WHAT TO DO AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

There I was cruising along the highway when the first signs of disaster appeared.  Traffic was backed up and as I crawled along I started to see the wreckage.  It was a head on between 2 cars from first impressions.  There were cars pulled over here and there and people madly dashing around screaming and wailing.  If you come across an accident, what are your go to moves?  Here are my suggestions:

1. Don’t become a part of the problem.  Don’t be so busy rubber necking and checking out what is going on that you run into someone or over a part of the wreckage.  Pay attention, keep calm, drive slowly and either get clear of the incident safely or park well out of the way. 
2. Ask if they need assistance.  If they say no, keep moving.  They don’t need a crowd of people getting in the way.  If you have read my other posts you will know to always keep an emergency first aid kit, blanket, water bottles and snacks in the car.  Offer these to the people at the scene.
3. Don’t add to the problem.  Let oncoming traffic know there is an accident.  If you are driving away from the accident flash your lights at oncoming traffic to let them know to proceed with caution.  If you are staying at the accident to assist, park your car in a prominent yet safe position and put on your hazard lights.  If you can, park a car facing in either direction to warn traffic in all lanes.  If you have high visual vests and a flashing light handy, set up someone sensible to flag down traffic and guide them safely around the accident.
4. Get help.  Call 000 and request police to control the scene, an ambulance to tend to the injured and the fire service if someone needs to be cut free from the wreckage.  If you don’t have phone reception then drive to the nearest service area or send a message via a 2 way UHF radio.  Be sure to have information to locate the accident such as the name of the road, the distance to the nearest town or landmark, a highway marker or a cross road intersection.  You will also need to tell them basic information such as the number and type of vehicles involved, the people involved and any critical injuries you can identify.
5. Put it on record.  Where and when you can, take photos and video, and notes.  Record what people tell you, what you see and what you understand the situation to be.  This will help you later when the adrenaline wears off and you are trying to remember what happened.

Vehicle accidents are never pleasant whether you are personally involved or simply driving past.  You can make a bad day slightly better if you just keep calm and follow my 5 simple tips outlined above.  Do you have any other tips you would add?