If you’re involved in a road traffic accident, it’s important to know what steps to take. Learn how to stay safe after a collision or incident on the road, with our guide.
A road traffic accident is a collision or incident involving a vehicle in a public area such as a road which has resulted in injury or damage to a person, animal*, vehicle or property.
You are obliged by law to do certain things if you're involved in such a collision or incident.
Alongside legal requirements, in this article we’ll also cover protocols related to contacting your insurer and the arrangement of recovery services, as well as preparing for an emergency breakdown.
What constitutes a reportable collision or incident on the road?
According to met.police.uk, any collision involving a mechanically-driven vehicle that causes any of the following should be reported:
- “injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle
- injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog)*
- damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision
- damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is”
An incident involving a deer may also be reported but this is not required by law.
Traffic accident procedure: Steps you must take
- Stop at the scene of the incident - as soon as it can be done safely
- Turn off your vehicle’s engine
- Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights
- Check for injuries to you and any passengers you're carrying
- Collect information from anyone else involved: (name, address, registration), and provide the same information to them
- If you’re asked to do so, provide your insurance information
What should I do if someone refuses to provide their information or flees the scene?
Contact the police on 101 and explain the situation. Do this before you leave the scene.
101 is for reporting crime that does not require an emergency response, or for obtaining advice from your local police or crime prevention officer.
Under what circumstances should I call 999?
999 is the UK’s emergency response number. It should be called if:
- You believe you or someone is in danger
- If someone has suffered serious injury
- You think a serious crime has been committed or is about to be committed
- A dangerous obstruction or blockage has occurred due to the collision (or any other reason)
Don’t report a collision to the police if:
- Required details have been exchanged
- There are no injuries
- No allegations of driving offences have been made
Do report a collision to the police if:
- You were unable to exchange required details at the scene
- If someone was injured
- If you feel a driving offence was committed
Report the incident online
Most UK police services operate online portals where you report road traffic accidents/incidents. Find the contact details of your local police service here.
You’ve reported a collision: what’s next?
The police will assess the report you've made. The only reasons you’ll be contacted by the police afterwards is if:
- The police need more information from you
- They need a witness statement
- You need to attend court
In situations where there was no injury, nor any allegation of a driving offence, the police are unlikely to contact you.
What happens if I've made an allegation?
Following assessment of your allegation, police will decide to do one of the following:
- Not to pursue the allegation (in which case you won't be contacted)
- A Notice of Intended Prosecution will be issued to the alleged perpetrator (in which case you won't be contacted unless the matter ends up in court)
Failure to report a qualifying collision
If you do not report a reportable collision (as defined above) to the police, you could face:
- a financial penalty
- up to six months in prison
- penalty points on your licence
Contact your insurer
Having made any necessary report to the police, the next step is to make contact with your insurer. They will be able to advise on the next steps. For insurance purposes, you can use the insurance reference number as a police reference number.
Explain exactly what happened and provide details of anyone else involved.
A claims form will need to be completed. If you have any photos or video of the incident, tell your insurer (it could speed up any claim). This can often be done online, which can save time. Your insurer may require you to use an approved garage for repairs. They may not pay out if you do not do this.
In some scenarios where there has been minimal damage, you may decide not to make a claim. Making a claim can push up your annual premium.
If you require recovery services
If your vehicle is unroadworthy following a road incident, ask your insurer for advice.
Some insurance policies include recovery after an accident.
If your vehicle is causing an obstruction in a public area, they may make arrangements for a recovery service to attend the scene.
Should I contact my breakdown recovery service after a road traffic accident?
As mentioned, you should contact your insurer following a road traffic accident. They will be able to arrange recovery - if it's included in your policy.
Car breakdown services are designed for vehicles that have suffered mechanical or electrical failure. Common breakdown causes include a flat battery, flat tyre, faulty alternator, faulty spark plugs, or wheel damage caused by hitting a pothole/kerb etc.
If you break down due to one of the reasons detailed in your breakdown policy, contact your provider immediately, and they will arrange roadside assistance.
Emergency road services: Be prepared
You are more likely to suffer a breakdown than to be involved in a road traffic accident. With this in mind, it's prudent to take out a roadside assistance policy on an annual basis.
If you request help from a provider with whom you do not have a policy, the cost of recovery is likely to be considerably higher than if you were already a policyholder.
Taking out emergency road services/breakdown coverage in preparation for any future breakdown could save you money in the long run.
Being prepared for a breakdown or collision
Ensure you have the contact details of your emergency breakdown service provider and insurer, ideally on paper as well as in your phone. Ensure your phone is fully charged before you leave home and consider bringing a portable charger and keeping it in your car.
Car emergency kit
It’s also possible to purchase a car emergency kit inexpensively. These can help you deal with breakdowns or accidents, and include items such as:
- hi vis vest
- warning triangle
- jump leads
- tow rope
- vehicle fuse
- emergency hammer
- emergency blanket
- screwdriver
- torch
- rain poncho
- gloves
- pvc electrical tape
Other car emergency kits also include car first aid kits.
Alternatively (or additionally) you may decide to put together your own breakdown/traffic accident kit, including things like car first aid kit, food and drink, blankets, shovel and piece of old carpet (for if you get stuck in mud/snow), torch, portable charger, maps, scraper and de-icer.
You should also bring sufficient supplies of things like baby food, pet supplies and any medicines, as required.
Preparation for long journeys
If you plan to make a long journey, or to drive in remote areas, it’s even more important to be prepared for a breakdown or other emergency. Prioritise being able to make contact with emergency services and your breakdown provider, as well as having sufficient blankets, water and food, and the other items listed above.
Emergency breakdown: What to do
- Stay calm and consider other road users
- Pull over somewhere safe, as far left as possible, and ideally off the road (if on the motorway, aim to stop on the hard shoulder)
- Turn your wheels to face the grass verge/roadside
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Wear light coloured clothes or hi-vis jacket(s) if you have them - this is especially important at night or in low visibility
- Exit the vehicle on the road side (left hand door(s))
- If you have a warning triangle, place it 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle. However, do not use a warning triangle on a motorway
- Move to a safe location as far from the traffic as possible
- If you’ve broken down on a motorway, cross the barrier and move up the embankment to a safe location
- Do not remain inside the vehicle or go back for any reason
- If on a motorway, leave any pets securely inside the vehicle
Contact your emergency breakdown provider and await assistance
