← Breakdowns and incidents
Rule 283: If you are involved in an incident
Advice, not law
Incidents (rules 281 to 283)
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 First aid on the road 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.
Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- You're the first person to arrive at an incident where people are badly injured. What's the first thing you should do? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- You arrive at an incident where a motorcyclist is lying in the road, unconscious and bleeding. The area is safe and the emergency services have been called. What's the first priority when checking the rider? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- What should you do if thick black smoke is coming from the exhaust of your vehicle? Vehicle condition
- Your vehicle breaks down on a motorway and you need to call for help. Why may it be better to use an emergency roadside telephone rather than a mobile phone? The driver