On a long ride you may be the first person to reach a crash, or be involved in one yourself. Doing things in the right order helps prevent further casualties and avoids making injuries worse. This guide is based on rules 281 to 283 and Annex 7 (First aid on the road) of the UK Highway Code on GOV.UK. It is general guidance and does not replace a first aid course.
Quick answer: what to do at a road accident
Table of contents12
- Deal with danger first: stop somewhere safe, switch off engines, warn other traffic and stop anyone smoking.
- Get help: ask bystanders to call the emergency services and give the exact location, number of vehicles and condition of casualties.
- Do not move injured people unless they are in further danger.
- Do not remove a rider’s helmet unless it is essential.
- Keep casualties warm, reassure them and give them nothing to eat or drink; stay until the emergency services arrive.
Priorities at the scene
The table sums up the steps set out in the Highway Code:
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deal with danger | Stop safely, use hazard lights if fitted, switch off engines, warn traffic, no smoking | Rule 283; Annex 7 |
| Get help | Use bystanders, call the emergency services, give location, vehicles and casualties | Rule 283; Annex 7 |
| Help those involved | Do not move them, do not remove helmets, keep warm, reassure, no food or drink | Rule 283; Annex 7 |
| Emergency care | Check response, airway, breathing, bleeding and burns | Annex 7 |
| Stay at the scene | Wait until the emergency services arrive | Rule 283 |
Step 1: deal with the danger first
According to Annex 7, further collisions and fire are the main dangers after a crash. Approach any vehicles involved with care, switch off all engines and, if possible, warn other traffic, and stop anyone from smoking. Rule 283 advises stopping somewhere safe if you can, using your hazard warning lights and wearing high-visibility clothing if you have it.
- Park your own bike safely so it does not block the road further; see how to pull over safely on a motorbike.
- Switch off the engines of the vehicles involved to reduce the risk of fire.
- Warn approaching traffic with lights or by asking someone in a safe position to signal from a distance.
Step 2: get help
Annex 7 advises asking bystanders for help if it is safe, and getting someone to call the emergency services as soon as possible. When calling, give the exact location, the number of vehicles involved and the condition of the casualties.
- Before your trip, look up the emergency numbers for the place you are visiting and save them in your phone.
- Describe the location with a road name, a landmark or the coordinates from your phone map.
- Share the jobs: one person calls, one warns traffic, one stays with the casualty.
Step 3: help the people involved
Rule 283 and Annex 7 are clear: do not move casualties from their vehicles unless there is a threat of further danger, and do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential. Keep casualties warm, dry and as comfortable as you can, and reassure them; do not give them anything to eat or drink. Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive.
- Talk calmly to the casualty to reassure them.
- Shelter them from rain or sun and keep them warm with a jacket or a sheet.
- Give no water, even if they ask for it.
Step 4: basic emergency care with DR ABC
Annex 7 sets out the DR ABC sequence. Danger: check it is safe to approach. Response: gently shake the casualty’s shoulders and ask if they are all right. Airway: if there is no response, lift the chin forward to open the airway; if they are unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position. Breathing: if they are not breathing normally, start CPR, pressing hard and fast around 5 to 6 centimetres and about twice a second for adults, until breathing returns or a professional takes over.
- Bleeding: protect yourself from blood; if nothing is embedded, apply firm pressure to the wound; do not remove objects stuck in it.
- Burns: put out flames safely, then cool the burn with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes; do not remove anything stuck to it.
- Be prepared: carry a first aid kit and learn first aid from a qualified organisation; see motorcycle first aid kit contents.
Passing an accident scene
Rule 281 says that if you see emergency or incident support vehicles with flashing lights in the distance, slow down and be ready to change lanes or stop, and follow any directions from the police or traffic officers. Rule 282 asks you to focus on the road ahead when passing an incident and not to slow down unnecessarily.
- Do not stop to look if help is already there and the emergency services are working.
- Make way for ambulances on their way; see emergency vehicles and your motorbike.
- Watch the road surface, as there may be debris or spilled oil.
If you rent from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, save the rental contact details before you set off and let them know once everyone is safe.
FAQ: road accidents
Should I take off an injured rider’s helmet?
No, not unless it is essential. The Highway Code says not to remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so.
Should I move an injured person off the road?
Only if there is a threat of further danger such as fire or oncoming traffic; otherwise leave them where they are and warn approaching vehicles.
Can I give a casualty something to drink?
No. Annex 7 says not to give casualties anything to eat or drink; keep them warm, dry and reassured.
Should I stop to look when passing an accident?
Rule 282 says to focus on the road ahead and not slow down unnecessarily; only stop if your help is needed and you can stop safely.
Sources: GOV.UK – The Highway Code, rules 281–283 (Incidents) and Annex 7 (First aid on the road). Checked on 13/11/2026.
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