Road accidents are a daily occurrence, but many people are uncertain about what to do in case they are close to one.
If you witness an accident, your priorities are safety and assistance. The first thing to do in Mexico is to call 911 to provide accurate details of the location and situation. If it is safe, help the injured and, if necessary, call emergency services. Then, if you can, offer your testimony to the authorities and provide information about what you saw.
Steps to follow
1. Call emergency services: Report the accident to 911, and request medical assistance if there are injuries.
2. Assess safety: Check if it is safe to approach the vehicles and people involved. If it is not safe, wait for emergency services to arrive. If you are walking, make sure you are standing out of traffic. If you are getting out of the car, make sure you park it in a safe place, set the parking brake and activate the turn signals or emergency blinkers.
3. Lend assistance: If you can do so without endangering yourself or others, check for conscious casualties.
4. Do not move the injured: Unless absolutely necessary and you are professionally trained, avoid moving injured people to prevent causing further harm. Otherwise, you may aggravate possible injuries. In case the injured are in imminent danger, particular care should be taken with their spine.
5. Secure the area: When possible and safe, place emergency triangles or mark the area to warn other drivers.
6. Give your testimony: When the authorities arrive, provide a clear and accurate statement of what you saw, without adding details that you did not directly witness.
7. Avoid disturbing the scene: Do not move the vehicles or objects involved in the accident until the authorities tell you to do so.
8. Do not share information with insurance companies without seeking legal advice.
9. If you are driving where an accident has occurred and emergency services or other people are already on the scene, it is best to avoid the reflex of looking at the accident. Maintain a reasonable speed. That way you will facilitate the passage of traffic for everyone.
In summary
Your role as a witness is crucial to the safety of those involved and to the accident investigation. Act responsibly, call 911, offer assistance if it is safe to do so, and provide accurate information to the authorities.