A crash puts drivers under extreme pressure which can make it difficult to remember what to do following a crash even with the best knowledge behind you. Adrenaline narrows focus and it can be easy to forget basic steps in the minutes that follow. Use this mnemonic to help close that gap when it matters most.
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, says in a high stress situation a simple pattern of letters is more easily remembered than a long list. “Giving drivers one word to hold onto can make all the difference in those first confusing minutes. The most important steps following a crash can be remembered using the word SCENE. Each letter stands for a step to work through at the scene of a crash,” says Herbert.
- Stop and signal
Bring your vehicle to a safe stop and switch on your hazard lights immediately. If it is safe to do so, move to the roadside and set out an emergency triangle to warn approaching traffic. Double check that there is an emergency triangle in your vehicle before you need it.
- Check for injuries
Assess yourself and your passengers first, then check on anyone else involved. If someone is hurt, call for medical assistance right away and let trained responders handle any movement or treatment. Only move injured people in extreme circumstances where their life is in direct danger if you do not move them.
- Exchange details
Once everyone is accounted for, swap full names, contact numbers, ID numbers and insurance information with the other driver or drivers. Note the make, model and colour of each vehicle involved.
- Note the evidence
Photograph the scene from several angles, capturing vehicle positions, damage, road conditions and any relevant signs. A simple sketch of how the vehicles came to rest, together with the names of any witnesses, adds useful context for your insurer later.
- Engage the authorities
Contact the police. Get the officer’s name and case reference number. Accidents involving injury or death should be reported at the scene or within 24 hours, while minor accidents without injuries can be reported the next working day.
Authorities are also important to determine if a vehicle can be moved. South African law says one may not move your vehicle from its position unless it is causing an immediate safety hazard, obstructing emergency traffic, or a traffic or police officer instructs you to do so
Five steps summarised in one memorable and fitting word. “If this is all a driver can recall in the moment, it will still serve them well. SCENE gives people a mental anchor so they can move through the process calmly, one step at a time, instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything at once and potentially forgetting any vital steps.
“Practising this sequence before you ever need it, is even better. It can make the real thing feel far more manageable. When the unexpected happens, having one simple word to guide you is often worth more than a page of instructions which is far more likely to disappear from mind when stress peaks,” says Herbert.
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