Incidents Accidents and Emergencies

What is the first thing you should do if involved in an accident?

• ATake photos of the damage
• BCheck for injuries and call emergency services if needed✓
• CMove all vehicles to the side of the road
• DArgue with the other driver

Answer: Your first priority must always be to check if anyone is injured and call emergency services (999) if needed. Only after ensuring safety should you move vehicles (if safe to do so) and exchange details.

What should you do if you see someone collapsed at the roadside?

• ADrive past quickly to get help
• BStop, check their condition, and call emergency services✓
• CMove them to the side of the road
• DWait for someone else to help them

Answer: Stop safely and check if the person is responsive. Call emergency services (999) immediately. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them warm and reassure them while waiting for help.

In an accident with injuries, should you remove a motorcycle rider's helmet?

• AYes, always remove it immediately
• BYes, but only if they are conscious
• CNo, unless it is essential for their survival✓
• DNo, never remove a helmet

Answer: Do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless it is absolutely essential to maintain breathing or life. Removing it can cause further injury to the neck or spine. Only trained first aiders should remove helmets if absolutely necessary.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a motorway?

• AStay in your vehicle and wait for other drivers to help
• BStand on the hard shoulder waving to traffic
• CUse hazard lights, get behind the barrier, and use the emergency phone✓
• DWalk back down the motorway to the previous junction

Answer: Switch on hazard lights and carefully move your vehicle onto the hard shoulder. Exit the vehicle and move to a safe location behind a safety barrier or away from traffic. Use the emergency phone to call for help.

What is RIDDOR?

• AA type of traffic fine
• BThe system for reporting certain workplace accidents✓
• CA motorcycle safety certification
• DA breakdown recovery service

Answer: RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) requires certain workplace accidents and incidents to be reported. Road accidents involving injuries or vehicles used at work may need to be reported to the HSE.

What should you do if a vehicle is on fire?

• AUse the fire extinguisher if available and safe
• BKeep people at least 10 metres away
• CCall the fire service immediately
• DAll of the above✓

Answer: If a vehicle catches fire, immediately alert others to get at least 10 metres away, call the fire service (999), and only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it is small and you are trained and safe. Do not enter a burning vehicle.

What is the emergency number in the UK?

• A111
• B101
• C999✓
• D118

Answer: The emergency number in the UK is 999. Call this for police, fire, ambulance, or any life-threatening emergency. The number 111 is for non-emergency NHS advice, and 101 is for non-emergency police.

When should you use hazard warning lights?

• AOnly when turning
• BOnly in fog
• CWhen warning others of a hazard, broken down on the motorway, or moving slowly in congestion✓
• DNever on motorways

Answer: Use hazard lights when broken down, warning others of an immediate hazard, or moving slowly in unexpected congestion (motorways only). Do not use them while driving normally or to acknowledge thanks from other drivers.

After an accident, what information should you exchange with the other driver?

• ANames and phone numbers only
• BNames, addresses, contact details, vehicle registration, and insurance details✓
• COnly insurance company names
• DOnly vehicle registration numbers

Answer: You must exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance company details. Also note the other vehicle's colour and model. Document the location and time of the accident.

What should you not do at the scene of an accident?

• AMove casualties unless in danger✓
• BTake photos for insurance purposes
• CCall emergency services
• DExchange contact details

Answer: Do not move casualties unless they are in immediate danger (such as from fire or traffic). Moving an injured person can cause further injury. All other actions (photos, calling services, exchanging details) are appropriate.

What should you do if you witness an accident but are not involved?

• AKeep driving and let others help
• BStop if safe to do so and offer assistance, call emergency services if needed✓
• CTake photos of the accident
• DMove any debris off the road

Answer: Stop if it is safe to do so and offer assistance. Call emergency services if needed. You may need to provide a witness statement to police. Do not move victims or interfere with the accident scene unless necessary for safety.

What is the most important reason for carrying a first aid kit in your vehicle?

• AInsurance requires it
• BTo provide immediate treatment to injured people✓
• CTo impress other drivers
• DIt is a legal requirement

Answer: A first aid kit allows you to provide immediate treatment to injured people while waiting for emergency services. This can prevent serious complications and save lives. First aid training is also valuable alongside carrying a kit.