With the festive season in full swing, more people are travelling and with busier roads comes a higher risk of accidents.
Chief Operating Officer at Tracker, Duma Ngcobo, explained that whether an accident is minor or severe, it can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for everyone involved. If you’re the first to arrive at the scene, here’s what you should do:
Stop Safely
- If you witness or arrive first at an accident, switch on your hazard lights and pull over in a safe spot. Ideally, stop ahead of the crash to keep your vehicle out of danger and leave room for emergency responders.
- If you’re involved in a minor collision, apply the handbrake, turn on your hazards, and, if no one is seriously injured, move the vehicles to the side of the road.
Assess the Situation
- In serious accidents, you may notice smoke or steam coming from the vehicles. Explosions are uncommon unless flames are present. If a fire breaks out, water is ineffective, rather use sand or a fire extinguisher.
- Avoid moving injured individuals unless absolutely necessary, such as when a vehicle is on fire or at risk of rolling. If you must move someone, place them on flat ground and encourage them to remain still.
Call Emergency Services
- Dial 112 — a universal emergency number for all cellphones in South Africa. It connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services, and works even in areas without signal.
- You can also contact the police on 10111 or emergency medical/fire services on 10177.
- Summon police if someone is seriously injured, if alcohol or drugs are suspected, or if traffic needs to be managed. Provide your name, contact number, location, details of the incident, and the number of cars and people involved.
- If you’re in a remote area and can’t send a pin, refer to the blue-and-white route marker boards found every 200 metres on national roads, these indicate your exact location.
While Waiting for Emergency Personnel
- Even without medical training, you can help keep people calm and reassure them that help is on the way. Encourage injured individuals to stay still.
- Cover spilled fuel with sand to prevent fire hazards or slipping. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to eliminate the risk of sparks.
- Collect as much information as possible like names, medical details, and where they feel pain.
Other Important Steps
- If you’re involved and able, exchange details with other drivers and document the scene with photos — number plates, license discs, damage, road signs, and surroundings. Look for any nearby CCTV cameras.
- Do not give food or drinks to seriously injured individuals, as they may need urgent medical procedures.
Prepare in Advance
- Keep an emergency kit in your car: a first aid kit, gloves, water, a torch, emergency numbers, and tools like a seatbelt cutter or safety hammer.
- A small fire extinguisher and reflective jacket or belt are also helpful.
- Ensure your warning triangle is in place and that your emergency contacts and medical information are stored on your phone.
Ngcobo further urged motorists to stay vigilant and be prepared for emergencies. “Some tracking services offer impact detection, which automatically alerts our control centre if your vehicle is involved in an accident. If we can’t reach you, emergency teams are dispatched to your location — ensuring you get help when you need it most,” he concluded.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
