In Wallonia, there are an average of 32 secondary accidents per year, resulting in 57 victims, including 3 fatalities. A secondary accident occurs when other road users collide with the scene of a crash or with people involved, such as drivers who get out of their cars, witnesses, or emergency responders.
In a campaign, the Walloon agency for road security (AWSR) aims to warn road users about the often underestimated risk of secondary accidents and how to avoid them.
First aid rules
A survey of 1,000 Walloons conducted by the AWSR shows that many drivers do not know how to respond after an accident. According to first aid rules, you must follow three steps when responding to a traffic accident: ensure safety, alert the emergency services, and rescue the victims.
The first thing you should do is pull over to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights. Then put on your fluorescent vest, which should always be within reach, and place the warning triangle at least 30 meters in front of an accident on regular roads and at least 100 meters on highways.
“Assisting is often the first action considered in these types of situations,” emphasizes the AWSR, “but to avoid the risk of aggravating the situation, it is essential to secure the location before intervening.”
Next, approach the victim, check for consciousness and breathing, and call 112 if there is an injury. Provide the exact location, the number of injured or victims, and the severity of the situation.
Then provide aid, but do not move the injured unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire, and keep the victim warm with a blanket. Also, talk to the victims to reassure them. If they are having breathing difficulties, loosen their clothing and check that their mouth is clear. Never give the victim food or drink, even if they ask for it.
Whencircumstancese allow, the police also recommend turning off the ignition of the vehicles involved and turning the wheels of the damaged cars to the side of the road by turning the steering wheel. This gesture reduces the risk of a car being thrown into traffic if it is hit.
Poor visibility plays a decisive role
The survey shows that barely one in four Walloons (27%) are aware of these priorities. Furthermore, only one in eight people 12%) know how far away the warning triangle should be placed.
In addition, if the emergency services are already present and you pass by an accident, there is no point in blocking the road by stopping. In that case, it is better to continue driving and obey the traffic rules without being distracted by the accident. Also, do not take photos or videos of the accident to post on social media out of respect for the victims’ families.
Finally, the AWSR warns that poor visibility, due to fog or early darkness, for example, plays a decisive role in secondary accidents, as 1 in 10 occur in total darkness. And bystanders or pedestrians account for almost 1 in 20 victims of secondary accidents.
In the event of a new collision, an accident vehicle can be thrown towards people standing on its axis. For this reason, the police emphasize the importance of never standing in front of the car.
