Drivers unsure of what to do after an accident

Highway Code lost on most motorists

17 September 2007 23:02 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

More than half of Britain’s drivers are unaware of exactly what they should do in the event of a serious road accident.

Six out of ten drivers knew roughly what to do in the event of an emergency – but more than 80% were unaware of the eight-point directive in the Highway Code.

The Highway Code states that drivers involved in an accident must be aware of eight points. A survey, conducted by price-comparison website Peopleschampion.com found that while drivers were able to demonstrate common sense, depending on the seriousness of the situation, they could not recall the action points.

A Peopleschampion.com spokesman called for the section of the Highway Code dealing with accidents to be printed on all motor insurance policy documents.

The Highway Code states you:

Must use you hazard lights to warn other traffic.
Ask drivers to switch off their engines and stop smoking.
Arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately with full details of the accident location and any casualties.
Move uninjured people away from the vehicle for safety.
Do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion.
Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless is essential to do so.
Be prepared to give First Aid.
Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive.

If a person is injured, you must also produce your insurance certificate at the time of the accident – or report the accident to the police within 24 hours and produce the insurance certificate for the police within seven days, says the Highway Code.

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Car And GPS, Cars