A red car sits on the side of the road, smashed from a car accident. The road is covered in snow and an ambulence sits off in the distance.

Photo: Adobe Stock

Arriving at the scene of a vehicle accident can be unnerving, and many people are unsure how to help. Knowing how to respond can facilitate help arriving more quickly and safely. According to the Montana Highway Patrol 2023 annual report, there were 20,504 vehicle crashes in Montana.

Drivers should check both directions for traffic, pull over, turn on hazard lights, and park on the same side of the road as the accident. This allows traffic to move through the other lanes and creates less congestion. Park at least a few car lengths away to avoid creating an additional road hazard and to ensure there is clear space for emergency response vehicles to access the accident and administer care without navigating around parked vehicles.

Call 911 as soon as possible and give detailed information about the accident, location and direction from the nearest intersection. Stay as calm as possible, follow any directions given by the dispatcher and answer their questions.

While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, drivers can check on the people involved. It is important to make sure the scene is safe. Take a breath and survey the scene. Other traffic is a significant hazard when responding to an accident. It is very important to stay out of the road. Being near or on the road creates additional distractions, even if trying to flag traffic. Use traffic flares or hazard triangles if they are available to alert traffic and move it away from the accident.

If the accident scene is determined to be safe to approach, check in and around the vehicle and offer basic first aid if you are certified to do so. Assure everyone that 911 has been called and responders are on their way.

With these basic steps, you can safely and confidently respond in a beneficial way to a traffic accident. A calm and detailed accident description can help facilitate a quick and thorough emergency response and better aid people involved in an accident. Learn about Montana’s traffic safety programs by visiting www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/plans/safetyprg.aspx.

 

Mandie Reed is the MSU Extension Agent in Wheatland County.