With reports of many road traffic accidents already happening around the country, and one of the coldest winters in years now well and truly upon us, drivers in Wales are being advised by leading Welsh law firm John Collins and Partners LLP (JCP) to ensure they are clued up on what to do if they get involved in an accident.
Temperatures have fallen to minus four degrees in certain areas of Wales this week, causing streets and pavements to become covered by sheets of ice. This is affecting roads across the country, including the second Severn M4 crossing, which was completely closed because of falling ice.
Donna Brown, Injury Solicitor and specialist in Road traffic Accidents, from JCP said:
“Of course we would always advise motorists to avoid driving in icy conditions wherever possible. However if you have to venture out and unfortunately have a nasty bump due to slipping in icy conditions, we have put together a checklist detailing what you should do. It is very easy to panic in these situations, so staying calm and having the correct information on how to act can be very important.
“As well as keeping a note of any action you should take, we recommend that anyone venturing out should take some blankets and other essential survival items should you end up stranded and unable to get home.”
Dave Bond from Days Swansea said:
"We would advise all drivers who have to venture out in icy conditions to first check, their oil, water, tyre pressures, also pay attention to the battery condition which can quickly deteriorate during extreme cold conditions. Nationally drivers are being advised to carry spare blankets and a water bottle, just in case the vehicle breaks down or they get caught up in traffic blockage or congestion."
John Collins and Partners recommend that anyone involved in an accident remember the following guidelines:
1. Do not panic. Switch off your car or vehicle engine and ask any other drivers involved to do the same
2. Do not smoke near any of the vehicles involved – there may be a fuel leak even if it is at first not apparent.
3. Warn other traffic that an accident has occurred. If possible, use your warning lights or a warning triangle. Ensure no-one stands near to the rear of the vehicle as they may obscure your lights. If anyone is injured dial 999 to call the emergency services as soon as possible.
4. Do not move any of the vehicles involved until the Police arrive. If the Police are not attending, ensure that the vehicles are not moved until an independent person has noted their positions. If you have a camera, take photographs of the accident scene and the layout of the vehicles.
5. If it is possible to move passengers who are not seriously injured, do so and ensure that they are moved to a place of safety away from the vehicles.
6. Do not move seriously injured people unless there is no other alternative. If it is not necessary to move them, or if it is impossible to do so, loosen any tight clothing as carefully as possible and cover them with a rug or a coat.
7. Do not admit fault or apologise for the accident. Pass on your insurance details to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking for them. If the vehicle does not belong to you, give the registration number and the name of the owner.
8. If the Police do not attend the accident scene but your accident involves injuries to other people, or certain animals or causes damage to property, you must report it to the Police as soon as possible and certainly within 24 hours. Arrangements will be made for you to attend at the Police Station with your certificate of insurance if you do not have it with you at the time the accident is reported.
9. Record details of the accident including what happened, who was involved and names and addresses of other parties involved and witnesses.
For more information and a free information discussion on any injury you may have received please contact the Injury Services team at JCP on 01792 773 773 or email law@johncollins.co.uk
