If you are involved in an incident or collision or stop to give assistance

• if possible, stop in a place of relative safety (see Rule 275)
• use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic
• put on high-visibility clothing if you have it
• ask drivers to switch off their engines
• ask drivers and passengers to stop smoking
• contact the emergency services on 999 and provide full details of the incident location and any casualties. Use an emergency telephone, a mobile telephone, or press the SOS button if your vehicle has one (see Rule 277 on how to identify your location on a motorway or other high-speed road)
• move uninjured people away from the vehicles to a place of relative safety (see Rule 275)
• DO NOT move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger
• DO NOT remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so
• be prepared to give first aid (see Annex 7 and Useful websites)
• stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive
• be prepared to exchange details (see Rule 286).

If you are involved in any other medical emergency, you should contact the emergency services in the same way.

When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause a further incident, collision or congestion (see also Rule 283, below).

Warning signs or flashing lights. If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see Rule 219). You should slow down and be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop.

The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway; for example, dealing with debris, collisions or conducting rolling roadblocks. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6