Road safety requires knowing how to react correctly in the event of a breakdown or accident. Here are the essential rules you need to know to manage these emergency situations while ensuring your own safety and that of other road users.
Behaviour in the event of breakdown or accident
The users
The driver of a vehicle that has broken down or been involved in an accident must: park the vehicle as if it were parked, signal with a hazard triangle if stationary near a prohibited area, switch on the hazard warning lights or place a flashing amber light.
Danger triangle
Positioning: 30m minimum in built-up areas and ordinary roads, 100m on freeways. Must be visible from 50m. Smaller distance authorized in built-up areas. On freeways: wear reflective vest, do not wait in vehicle, use markers every 2km, call 101 for breakdown, 100/112 for accident.
Occasional towing
Sturdy tie-down required. If over 3m: signal with red cloth and light at night. Not permitted on freeways. Maximum speed 25 km/h
Moving the vehicle
If driver absent/refused/unfit: qualified agent can move vehicle and load. On freeways: automatic removal. At driver’s risk and expense
Accident with property damage
Move vehicles if possible after marking positions, stay for report, call agent if disagreement, report to police office if agent absent, leave contact details if party absent.
Accident with injuries
Do not move vehicles or casualties, give assistance, do not give anything to eat/drink, do not remove motorcycle helmet, report by qualified agent obligatory, 24 hours for declaration if agent absent.
When faced with a breakdown or accident, it’s crucial to remain calm and apply the appropriate safety procedures. The priority is always to protect the people involved and avoid over-accidents, while complying with legal obligations in terms of recording and reporting.
