When it comes to your theory test practice, the incidents, accidents & emergencies topic will explore what to do in the event of being in an accident, if you arrive at the scene of an accident and how to deal with casualties.
Learner POD has compiled a unique training programme to help with your theory training studies! We have an online theory training course that you can access here. The course consists of video tutorials with real-life footage explaining the many parts of the theory exam. Alongside the course, you will also have access to our member’s area and a safe group to share, discuss and motivational support for your studies.
Here is a list of all the topics that make up the theory training syllabus:
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Safety Margins
- Safety & Your Vehicle
- Hazard awareness
- Vulnerable Road Users
- Other types of vehicle
- Road conditions and vehicle handling
- Motorway driving
- Rules of the road
- Road and traffic signs
- Essential documents
- Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- Vehicle loading
When it comes to your theory test practice, it is really important to make sure you cover all of the aspects of the exam in your training schedule. Missing one section may result in you failing your theory test. It is important to make sure this does NOT happen to you.
Learner POD has compiled a comprehensive training online theory course and an abundance of free training material which will help with your theory studies. Hop over to our YouTube channel to access lots of free resources and training videos.
Page Contents
Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies
In this topic, we shall explore what to do if you arrive at a scene of an accident, how to deal with casualties and how to respond to various possibilities. This topic covers the following:
- Driving through tunnels
- What to do if your vehicle breaks down
- How to report an incident
- First aid
- How to deal with emergencies.
How To Drive Through Tunnels
When driving through tunnels your visibility may be drastically reduced. It is really important to be able to see the road clearly. You should remove any sunglasses from your head and switch on your dipped headlights so that you can be seen more clearly by other road users.
You should also maintain your stopping distance whilst travelling in a tunnel and look out for all signs informing you of any accidents, incidents or congestion.
If there was an accident in the tunnel, you should look out for signs displaying a radio frequency as this may help you in the event of an incident or accident.
Stopping At An Incident/Accident
If you are the first to arrive at the scene of an incident/accident you should:
- Call the emergency services as soon as possible (such as the police)
- Switch of all the vehicle’s engines at the scene of the accident
- Ensure victims are removed away from the scene of the accident only if it is safe to do so
Reporting An Incident
You must stop at the scene of an accident or incident. It is also an offence NOT to stop and call the police if someone else is injured. Damage to property, other vehicles or animals should be reported to the owner. If you don’t do this at the time, you must report it to the police within 24 hours.
When you have been involved in an incident, you should ALWAYS find out:
- Who owns the vehicle
- The make of the vehicle, for example, Peugeot
- The model of the vehicle, for example, 207
- The other driver’s name
- The other drivers’ address
- The other driver’s telephone number
- The details of their car insurance
A police officer may ask you at the scene of an accident for your car insurance, driving licence and an MOT certificate of the vehicle being driven.
Breakdowns
Hazard warning lights should only be used to pre-warn traffic if there is an incident or an accident ahead of you on a motorway or when travelling on a high-speed road. You must switch your off your hazard warning lights as soon as other road users have reacted to your warning.
You are also permitted to use hazard warning lights if you have broken down and are obstructing the traffic flow.
You can also warn other motorists of breakdowns by placing a warning triangle behind your vehicle. You should aim to place it 45 metres away from your vehicle. You should never use one though on a motorway as this could pose a risk.
Breakdowns On A Motorway
Sometimes emergencies do happen on a motorway. You should pull over to the hard shoulder and call from an emergency telephone. Marker posts are situated every 100 metres away from emergency telephones and point in the direction to the nearest emergency telephone.
The police or the Highways agency will answer and you should have the following information to hand:
- The number on the phone, which identifies your location
- Details of yourself and your vehicle
- They will ask you if you belong to a motoring organisation such as the AA or Green Flag
Breakdowns On A Level Crossing
Breaking down on a level crossing could be extremely dangerous. If you do, you should make sure you get everyone out of the car. Never stay in the vehicle… and you should wait somewhere safe and away from the traffic.
You should call the signal operator immediately to inform them of the incidence. Only move the vehicle if this has been advised by the operator. Sometimes at level crossings, the red flashing lights will continue to flash. Don’t try to move forward as very often there are multiple trains on the approach.
First Aid In a Road Incident/Accident
Everyone has the ability to help injured people at the scene of an accident. Even if you don’t know first aid! You can still help people by:
- Keeping them warm and comfortable
- Keep people calm when they are distressed by talking to them calmly and reassuringly
- Making sure they aren’t left alone
If the area is safe: you should never move people. Only ever move people if there is imminent danger, and even still only move them carefully. They may have hidden injuries that you aren’t able to see.
If a motorcyclist is involved you should never remove their helmet, only if it means keeping them alive. You could cause further damage, especially to the spine. Always get medical assistance and never give casualties food, drink and cigarettes to calm them down.
Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies – Mock Test 1
Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies – Mock Test 1
Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies – Mock Test 1
Please visit our next section on Essential Documents
Useful Resources
Level Crossings
First Aid
Roadside Recovery
Roadside Emergency Telephone
Warning Triangles
