SOS – Three key steps to follow after a car accident or in the event of a breakdownSOS – Three key steps to follow after a car accident or in the event of a breakdown
The great holiday exodus will begin in the next two weeks and our highways will soon become congested with holidaymakers. Unfortunately, it is often a time when road fatalities and accidents soar, particularly on the N1 and N3 highways.
A car accident can leave even the calmest driver feeling rattled, as can an engine failure in the middle of nowhere. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), and the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), both proud affiliates of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), urge motorists to stay calm and follow these three essential steps to handle the situation responsibly.
In the case of an accident:
Step 1: Check
- Stop your vehicle (if possible), switch on your hazard lights, and assess the road and immediate surroundings.
- Take multiple photos of the accident scene from different angles before moving any vehicles.
- Check if anyone has been injured. If injuries have occurred, do not attempt to move the vehicles or provide medical assistance unless you are trained to do so.
- Wait for the authorities to arrive and take control of the scene.
Step 2: Call
- In the event of injury, call the National Emergency Number: 112 from a mobile phone (or 10177 from a landline). Emergency services will dispatch assistance based on your location, but response times may vary depending on your area.
- Report the accident to the police within 24 hours, or as soon as possible if you are unable to report due to injury or hospitalisation. Provide a detailed explanation of any delay.
- Notify your insurance provider, even if you do not intend to submit a claim.
Step 3: Record
- Collect details from all parties involved, including:
- Names, ID numbers, and contact details (phone and email)
- Vehicle registration numbers, make, model, and colour
- Details of any emergency personnel on the scene, including police, traffic officers, tow truck operators, and medical responders
- Accident specifics such as the exact location, time, road conditions, and visibility
Hanekom cautions drivers never to admit liability, even if they believe they are at fault. “Allow the authorities and your insurer to handle this determination,” he says. He also cautions against permitting one’s vehicle to be towed by an unauthorised service provider. “If you are uninsured, ensure you have a signed towing quotation with storage fees and the location details and if you are insured, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline for guidance and authorised towing.”
Reporting crashes online with NaTIS
Hanekom says many motorists may not know that they can also report minor crashes through the NaTIS website instead of having to go into a police station. This service is legally binding if terms and conditions are met.
Key points to remember:
- Minor crashes must be reported within 24 hours or the next working day.
- A Crash Report Number (CRN) will be generated automatically for insurance purposes.
- Crashes involving injuries, fatalities, hit-and-runs, or five or more vehicles must still be reported to the nearest police station.
- Reporting via NaTIS is free of charge, but charges may apply for data access in the future.
- All crashes involving 5 or more vehicles must be reported at your nearest South African Police Services (SAPS).
- The information submitted by you can be made available to your insurance service provider.
- The reporting of the crash service is free. RTMC reserves the right to charge entities or persons to access the data at a later stage.
In the event of a breakdown:
If your vehicle breaks down
Pieter Niemand, national director of MIWA says breaking down on the road can be dangerous, but you can handle it safely by taking the following steps:
- Move your car off the road if it is safe to do so and switch on your hazard lights.
- Set up a warning triangle a safe distance behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.
- Call for roadside assistance or use your insurer’s emergency contact number.
- Locate the nearest accredited Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) workshop for professional help.
To find the closest MIWA workshop, visit the MIWA website at www.miwa.org.za and use the workshop locator tool. MIWA-accredited workshops meet stringent quality and safety standards, ensuring peace of mind when your vehicle needs servicing or repairs.
By staying calm and following these recommended protocols, motorists can ensure they are equipped to handle the aftermath of an accident or a breakdown efficiently and effectively.
PREPARED ON BEHALF OF SAMBRA BY CATHY FINDLEY PR. CONTACT JACQUI MOLOI WITH ANY QUERIES ON 071 764 8233 OR EMAIL [email protected].