangle and reflective vest, form a rescue lane for emergency services, handle fire or breakdown, give life-saving first aid and — with hazardous goods — follow written instructions. Basic driver competence and part of code 95.
Introduction
Even the best driver can experience breakdowns, traffic jams or an accident. What often distinguishes a critical situation from a catastrophe is the first few minutes: if the accident site is secured, the emergency services can get through, and if first aid is given promptly. This is why handling accidents and emergency situations is a fundamental competence for any driver — and a topic in Driver CPC training.
Stopping and marking
If you have to stop where the vehicle may be a hazard — e.g. after a breakdown or accident — the location must be made visible to other traffic. Traffic law requires that you mark a parked vehicle that is a hazard with the mandatory warning triangle, and that you yourself are visible with a reflective vest when you are near the roadway.
- 01Turn on hazard lights immediately and pull the vehicle out of the lane if possible (emergency lane).
- 02Put your reflective vest on BEFORE you leave the cab and go onto the roadway.
- 03Place the warning triangle at a good distance in front of the danger — further away at high speed (e.g. motorway) so others have time to react. Look up the recommended distance in the traffic rules.
- 04For dangerous goods (ADR): use two independent warning markings as prescribed.
- 05Get people away from the carriageway and behind barrier/railing where it is safe.
Emergency lane for dispatch
When traffic comes to a standstill on multi-lane roads, an emergency lane (emergency passage) must be created so that ambulances, fire trucks and police can get through. The rule is that vehicles pull to the side and create a free path between lanes — and that you have a duty to give way to emergency vehicles with emergency signals. If the emergency lane is created before the emergency response arrives, it saves critical minutes.
- 01At queue on road with two lanes: left lane pulls to the left, right lane to the right, creating a free centre lane.
- 02On wider roads, the rescue lane is typically formed between the outermost left lane and the others.
- 03Keep the emergency lane clear — don't drive into it to "get ahead".
- 04Always give way to emergency vehicles with horn/flashing lights, don't block the crossing.
Members only
The rest of the article is locked
Create a free user account to unlock all articles, calculators, templates and range — and get access to quizzes and classes. It takes less than a minute: name, email and a password. No payment card.
Want to try something first? See what you can use without an account — the junior zone, the encyclopedia, the videos and more.