Whether you’re the first person on the scene or one of many, your actions as a witness can truly make a difference. You’re not just a bystander, you’re now part of what happens next.
In fact, as a driver, you should know what to do if you witness a car accident, because it’s more common than you might think.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were over 6 million police-reported crashes in 2023 alone. That means more than 16,000 accidents every single day across the country.
So, it’s not just a “what if”, it’s more like a “when.” And knowing how to respond when you’re at the scene of a crash is one of the most important things you can prepare for.
So, let’s walk through the four essential things you should do as a witness to a car accident:
1. Make Sure You’re Safe Before You Do Anything Else
As tempting as it might be to stop right in the middle of the road and rush over, that can actually make things worse. The very first thing you need to do is protect yourself. Slow down, find a safe place to pull over that’s far enough away from the crash site, and turn on your hazard lights. This tells other drivers that something has happened and prevents you from causing another accident by accident.
Keep in mind, this isn’t the time to rubberneck; in other words, don’t slow down just to look. Stopping unsafely or gawking from the driver’s seat can set off a chain reaction of collisions, especially on busy roads or highways.
Once you’re parked, take a few seconds to look around before getting out of your car. If anything feels unsafe, stay back and wait for emergency services. If it seems safe to approach, proceed, but cautiously.
2. Call 911 and Provide Useful Information
Before you do anything else, before you talk to victims, before you try to help, you need to call 911. Don’t assume someone else has already done it. Even if the crash doesn’t look serious, emergency responders still need to be alerted to come and assess the situation properly.
When you speak to the 911 operator, be as specific as possible. Tell them exactly where you are. Mention cross streets, landmarks, mile markers, anything that can help pinpoint your location. Then explain how many vehicles are involved, how serious the crash appears, and if you can see any injuries.
Stay on the line if asked. Don’t hang up until they tell you it’s okay to do so. Your quick, detailed call could be the reason someone gets the help they need in time.
3. Approach the Scene and Check on the People Involved
Once you’ve made the call and determined it’s safe to go closer, approach the vehicles slowly. If engines are still running, turn them off only if it’s safe to do so. This helps reduce the risk of fire or further damage.
Now, look inside the vehicles and assess the people. Check every person if you can; don’t focus on just one. Someone may look fine but actually be in more danger than you realize. Prioritize awareness over action here. You’re not there to diagnose or treat. You’re just gathering an idea of what’s going on.
4. Don’t Move Anyone Unless They’re in Immediate Danger
It’s natural to want to help. You might feel like dragging someone out of a car is heroic. But in most cases, first aid rules state that you should not move anyone who’s been in a crash. Unless there’s a clear, urgent danger such as a fire, smoke, or leaking gas, you risk making their injuries worse by pulling them out.
This is especially true for injuries like potential neck or spinal trauma. Even if they say they want to get out of the car, encourage them to stay still until paramedics arrive.
Moving someone the wrong way could cause lasting damage and even make you liable in some situations. What you can do is stay with them, talk to them, and provide emotional support.
Conclusion
Witnessing a car accident isn’t something you plan for, but it’s something you can be prepared for. If you ever find yourself in that moment, if you witness a car accident, remember that you don’t need to be a hero. You just need to be smart, safe, and supportive. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
