If you happen to witness a car accident it can be a very scary and stressful situation and you may experience feelings of helplessness. Remaining calm under pressure is key to responding the best way you can so that you can assist when needed and think rationally along the way.

Safety first

Once you get past the initial shock and begin to regain your thoughts, you need to ensure your own safety first before attending to others. Look around and observe the scene not only for traffic hazards but also other hazards such as leaking fuel, fire, fallen power lines or other debris. If there are any visible hazards that could put you in danger distance yourself from the scene then call 000 in the first instance.

Critical car accident

If the scene clear but the accident appears critical call 000 as soon as possible. Check to see if there are any injured people in or outside of the vehicle / vehicles and stay on the line with 000. The operator will guide you with step by step directions and it is during this time, you need to keep calm, listen and follow instructions as best you can until such times as emergency response personnel arrive.

Minor car accident

If you witnessed an accident that is only minor, you may wish to pass on your details to the drivers involved, they may wish you use your statement as evidence to the police or for insurance purposes in the event that there is a dispute over who is at fault in the accident.

In summary, witnessing an accident can be both scary and come as a bit of a shock to the system. The best thing you can do is to remain calm under pressure. The more calm and collected you are, the more you will be able to help and be of assistance.

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