Lesson
Incidents, accidents and emergencies
This topic covers what to do if you break down, witness a collision or arrive first at the scene of an incident.
Key rules to know
- If you are involved in a collision causing damage or injury, you must stop. If you do not exchange details at the scene, report it to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours.
- Use hazard warning lights when stopped and causing an obstruction, or briefly on a motorway or dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a hazard ahead.
- At an incident, warn other traffic, switch off engines, and call 999 or 112 giving clear location details.
- Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger, and do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential.
How it applies on the road
You break down on a motorway
Get to the left, onto the hard shoulder or an emergency area if possible. Leave by the left-hand doors and wait behind the barrier, away from traffic.
Someone is bleeding heavily
Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean pad and call for help.
Common mistakes
- Using hazard lights while driving normally or as a 'thank you'.
- Waiting in the car after breaking down on a fast road.
Official sources
Content written and reviewed by Rob Cordina. Last reviewed: October 2026. Our practice questions are original, written from the Highway Code — they are not official DVSA questions. Always check the latest Highway Code.