Approach in Case of Roadway Collisions
In the event of an accident, it's essential to remain calm and take action to ensure quick help for those involved and prevent further dangers. Andy Dorroch, the Chief of the Peterborough Fire Department in Ontario, Canada, emphasises this importance.
If you come across an accident scene, Dorroch advises that you should offer further assistance, such as securing the area or providing first aid if necessary. However, it's crucial to do so safely. Vehicle occupants should leave their vehicles and put on reflective vests if available. If possible, one should leave the roadway and seek safety behind a barrier.
At an accident scene, hazard lights should be turned on to warn other road users. Dorroch also warns against rubbernecking, stating it's a definite no-go as it can hinder rescue operations and put both onlookers and those involved in the accident at risk.
In terms of setting up warning triangles, Dorroch suggests that they should be placed a certain distance away from the accident scene, depending on the permitted maximum speed. For instance, at 100 km/h, the warning triangle should be set up 100 meters away from the accident scene.
In case of an accident, the emergency number 112 connects directly to the fire department and emergency services. If there are no injuries, the number 110 can also be called. Dorroch encourages all road users to act calmly in an emergency and regularly refresh their first aid course to be better prepared for such situations.
Dorroch is glad that the police strictly control and penalize violations of rubbernecking at accident scenes. He believes this strict enforcement is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to allow emergency services to do their jobs effectively.
By following these guidelines, everyone can contribute to ensuring quick help for accident victims and preventing further dangers. So, let's all do our part and stay safe on the roads.
