With the holiday season comes increased travel and a higher risk of collisions, says vehicle tracking company Tracker.

“Whether minor or severe, a collision is a frightening and stressful experience, and it’s easy to lose your composure if you’re involved or even just a witness,” says public relations and communications manager Kim Hunter.

What to do if you’re first on the scene

Krugersdorp News reports that, according to Hunter, the following safety tips should be prioritised in serious accident situations:

Stop safely

“If you witness or arrive first, switch on your vehicle’s hazard lights and stop in a safe location. Ideally, park off to the side of the road and in front of the accident to keep your vehicle out of harm’s way and the path clear for emergency vehicles. However, on a blind rise or bend, parking behind the accident in a ‘fend-off’ position with hazard lights on may help prevent further collisions. At night, keep your vehicle’s headlights on to illuminate the scene and warn other drivers,” she advises.

Hunter suggests that if you’re involved in a minor crash, remember to apply the handbrake and turn on the hazard lights.

“If there are no serious injuries, move the vehicles to the roadside, out of the way of traffic. If they can’t be moved, place a warning triangle or traffic cones 45m to 100m behind the scene.”

Assess the situation

“In major collisions, you may see smoke or steam coming from the vehicles. Unlike in the movies, explosions are rare unless there are flames. If there is fire, water won’t help – use sand or a fire extinguisher. Do not move anybody who is injured unless necessary, for example, if the vehicle is burning or at risk of falling. If you must move them, place them on level ground and keep them still.”

Make an emergency call

She suggests dialling 112, the global emergency number for all cellphones in South Africa. It connects you to the police, ambulance and fire brigade, and works via satellite, even in areas without a cellphone signal. Alternatively, contact the police on 10111, and the ambulance and fire brigade on 10177.

“Call the police to a crash if anyone is seriously injured or killed, if alcohol or drugs are involved, or to manage traffic flow. Provide your name, number, location, what happened and how many vehicles and people are involved. Share details on injuries so authorities can dispatch the right resources, for example, ambulances, pathologists and the jaws of life.”

If the accident happens in the middle of nowhere and you’re unable to send a location pin, refer to the route marker boards.

Hunter says these blue-and-white boards are found on all national roads (N1, N2, N3, etc) in South Africa, positioned 200m apart, and show the route name, section, kilometre position, and direction of travel.

While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive:

Even those without medical or first-aid experience can assist at a scene.

Hunter advises staying calm and reassuring those involved that emergency services are on the way.

“Try to get the injured to remain still, even though they’ll want to do the opposite. If someone is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound using any available cloth, and don’t lift it to check if the bleeding has stopped.”

Hunter adds that if there is fuel on the road, cover it with sand to prevent fire or slips and disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid sparks.

She also recommends gathering as much information as possible – names, medical details, who is injured, and how many people were travelling in the vehicle.

“Anyone not wearing a seatbelt may have been flung from the vehicle, so if someone says there are more people, search for them.”

Careful observation is key.

“Notice who is quiet, who is passing out, and any other signs. The more you observe, the more valuable information you can pass on to paramedics.”

Other important advice

If you are involved in a collision and able to do so safely, exchange information with the other driver(s) and document the scene with photos – including vehicles, number plates, license disks, driver’s licenses, street names, property damage, road signs and road conditions. Look for CCTV cameras that may have captured the crash.

Hunter cautions against offering food or drink to badly injured people, not even water, as they may go straight from the scene into surgery.

“If you are involved in an accident, only drive away if it is safe and possible, and wait for police clearance if anyone has been hurt. If towing is required, call your insurer’s towing service or request a quote before your vehicle is moved.”

Preparation is key

Hunter recommends keeping a kit of essentials in your car, including a first-aid kit, rubber gloves, water, a torch, emergency numbers, and tools such as a seatbelt cutter or safety hammer. A small fire extinguisher and reflective jacket or belt can also be lifesaving. Make sure your vehicle’s warning triangle is in place.

“All of this helps if you arrive at a scene where you can assist, and also if you are in an accident yourself.”

She also suggests saving medical aid information on a sticker on your windscreen or on your phone.

“On most phones, holding the power button brings up options for ‘Power Off’, ‘Restart’, ‘Emergency Call’ and ‘Medical Info’. Make sure your emergency contacts and medical info are saved.”

Technology can help

Duma Ngcobo, COO at Tracker, emphasises that vehicle tracking technologies can enhance safety.

“Some tracking services include impact detection, which instantly alerts the control centre if your vehicle is in an accident and detects its severity. The control centre will attempt to contact you, and if you’re unreachable, emergency response teams are automatically dispatched to your vehicle’s location – providing support when you need it most,” he says.

He adds that if you’re taking to the roads this holiday season, drive safely, keep these tips in mind for emergencies, and remember that technology can help keep you and your family safe.

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