Witnessing a Road Traffic Collision: What to Do
Help without becoming another casualty.
Call 999 or 112 for a serious collision, casualties, trapped people or a dangerous road obstruction.
Keep the sequence simple.
Stop only if you can do so in a place of relative safety. Do not create a second collision by stopping dangerously.
Use hazard warning lights if appropriate. Keep yourself and other uninjured people away from moving traffic.
Give the exact location, direction of travel, number of vehicles and what you can see about casualties.
Move a casualty only if immediate danger makes it necessary. Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless essential.
Follow emergency-service instructions and use first-aid skills you genuinely have.
If safe, note what you saw, your location, time and contact details. Stay available for police or emergency services.
- Do not stop in a dangerous position.
- Do not enter live traffic to collect debris or photographs.
- Do not move casualties unless immediate danger makes it necessary.
- Do not let curiosity put you or others at risk.
- If police request a statement, record what you actually observed rather than assumptions about fault.
- If the incident was distressing, give yourself time before continuing a long drive.