Behaviour in accidents
Immediate Safety Measures After an Accident
If accidents, vehicle breakdowns, dropped loads, or oil spills cause traffic obstructions or other hazards, those involved must take immediate safety measures. This applies to all parties, including passengers, who must act quickly to prevent further danger.
Emergency Vehicles and Public Transport
Drivers of fire department, ambulance, and police vehicles on urgent journeys, as well as drivers of public transport vehicles on scheduled routes, may continue their journey if they ensure that assistance for injured persons and fact-finding procedures are properly arranged or guaranteed.
Cooperation with Police
If an injured party wishes to involve the police, even when there is no obligation to report the accident, the other parties involved must cooperate in establishing the facts until they are released by the police.
Changing the Accident Scene
The situation at the accident site may only be changed before the police arrive if it is necessary to protect injured persons or ensure traffic safety. The original positions should be marked on the road beforehand.
Role of Bystanders
People not involved in the accident can help by calling or fetching a doctor or the police, transporting the injured, or securing traffic.
Reporting to Police
Reporting to the police is not required for minor injuries like abrasions or bruises. However, the person responsible for the injury must provide their name and address to the injured party. The police also do not need to be notified if only the driver, their relatives, or family members have been slightly injured, and no third parties are involved.
Serious Personal Injury
In the case of accidents involving serious personal injury, the police must be notified immediately, especially if someone has external injuries or internal injuries are suspected.
Onlookers
Onlookers are not allowed to remain at the accident scene, nor are they permitted to park vehicles nearby.
Environmental Hazards
The police must be notified immediately if a hazard cannot be removed, particularly if leaking liquids could contaminate open water or groundwater. If railroad operations are disrupted, for example, if vehicles or loads fall onto railroad tracks, the railroad administration must be informed at once.
Returning to the Scene
If a driver learns after the fact that they were or may have been involved in an accident, they must immediately return to the scene or report to the nearest police station.
