top of page

TRAFFIC SAFETY

🚨 What to do in an emergency

 

Keep yourself safe first.
That means: If needed, make the accident area safe so no one else gets hurt.

 

Then follow these steps:

  • If necessary, give life-saving First Aid and call 112:

    • Where is the emergency?

    • What happened?

    • Who is calling?

  • Stay on the phone and wait for any questions.

  • Keep helping until the ambulance arrives, and make sure rescuers can find the place easily — for example, if the house number is hard to see, send someone to guide them.
     

The exact order of actions can depend on the situation, so do what makes the most sense at the time.​​

​

​

You should call for help as early as possible. However, in a traffic accident, first make sure the accident area is safe, then move any injured people out of danger to prevent further harm before calling 112.

Sometimes, the situation may require you to start helping or stabilizing a person before making the emergency call. If other people are present, ask for support and share the tasks — for example, ask someone else to call 112 while you begin giving first aid.

💡

🚨 In Detail:

 

1. Safety first

  • Get yourself and others (if possible) out of the danger zone. Ask any witnesses to stay at the scene.

  • If you’re in a car: turn on the hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, and set up a warning triangle.

 

2. Provide Help

  • Give first aid! Start initial measures to stabilize the person before calling the emergency number. If in doubt, ask bystanders if they can help.

  • You can reach ambulance and fire services anywhere in Europe by calling 112.
    The number works without a SIM card, without credit, and even if the phone is locked.    ​​​​​

​​

Merkblatt_Basisinformation zur Ersten Hilfe_EN.png

3. Do you have to call the police? 

  • When should you call the police to an accident (in Germany, under Tel. 110):

    • There are injured persons

    • There is major property damage

    • There is no agreement between the parties involved

    • If the other driver leaves the scene of the accident without permission (hit-and-run)

    • If a vehicle with a license plate from outside the EU is involved and does not have proof of insurance (e.g., green insurance card)

​

4. Document – Collect Your Own Evidence

  • Write down the contact details of all parties involved and any possible witnesses.

  • Note down witnesses’ addresses.

  • Take photos of the accident scene (overview shot, and from the direction of each vehicle, including possible skid marks and vehicle damage). Also photograph reference points such as lampposts, traffic signs, etc.

  • Pay attention to traffic!

  • In the case of minor damage, clear the accident scene as quickly as possible by moving vehicles to the side of the road.

​

5. Exchange Contact Information with the Other Party

  • Exchange personal contact details, possibly employer information (for business trips), and insurance details.

  • All parties involved should fill out the accident report together. Ideally, you should always keep a blank copy of the form in your glove compartment.​

    • You have already received this document by mail. It’s a good idea to keep it in your car or carry it in your wallet when biking, so you have it ready in case of an accident.

      • If you happen to lose it, you can always download it again using the link below. However, please note that the link is only useful for preparation — not for use during an accident itself.

      • The form can be obtained free of charge from any ADAC office or as a PDF download here.

  • The accident report is not an admission of guilt, but a record of the accident’s course to speed up a potential claims process!

bottom of page