Emergencies
Noodsituaties · 10 min
A breakdown, an accident or an ambulance behind you: in such a situation you must stay calm and know what to do first. Your own safety always comes first.
Breaking down on the motorway
- Put the car as far right as possible on the hard shoulder and switch on your hazard lights.
- Get out on the right, the verge side.
- Wait behind the crash barrier or on the verge, as far from the carriageway as possible.
- Then call roadside assistance.
Warning triangle
If you have broken down in a dangerous place, for example on a dark road outside a built-up area, put a warning triangle well behind your car, about 30 metres. That way traffic behind you sees in time that you have stopped.
Do not walk across the carriageway if that is dangerous.
First at an accident
1. First make sure you are safe: stop in a safe place and switch on your hazard lights.
2. Call 112 if anyone is injured.
3. Help the injured, but do not move them if there is no direct danger from traffic or fire.
4. Stay with the victim until the emergency services arrive.
Emergency vehicles with blue lights
You must always give a free path to an ambulance, fire engine or police car with flashing blue lights and a siren. Move aside calmly and stop if needed. Do not brake suddenly and do not run a red light if that is dangerous.
If you hear a siren but cannot see the vehicle yet, pay extra attention and slow down already.
RVV 1990 art. 51
Smoke, fire and sudden queues
If smoke comes from under the bonnet, stop in a safe place, switch off the engine, get everyone out and call 112.
If traffic ahead on the motorway suddenly comes to a stop, briefly switch on your hazard lights to warn traffic behind you.
Damage only
If nobody is injured, fill in a claim form together with the other driver and exchange details. If possible, move the cars to the side so you do not block traffic. Take photos of the situation if you can.
Breakdown on an ordinary road
- Put your car as far to the right as possible, preferably off the carriageway.
- Hazard warning lights on.
- Outside built-up areas place the warning triangle well behind the car, about 30 metres.
- Preferably wear a high-visibility vest.
First aid
1. Danger? Watch your own safety and that of others.
2. Call 112 if people are injured.
3. Do not move an injured person unless there is direct danger (traffic, fire).
4. Keep the injured person warm and talk calmly.
5. Only start CPR if someone is not breathing; use an AED if available.
Problems in a tunnel
Breakdown in a tunnel? Switch on your hazard lights, put the car as far right as possible and use the emergency phone. With fire or smoke: leave the car and walk to an emergency exit.
Stuck on a level crossing
Stuck on the tracks and cannot move the car? Get everyone out immediately and walk away from the tracks, at an angle towards the direction the train is coming from. Then call 112.
Skidding and aquaplaning
With aquaplaning your tyres ride on a layer of water and you cannot steer or brake. Release the accelerator, do not brake hard and keep the wheel straight until you have grip again.
Prevent it: slow down near puddles and keep your tyres in good condition.