Emergencies on the Road: What Should You Do?

1. What to Do in Case of a Traffic Accident Traffic accidents are one of the most serious emergencies on the road. If you are involved in an accident, staying calm is essential. Here’s what you should do:

• Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, and avoid blocking traffic by pulling over to the side of the road.
• Call for Help: Dial 112 to report the incident to authorities. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to call for an ambulance and police.
• Provide First Aid: If you are trained in first aid, offer immediate assistance. Only intervene if necessary, and try to stabilize the injured until professional help arrives.
• Exchange Information: Communicate with the other drivers involved in the accident, and exchange identification and insurance information until the police arrive.

2. What to Do in Case of a Vehicle Breakdown Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be quite stressful, but by taking the right steps, you can make the situation safer. Here’s what to do in case of a breakdown:

• Quickly Move to a Safe Area: Pull your vehicle off the road in a way that does not obstruct traffic. If possible, leave it in an area with adequate lighting.
• Use Warning Signals: Activate your vehicle's emergency hazard lights (flashers) to alert other drivers about the potential danger.
• Do Not Stay on the Road: If your vehicle is still operational and you can make repairs safely, proceed with caution. Otherwise, it may need to be towed. You should contact roadside assistance.

3. Health Emergencies on the Road Health issues on the road are among the most critical emergencies. If a health problem arises during a trip, it is vital to provide the correct intervention. Here’s what you should do:

• Call for Emergency Help: If the health problem appears serious, immediately call 112 for assistance. As emergency teams may take time to arrive, try to provide aid until they do.
• Learn Basic First Aid: Having basic knowledge of first aid for conditions like heart attacks, fainting, or bleeding can be lifesaving. First aid training for everyone can increase survival chances in emergencies.
• Wait for Emergency Teams: Remain calm and try to keep the patient in a safe position without causing further discomfort until the health professionals arrive.

4. Bad Weather Conditions and Visibility Storms, heavy rain, snow, or fog can create significant risks on the road. In these conditions, here’s what you should do:

• Reduce Your Speed: When visibility is low, decrease your speed. Otherwise, sudden braking or skidding may lead to accidents.
• Turn on Your Lights: In fog or snowstorms, turn on your vehicle's headlights to make it easier for other drivers to spot your vehicle.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before your journey and take necessary precautions based on road conditions.
• Inspect Your Vehicle: Before encountering rain, snow, or thick fog, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check that your tires have sufficient tread depth and your brakes are functioning properly.

5. Skidding and Loss of Control Slippery roads due to snow or rain pose significant risks. If you lose control of your vehicle:

• Do Not Brake Suddenly: Sudden braking may cause your vehicle to skid. Instead, release the accelerator to reduce speed.
• Keep Steering Steady: If your vehicle is skidding, gently steer in a controlled manner and avoid sudden movements.
• Drive Slowly: On slippery roads, reduce your speed and drive cautiously.

6. Other Emergencies There are many other possible emergencies on the road, such as aggressive drivers or animals crossing the road. In these situations:

• Be Respectful to Other Drivers: Stay calm and try to distance yourself from any aggressive drivers.
• Prepare Before Traveling: Always think ahead and prepare for possible emergencies on the road. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with first aid supplies and emergency equipment.

Conclusion Dealing with road emergencies requires calmness, knowledge, and preparation. Taking the right steps in every situation can reduce the impact of accidents and disruptions. To travel safely, perform regular vehicle maintenance, obey traffic rules, and be equipped with basic emergency knowledge and skills.