What to do in the event of an accident in Europe?
Written by Olivier Duquesne on 04/27/2023
A traffic accident is never pleasant. It is therefore important to know how to react and what to do whether you are a witness or a victim of the accident.
One accident can always cause a second. This is why it is important to keep a certain number of safety rules in mind. We must also take care to protect injured people and react correctly to avoid hurting them further. Abroad and in Belgium, the number 112 or the SOS button on the car allows you to call for help throughout Europe. If you indirectly witness an accident, first find out whether it is necessary to stop. If other drivers have done this before and everything seems to be under control, it’s unlikely you can be of any help. When coming across an accident where emergency services are already present, do not stop and keep your eyes on the road rather than on the events. Curiosity sometimes causes a new accident. Finally, back home, it is important to think about exorcising the trauma .
Victim of an accident without injuries
In the event of a minor collision that is only material, you should remain calm in all circumstances. Always turn off the ignition of your car, turn on the hazard lights, get the passengers out, lock the car leaving the passengers nearby, put on the safety vest and keep your key with you. It happens that criminals take advantage of the gullibility of certain people to fake an accident in order to steal the vehicle or what it contains. Then, if your car can still move, move it after possibly marking the vehicles location with chalk and showing other people that your intention is not to do a hit and run. Then begin discussions, calmly, to establish the accident report. If the vehicles cannot be moved, warn other users of the presence of a collision using the triangle and call the police on 112 (or 101 in Belgium).
The accident report
For a minor collision, while remaining calm and polite, complete the accident report form, standardized at European level, as completely and detailed as possible and send it to your insurer without delay. It is not necessary to complete two reports. One form is enough: a copy is provided for the other party. It is very important to make a sketch of the accident: draw the situation clearly and always indicate the direction of traffic. In box 14, you can give your personal view of the facts, which may naturally differ from that of the other driver. Make sure both parties sign the report. If necessary, take photos of the damage to the vehicles. Indicate clearly the number of boxes checked to avoid falsification by the third party a posteriori. A good tip: before this is useful to you, it is a good idea to go through a report form at home, to get to know it better. Especially since a poorly checked box can be detrimental to you. Because be careful, once signed it is difficult to change what is indicated. If the situation becomes tense or you notice irregularities, do not insist, take shelter and call the police (112 throughout Europe, or directly 101 in Belgium).
Hit and run
In the event of a hit and run, you will unfortunately often be helpless. Try to remember the make and model of the vehicle, its color, distinctive signs (sticker, roof rack, tow ball, etc.) and a few numbers or letters from its plate. You may also be able to count on witnesses who are willing to help you. In any case, stay there and call the police (112 on GSM or 101 in Belgium) so that they can establish the facts as quickly as possible. While waiting, also remember to notify your insurer to obtain information on the behavior to adopt and possibly request legal assistance.
Accident with injuries or victims
In the event of an accident with injured person(s), as a victim or witness, try not to panic. First think about securing the situation around you. If your passengers are not injured, and if your car is not too damaged, park your vehicle as best as possible or on the emergency lane , turn on your hazard lights, take your safety vest, get out all occupants of the vehicle to safety and lock your vehicle. On a bridge, remember to always check the presence of a median and a barrier or guardrail before crossing the safety rails. Reassure the children and clearly tell them not to move anymore. In this case, if you are no longer essential, get replaced as quickly as possible to join them. Notify emergency services immediately.
Call the emergency
With a GSM, call 112 . Start by stating your identity and briefly explaining the situation then answer the operator’s questions. Try to be precise in the location and situation of the accident (street name, house number, intersection, direction of traffic, characteristic landmark, kilometer marker, estimated number of victims and severity of injuries, risk or not fire…). It is also possible to use the SOS button in the passenger compartment (compulsory in new cars since April 1, 2018). In countries where they still exist, if you are near a terminal on the motorway, you can use it. In any case, never cross the highway to use a terminal located on the other side: it is strictly prohibited and, above all, you risk your life! The security terminals put you in communication with a central which notifies the roadside assistance and/or emergency services. With them, the emergency services will be able to locate you with certainty. There are also emergency call smartphone applications with geolocation. They are generally provided at motorway service areas.
Assign tasks
Before going near the damaged vehicles, make sure that the situation is under control and that there is no risk of another accident. Wearing a fluorescent safety jacket is strongly recommended. On the highway, it is even mandatory. Connect, even visually, with the other people on the scene. This will be easier to distribute tasks, you will be able to identify those who are already calling for help and no longer do so to try to directly help the victims. If you have first aid knowledge , warn other witnesses. Prohibit all use of cigarettes and all risks of sparks near the crash site. Likewise, avoid staying unnecessarily near debris. A vehicle running over shards of windshield or bodywork can expel them and cause more or less serious injuries to people nearby. Good to know : to be able to escape in an emergency from a vehicle whose doors are stuck, it is possible to easily break the windows with the headrests when they are detachable . Their rods are designed to act as a “hammer” to break windows in an emergency. However, it is easier to break windows from the inside than from the outside. The fire extinguisher is also a good tool for breaking glass.
Near the injured
It is essential not to move a seriously injured person, as this may cause more serious injury and/or internal bleeding. You should also not remove a biker’s helmet. If possible, stay with the injured until help arrives. There is only one exception to this rule: in the event of a fatal risk (fire, drowning, significant fall), the victims must obviously be removed from the vehicles as quickly as possible. People who are not injured, or only slightly injured, should leave the vehicle and move to a safe distance along the road. Never give an injured person something to drink or eat, even if they ask for it. Covering him with a blanket, jacket or sweater can, on the other hand, comfort him. Just like your voice to reassure and calm him.
>>> The Red Cross first aid certificate.
Other possible help
If you feel overwhelmed by care, you can always help avoid an accident by placing triangles and/or making signs to other users to make them slow down. But don’t put yourself or other people in danger. Care must also be taken to watch over and console apparently lost people and crying children. And, for those who are on the move, help them gather in a safe place. Otherwise, if your help is not essential near the accident, wait for law enforcement to testify. Subsequently, emergency services and local authorities may possibly contact you. Whatever happens, don’t get impatient, the emergency services have their priority and handle this type of situation professionally.
Accident abroad
Abroad, the situation can pose a problem given the lack of knowledge of customs or the language. Always try to notify the police and emergency services via 112 (international number) as quickly as possible. In the presence of natives, let them notify emergency services and help them if necessary by communicating with gestures and a few words of a language you know, someone will perhaps speak one of these languages. If you or a loved one are hospitalized, call your mutual insurance company (EHIC card number) and your insurance as soon as possible. Embassies and consulates (remember to encode their numbers into your mobile phone) are also there to help you in the event of serious problems.
The backlash
If you have been the victim or witness of a major accident, remember to ease your mind. Experiencing it is truly traumatic. This is even more so if there have been injuries, particularly among the occupants of your vehicle. Even a minor accident can haunt you for several days and nights. Confiding in a loved one can help exorcise the anxieties linked to the psychological shock of the accident. If, unfortunately, there has been a serious injury or death, the help of a professional can help you overcome this ordeal.