Theory Test Accidents & Emergencies

Watch the video or read the transcript below it.

The theory test questions from the Accidents & Emergencies Category are at the bottom of the page.

Topics include:

First Aid: basic first aid and dealing with road accidents.

Warning Devices: knowing how to warn other road users of an accident.

Reporting Procedures: knowing how & when to call the emergency services & knowing when you must report road accidents.

Safety Regulations: understanding the warning signs and dangers for vehicles carrying hazardous loads.

Use Hazard Warning lights

When stopped and temporarily obstructing traffic.

When you slow down quickly on a motorway because of a hazard ahead.

First Aid

To stop bleeding without the aid of a bandage apply pressure to the wound and, if possible, raise it.

If an accident victim has a burn, you should try and cool it, with clean, cool, non-toxic liquid, for at least 10 minutes. If anything is stuck to the burn do not remove it.

You find an unconscious casualty. You should check their breathing for at least 10 seconds. Do this by placing your cheek over their mouth and nose (to feel for breath) and then looking to see if the chest rises.

If the casualty is breathing you should still check that their airway is clear.

If a casualty isn't breathing then chest compression should be given at a rate of 100 per minute. The correct depth to press is 4 to 5 centimeters.

When giving mouth to mouth resuscitation to a child you must breath into their mouth gently.

A person suffering from shock may be sweating and have pale grey skin.

An unconscious motorcyclist must only be moved if absolutely necessary, as moving them could worsen any injuries. Do not remove their helmet. Seek medical assistance straight away.

Any casualty with suspected back injuries should not be moved.

At any crash if you find an unconscious casualty your first priority is to check their breathing.

You must then:

• check circulation
• check if the airway is clear. If it isn't, and you can hear snoring or gurgling noises, remove any obvious obstruction. Only tilt the head back gently as a last resort if the patient is unable to breathe
• ensure professional help is on the way
• stop any heavy bleeding
• warn other traffic.

Try and keep injured people:

• warm and comfortable by reassuring them
• do not leave them alone.

Accident Scenes

If you arrive at a accident scene:

• make sure all engines are switched off.
• call the emergency services.
• don't put yourself at risk.
• switch on your hazard warning lights.
• get people who are not injured away from the scene (this is your priority).

• your name
• the vehicle owner's name and address
• the vehicle's make and registration
• insurance details

If you cause damage to property and the property owner is not available then you must inform the police within 24 hours.

If you are involved in a road accident the police may ask to see your driving licence, insurance certificate, MOT certificate.

Long Tunnels

• When driving through long tunnels variable message signs will warn you of congestion or an incident ahead.
  
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If the vehicle in front stops or breakdown you may need to manoeuvre passed it.
  
• If you breakdown use your hazard lights and call for help.
  
• Tune your radio to the frequency shown.
• If your vehicle catches fire continue through the tunnel if you can. If you can't try and put the fire out.

Level Crossings

If you breakdown on a level crossing:

• leave your vehicle and get yourself and any passengers away from the crossing
• phone the signal operator
• move the vehicle if a signal operator tells you to.

Motorways

• If you get a puncture on a motorway pull up on the hard should and use the emergency phone to call for help.
  
• Use your hazard lights to warn other drivers if you have to slow down quickly due to a hazard ahead or if your breakdown and can't reach the hard shoulder.
• A large box falls from a lorry. The lorry doesn't stop. You should pull onto the hard shoulder near an emergency telephone and report it.

When using an emergency telephone you will be asked:

• the number on the telephone
• details of yourself and your vehicle
• are you a member of a motoring organisation.

Other Facts To Know

• If your engine catches fire you should pull up as safely and as quickly as you can and call the fire brigade. Do not open the bonnet.
  
• While driving a dashboard warning light comes on, you should check out the problem quickly and safely.
• If you breakdown and have a warning triangle, place it at least 45m behind your vehicle.

Theory Test Questions Accidents